Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped, soft-cooked broccoli (well-drained); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese); 2 shallots or scallions, finely sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; Black pepper, to taste; Olive oil spray; 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

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful blend of tender broccoli, melted cheese, and savory seasonings, all rolled into bite-sized morsels and baked to golden perfection. They’re ideal as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, especially when paired with a tangy garlic lemon yogurt sauce. Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Why I Love This Recipe

I find these broccoli cheese balls to be a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into my diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of crispy exteriors and gooey, cheesy centers makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, which means I can enjoy them guilt-free. They’re also versatile—perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (packed) roughly chopped, soft-cooked broccoli (well-drained)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs
¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
2 shallots or scallions, 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 (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, mashing the broccoli as you go to create a cohesive mixture.
Scoop out heaped tablespoons of the mixture and form them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
Lightly spray the balls with olive oil spray.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the balls are golden and slightly crisp on the outside.
While the balls are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients together. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the warm broccoli cheese balls with the garlic lemon yogurt sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 15–18 balls, serving 3–4 people as a main dish or more as an appetizer. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking requires 25 minutes, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with ¾ cup of almond meal.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors.
Additional Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach, cauliflower, or carrots for added nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

After cooling, store the broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave for a quick option or the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to retain crispiness. These balls also freeze well; freeze them after baking, then thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

How can I make these broccoli cheese balls gluten-free?

I replace the panko breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, I use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen, I ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and well-drained before incorporating it into the mixture.

What dipping sauces pair well with these balls?

I enjoy them with the garlic lemon yogurt sauce provided in the recipe. They also go well with ketchup, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli, depending on my preference.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I form the balls and refrigerate them uncooked for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, I bake them in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.

How do I ensure the balls hold together during baking?

I make sure the broccoli is well-drained and the mixture is thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems too wet, I add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it.

Conclusion

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a versatile and delicious addition to my recipe collection. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they never fail to impress. Their combination of wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors makes them a go-to choice for any occasion.