Description
Crispy Italian Baked Cheese Balls deliver a golden-brown crunch with parmesan and mozzarella melting inside their perfect breadcrumb coating. Served hot from the oven, these irresistible appetizers will make your next gathering deliciously memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
- Steam fresh broccoli florets until tender, then meticulously chop into fine, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cheese ball mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, grated cheese varieties, lightly beaten eggs, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, carefully shape the mixture into uniform round balls approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter, ensuring compact and consistent sizing.
- Arrange the cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each to allow even heat circulation and promote crispy exterior.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crisp texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheese balls rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to firm up and cool slightly before serving as a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Chop broccoli super fine to ensure smooth, even texture throughout each cheese ball.
- Mixing ingredients thoroughly prevents clumping and guarantees consistent flavor in every bite.
- Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly, creating a better binding agent for the cheese mixture.
- Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and richer taste profile.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Allow cheese balls to cool slightly to help them maintain structural integrity when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 140mg