Craving a crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible appetizer? Let me introduce you to Broccoli Cheese Balls, the ultimate bite-sized snack that will steal the show at any gathering. Imagine tender broccoli, melty cheddar, a hint of garlic, and a crunchy golden crust—all in one glorious morsel. Whether you’re prepping for a party, putting together game-day snacks, or just looking for a delicious way to sneak more veggies onto the table, this dish checks every box. Trust me, these Broccoli Cheese Balls disappear faster than you can say their name!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You really don’t need anything fancy to whip up these Broccoli Cheese Balls—just a handful of staple ingredients that each work their magic. Every component plays a crucial part, from creating the perfect cheesy pull to adding that crave-worthy crunch and subtle seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli: Finely chopped cooked broccoli is the star—steam it until tender, then cool and chop for easy mixing and the best texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Using sharp cheddar brings that punchy, cheesy flavor and helps create irresistible gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, nutty layer and complements the cheddar beautifully.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture and also make a crispy outer crust, especially important for coating the balls before frying.
- Eggs: Eggs give the Broccoli Cheese Balls structure so they keep their shape as they fry or bake.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, bring aromatic depth—it’s subtle, but so important!
- Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance all the other flavors without making things too salty.
- Black pepper: For a gentle heat in the background that ties everything together.
- Onion powder: Adds a little sweetness and savory warmth, rounding out each bite.
- Vegetable oil: For frying; stick with a neutral oil that can handle the heat for that perfect golden crust.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
Start by grabbing your biggest bowl and tossing in the steamed, cooled, and finely chopped broccoli along with the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands or a sturdy spoon—you want everything really well blended, with the cheeses and seasonings distributed evenly throughout that broccoli base. It should form a cohesive, scoopable mixture.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Now it’s time to get rolling! Use a small cookie scoop or your palms to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry if they feel a little soft—that’s where chilling comes in. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Once you’ve used up all the mixture, pop them in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and keeps them from falling apart during cooking.
Step 3: Coat for Crispiness
After chilling, take each ball and roll it gently in the extra seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure every surface gets an even coat. This step is what creates that dreamy, golden crunch when they cook, so don’t skimp!
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about one and a half inches and heat it over medium until it reaches around 350°F. Fry the Broccoli Cheese Balls in batches, turning as needed, for 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should be beautifully golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Work in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps them perfectly crisp instead of soggy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
While they’re still warm, transfer your finished Broccoli Cheese Balls to a serving platter. Pair them up with ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them get snapped up in seconds. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or treating yourself, the best part is sinking your teeth into that cheesy, veggie-packed center.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls
Garnishes
Dress up your Broccoli Cheese Balls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and herby freshness. A quick dusting of extra Parmesan on top as they come out of the fryer is also absolutely delicious—because honestly, is there ever too much cheese?
Side Dishes
These cheesy bites pair beautifully with all sorts of sides. Serve them alongside crisp veggie sticks and a zesty dipping sauce for a snack platter, or team them up with a big leafy salad to keep things light yet satisfying. They’re also wonderful next to a bowl of tomato soup or as a tasty addition on a party appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Broccoli Cheese Balls are an entertainer’s dream! Stack them on a cake stand for height, serve them with a trio of dips for variety, or thread them onto skewers for adorable appetizer kabobs. For casual gatherings, pile them high in a rustic basket lined with parchment—either way, they’ll be the first thing to vanish from the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls are a rare sight, but if you do have any, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days—they’re just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Freeze Broccoli Cheese Balls before or after frying. For best results, place the shaped (but unfried) balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time. Already cooked? Reheat from frozen in a hot oven or air fryer.
Reheating
To revive leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls, pop them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re hot and crispy again. The microwave will do in a pinch, but for that signature crunch, the oven or air fryer is by far the best bet.
FAQs
Can I bake Broccoli Cheese Balls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, bake them at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown all over. They stay crispy and cheesy without needing extra oil.
Are Broccoli Cheese Balls gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses seasoned breadcrumbs, but you can absolutely substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this appetizer celiac-friendly. Just be sure to double-check your ingredient labels for any hidden gluten.
What are the best dipping sauces for Broccoli Cheese Balls?
These versatile bites love just about any dip! Ranch and marinara are crowd favorites, but honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are all delicious possibilities. Feel free to get creative and offer a selection at your next gathering.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even bits of cooked bacon or diced ham can be mixed into the base for extra color and flavor. Just keep the ratio similar so the balls hold together nicely.
How fine should I chop the broccoli?
The broccoli should be finely chopped so it blends easily with the cheeses and binds well. Large chunks make the balls harder to shape, so aim for pieces no bigger than a pea—using a food processor makes this step quick and easy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new favorite party bite or simply an irresistible way to enjoy your veggies, give these Broccoli Cheese Balls a try. They’re fun to make, so satisfying to eat, and always a hit with crowds of all ages. Your next snack craving or gathering just got a whole lot tastier!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and flavorful Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer or snack that will please any crowd. Packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome broccoli, these fried or baked balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli (steamed and cooled)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Broccoli Cheese Balls:
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Coat and Fry: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 20–25 minutes. For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
