Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Broccoli florets, finely chopped (Steamed briefly or raw, then finely chopped); 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Packed, sharp cheddar works great); 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned); 2 large Eggs (Beaten, room temperature preferred); 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, golden, and impossibly addictive, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are comfort food with a healthy twist. Imagine tender broccoli mingled with gooey cheddar, lightly seasoned, rolled into perfect bite-sized balls, and baked until the outsides are crunchy and irresistible. Fun fact: bite-sized veggie bites like these started showing up in family kitchens as a sneaky way to get kids excited about vegetables — and adults never complained.

This recipe is special because it’s simple to prepare, comes together quickly, and is built for sharing. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or assembling party snacks, these cheese balls deliver every time. If you like other easy, crowd-pleasing bites on the blog, check out this Broccoli Cheese Balls recipe for a slightly different technique: https://recipesfiber.com/broccoli-cheese-balls/. Ready to bake? Let’s get cooking and make snack time shine.

What is Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls?

What exactly are Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls? Think of them as the love child of a croquette and a cheesy fritter — but without deep frying. Why the name? Because they’re literally broccoli and cheese shaped into charming little balls and baked until crisp. Curious where the idea came from — was it a bored home cook or a clever cafeteria chef? Who knows, but doesn’t that make it more fun to try?

They’re called “balls” because rolling the mix into rounds makes them easy to eat and share. And as grandma might remind you with a wink, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try this recipe once and you’ll see why that old saying still makes sense. Go ahead, roll a few and taste the magic.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible texture: Each bite gives you a crisp, golden exterior with a creamy, cheesy interior that melts on the tongue. The contrast makes snacking truly satisfying.
Wallet-friendly and practical: Making these at home saves money compared to store-bought appetizers and puts control over ingredients in your hands. Use leftover broccoli or cheese to keep costs down.
Flavorful and customizable: Garlic powder, cheddar, and breadcrumbs create a comforting savory profile — add herbs, spices, or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of taste.

If you liked cheesy bites from other posts, you might enjoy the contrast with a dessert-style bite like this No Bake Baileys Cheesecake Balls recipe: https://recipesfiber.com/no-bake-baileys-cheesecake-balls/. Try both for a sweet-and-savory party spread. Go ahead — make a batch tonight.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This is an easy, satisfying recipe that relies on simple hands-on steps: mix, roll, and bake. Preparation is straightforward and the texture is the star — creamy, cheesy centers and a crispy finish from baking. Total time is roughly 30 minutes: about 10–12 minutes active prep and 18–20 minutes baking.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (steamed briefly or raw, then finely chopped)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, packed (sharp cheddar works great)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned
2 eggs, beaten (room temperature preferred)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
If using raw broccoli, pulse florets in a food processor or chop finely. You can also lightly steam the broccoli for 2 minutes and drain well to reduce moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.
Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll it between your palms into compact balls. Press firmly so they don’t fall apart while baking.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow air circulation and even browning.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and the edges feel crisp. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving so the centers set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

What to Serve With

Dipping sauces: ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a tangy marinara.
Fresh sides: a crisp garden salad, coleslaw, or a light cucumber-tomato salad.
Hearty pairings: pair with baked chicken tenders or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
Drinks: serve with iced tea, light beers, or sparkling water with lemon to balance the richness.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Drain moisture: If you steam broccoli, make sure to squeeze out excess water with a clean kitchen towel; too much moisture makes the mixture loose.
Adjust binding: If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs; too dry, add a beaten egg.
Cheese choice: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooey pull.
Flavor boost: Add chopped green onions, a pinch of smoked paprika, or 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan for depth.
Even baking: Don’t overcrowd the sheet — give each ball room to brown evenly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place baked balls on a tray to freeze individually for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes (from refrigerator) or 12–15 minutes (from frozen). You can also air-fry them at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp.

FAQs

What if my mixture won’t hold together?
Add a little more beaten egg or a tablespoon more breadcrumbs and mix gently until it binds. Chilled mixture also firms up and is easier to roll.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain thoroughly, then squeeze out excess liquid before combining with other ingredients.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as written they are vegetarian-friendly. Substitute a plant-based egg replacer if you need vegan options and use vegan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate the rolled balls for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.

How do I make them crispier?
Brush or spray the balls lightly with oil before baking, or bake a few extra minutes until they reach desired crispness.

Conclusion

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are worth making because they’re quick, family-friendly, and deliver a fantastic balance of crunchy exterior and cheesy, savory interior. They’re easy to customize and store well, making them perfect for weeknight snacks, party platters, or lunchbox additions. For another take on baked broccoli bites and inspiration, see this recipe from Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – RecipeTin Eats and try this version from Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – That Oven Feelin for a slightly different spin on texture and seasoning. Give them a try, share with friends, and come back to tell us how they turned out!