Name: Appetizer Recipes Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Everyone Loves
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped and steamed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2/3 cup breadcrumbs; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Extra breadcrumbs for coating; Olive oil spray

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Appetizer Recipes like these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a quick win when you’re feeding a crowd. They’re crunchy on the outside, warm and cheesy inside, and they disappear faster than I can say ‘don’t touch that, it’s hot.’ We’re not deep-frying anything here—these little guys are baked, which means fewer dishes and no greasy mess. If you’ve ever made Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup or Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup, this is like their snackable cousin. This recipe keeps it simple: cooked broccoli, sharp cheddar, breadcrumbs, and a few pantry staples. I’ve used these for game days, potlucks, and those random evenings when you want something that feels like effort but isn’t. It’s an Easy Broccoli and Cheese Soup vibe, just rolled up into crispy, golden balls of joy. If you’re into Taste of Home Recipes or scrolling for recipes appetizer ideas, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to cooking or you’ve got a recipe binder older than your favorite hoodie, this recipe appetizer fits right in.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
4) How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
5) Tips for Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
6) Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are easy to make and bake up golden with no frying.
Use steamed broccoli, two types of cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs for the perfect texture.
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a weekday snack with minimal cleanup.
This is a great alternative to Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup or traditional appetizer recipes.

2) Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

If you’re tired of bringing the same old chips and salsa to every gathering, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls might be your new go-to. They’re warm, crispy, and full of that savory bite we all crave from great appetizer recipes. Plus, you can bake them straight on a sheet pan, no deep fryer needed. Less mess. Less smell. Fewer oil burns.

The broccoli brings a fresh, slightly nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the sharpness of cheddar. A little Parmesan rounds out the cheesy punch, and breadcrumbs hold it all together. They’re a lot like Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup in snack form, but they don’t need a spoon, and they won’t fog up your glasses.

I’ve tested a lot of recipe appetizer ideas, and this one keeps getting repeat requests. If you like Taste Of Home Recipes or scroll for chicken broccoli cheese soup ideas, this recipe hits that sweet spot between fun and familiar.

3) Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli Florets: Steam two cups until tender, then chop them finely. You want small bits, not mush. A knife or quick pulse in the food processor works great.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: One cup, shredded. The sharper, the better. It adds depth and gives these bites their cheesy core.

Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, finely grated. Adds a salty edge and helps the texture crisp up in the oven.

Breadcrumbs: Two-thirds of a cup goes into the mix. Choose plain or seasoned, but avoid panko here. They’ll help bind everything while keeping it light.

Eggs: Two large ones, lightly beaten. These hold it all together. Without them, you’ll have a cheesy crumble instead of balls.

Garlic Powder: A quarter teaspoon for a hint of that classic flavor without overpowering the broccoli.

Onion Powder: Another quarter teaspoon to balance the cheese and round out the taste.

Salt and Pepper: Start with a pinch, then adjust to taste. Don’t skip the salt—it wakes everything up.

Extra Breadcrumbs: For rolling. Gives each ball a golden, slightly crunchy crust after baking.

Olive Oil Spray: A light mist on top helps them crisp instead of dry out.

4) How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so you don’t spend the night scraping cheese off metal.

Step 2. In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything feels evenly coated but not soggy.

Step 3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. If the mix sticks, wet your hands just a little to make it easier.

Step 4. Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs for a light crust. Line them up on the baking sheet with a little space between each.

Step 5. Spray lightly with olive oil. This step matters—it helps them brown and gives you that oven-fried effect.

Step 6. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. They should look golden and feel firm when you gently press them.

Step 7. Let them cool slightly before serving. They’ll firm up as they sit, and the cheese won’t melt your tongue.

5) Tips for Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Use fresh broccoli if you can. Frozen will work in a pinch, but it holds more moisture and can make the mix wet. If you go that route, pat it dry before chopping.

Want a cheesier flavor? Add a small handful of shredded mozzarella or swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you’re into a little heat.

Don’t overwork the mix. Stir just enough to bring it together. Too much mixing makes the balls dense instead of tender inside. That crispy edge pairs better with a soft bite.

6) Making Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Ahead of Time

You can mix the broccoli cheese filling ahead and keep it chilled up to two days. Just shape and bake when you’re ready. The breadcrumbs hold up well in the fridge.

If you want to freeze them, shape the balls, place them on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, store them in a bag and bake from frozen. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.

This works well for party prep or those nights when you need an appetizer without starting from scratch. Just bake, dip, and enjoy. They pair well with ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Cool leftovers completely before storing. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, skip the microwave. Use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. That keeps the edges crispy and avoids soggy bottoms.

If you have extra, they make a great side with eggs in the morning or tucked into a wrap with some lettuce and sauce. Leftovers don’t have to be boring, just warm them right.

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls