Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Crispy, Cheesy Broccoli Bites – Your Next Favorite Snack!

Love cheese? Love broccoli? Combine them for a snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Whether for a party or a quick family treat, these baked broccoli cheese balls are a game-changer. Plus, they’re baked—not fried—so you can indulge guilt-free!

Ingredients

For the Balls:

• 2 cups cooked broccoli, finely chopped (approx. 400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite variety)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

For the Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep:
Set your oven to 390°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your cheese balls bake evenly and don’t stick!

2. Mix the Magic:
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon—or your hands!—to mash and mix until well combined. The broccoli’s texture helps everything stick together.

3. Shape the Balls:
Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on your prepared tray. This recipe yields about 20-24 balls, depending on size.

4. Bake to Perfection:
Lightly spray the balls with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Pro tip: Turn them halfway through for even crispiness.

5. Whip Up the Sauce:
While the balls bake, mix the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the sauce rest for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the broccoli cheese balls hot with the tangy garlic lemon yogurt sauce or your favorite dip. Watch them disappear in minutes!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before chopping.

Q: What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even almond flour work wonderfully.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go.

Share the Love!

Did you enjoy these crispy, cheesy bites? Share this recipe with your friends and family on Pinterest or Facebook! Let’s spread the joy of guilt-free snacking.