Description
Cheesy broccoli balls combine crispy exterior with melted cheese and tender vegetables. Crunchy golden spheres deliver comfort and flavor for snack enthusiasts looking for wholesome appetizers with delightful protein-packed goodness you will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preparation: Elevate oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Processing Vegetables: Transform broccoli florets into tender-crisp texture through steaming, then meticulously chop or pulse in food processor until finely minced.
- Mixing Ingredients: Amalgamate chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder in a comprehensive mixing vessel, ensuring thorough incorporation of all components.
- Seasoning: Enhance mixture with kosher salt and black pepper, blending ingredients uniformly using spatula to create a cohesive texture.
- Shaping: Craft precise, compact spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter using delicate hand movements, maintaining consistent size and shape.
- Baking: Position broccoli cheese spheres strategically on prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing, and roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve optimal golden-brown exterior.
- Finishing: Extract from oven once balls exhibit firm consistency and crispy golden shell, allowing 3-4 minutes of resting time before serving to prevent potential thermal injury.
Notes
- Chill Before Shaping: Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to help balls hold together more effectively and prevent crumbling during baking.
- Moisture Control: Pat steamed broccoli completely dry with paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring crispy and well-structured cheese balls.
- Consistent Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform sizing, which guarantees even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Cheese Selection Tip: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for better melting and richer flavor development in the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg