Broccoli can make a fun recipe too! These low-carb Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are not only very delicious and super nutritious, but they make a nice protein replacement. they are perfect to serve as snacks or appetizers at a gathering, these bites are loaded with broccoli, cheese, and spices.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
These delicious bites are super healthy even if they don’t taste like it, you will be using a lot of broccoli (very large head), they are baked, not fried. They can be used as a meat replacement, even if you’re not a big fan of broccoli you’ll find yourself scoffing them down, They are really juicy and moist from the inside.
These tiny broccoli balls are perfect superfoods, they’re super nutritious and full of vitamins, protein, and fiber.
The ingredients you will need
For this recipe, you will need a few basic ingredients that you can adapt to your taste.
Broccoli: They can be either fresh or frozen broccoli.
Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, we used goat cheese for a healthier option.
Panko breadcrumbs: or Italian breadcrumbs, If you were looking for a low-carb friendly option use almond flour.
Egg: Large whole egg or flax egg for vegan.
Spices: keep it simple, salt & pepper are enough, you can add garlic too, or your favorite spice blend.
Onion: Chopped onion, shallots, or scallions (optional)
Mix everything In a large bowl.
How To Make Riced Broccoli
You can choose between these three options :
In the Food Processor: Pulse in a food processor and pulse for 15-20 seconds.
By Hand: You can rice the broccoli by chopping it with a knife until it is finely chopped.
Prepared: you can find riced broccoli in the freezer aisle at your local supermarket.
Can You prepare Broccoli Balls ahead?
Yes! Keeping a batch of these healthy balls in the freezer means that you always have healthy snacks on hand and will not run out.
To freeze, spread the uncooked broccoli balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan, freeze for about 2 hours, then transfer to a large ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Put it directly in the oven from the freezer and bake. If desired, the balls can be frozen after baking.
To Reheat, After baking, place the leftovers in a closed container or wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat leftovers and cooked balls, heat in the microwave or toaster until warm.
The recipe is very simple, the balls are easy to shape and it is adapted to a low-carb diet making them even healthier!
If you’re looking for easy, healthy, delicious appetizers for a gathering, then you have to try this recipe you can even prepare them ahead as they reheat well and people will love them! We recommend serving them with a garlic lemon yogurt sauce, find the recipe for the sauce and the baked broccoli cheese balls below!
Watch How to make Baked Brocolli Cheese Balls :
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese or goat cheese
- 2 Shallots / scallions finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil spray
GARLIC LEMON YOGHURT SAUCE:
- 2/3 cup Plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 garlic clove minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Steam broccoli in boiling water or microwave until tender. Chop broccoli using a knife or food processor until finely minced.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. Mix until well incorporated.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and form into a ball. Place on lined baking sheet and spray or drizzle lightly with oil. Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Serve on a salad, in a sandwich, with rice, or as an appetizer or snack with the garlic lemon yoghurt sauce.
