Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare Broccoli:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Finely chop the broccoli florets or pulse in a food processor until they are finely chopped but not pureed.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Form Balls:
Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture, spacing the balls evenly on the sheet.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can turn them halfway through baking for even browning.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the broccoli cheese balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, and feel free to serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli).