Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray
Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cook Broccoli:
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Finely chop the cooked broccoli or pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Form Balls:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls hot, with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Enjoy your crispy and cheesy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!