Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed, finely chopped and squeezed dry); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg (lightly beaten); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; salt (to taste); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 egg (beaten, for coating)

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I first whipped up these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls as a sneaky little way to get more veggies on the table—especially for the picky eaters in my life. What started as a clean-out-the-fridge experiment has turned into one of my most requested snack recipes. And let me tell you, they disappear fast!

These little bites are perfectly crispy on the outside (thank you, breadcrumb-Parmesan crust) and melty-cheesy on the inside, with just enough garlic and spice to keep things interesting. And since they’re baked, not fried, you can feel good popping more than one—trust me, you’ll want to.

They’re also super versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, pack them in a lunchbox, or pop a few into a salad bowl for a fun, cheesy crunch. I even like to dip them into marinara or ranch when I’m feeling fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Veggie-forward, cheese-packed: Broccoli never tasted so crave-worthy
Oven-baked and golden: All the crisp, none of the grease
Great for meal prep: They reheat like a dream
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly: Double the batch—you’ll thank me
Customizable: Easy to swap cheeses or boost the spice

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level
Appetizer, Snack	American	15 mins	25 mins	40 mins	20–24 balls	Easy

Ingredients

Everything you need to make cheesy broccoli magic

For the Broccoli Cheese Mixture

Finely chopped broccoli florets – Steamed and squeezed dry for a crisp, non-soggy texture
Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds melty, gooey goodness
Grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty depth of flavor
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the mixture and keep things crisp
Egg (lightly beaten) – Binds everything together
Garlic (minced) – Adds bold, savory flavor
Onion powder – Rounds out the taste with a little warmth
Black pepper – Just a touch of bite
Salt – Season to taste, especially if using low-sodium cheese

For the Coating

Breadcrumbs – The crispy outer layer
Grated Parmesan cheese – Boosts flavor in the crust
Garlic powder – Adds zing to the coating
Paprika – For color and a subtle smoky touch
Egg (beaten) – Helps the coating stick and turn golden in the oven

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Steam & Prep the Broccoli

Start by steaming your broccoli until it’s just tender. Let it cool slightly, then chop it finely and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry broccoli = crispy balls!

Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until everything holds together nicely. If it feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

Shape the Balls

Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball—aim for about golf-ball size. You should get 20–24 balls depending on how generous you’re feeling.

Coat for Crunch

In a shallow bowl, mix the coating breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip each ball in the beaten egg, then roll it in the coating mixture until fully covered.

Bake Until Golden

Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 22–25 minutes, or until they’re crisp and golden all over. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

Squeeze that broccoli dry – Too much moisture = mushy balls
Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better and gives a richer flavor
Chill before baking (optional) – If your mix feels soft, a quick chill firms it up
Flip halfway through – For even browning on all sides
Double the coating – It never hurts to have a little extra on hand

Flavor Variations

Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
Cheese swap – Try mozzarella, Gouda, or sharp white cheddar
Add herbs – Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme bring a bright note
Meaty version – Mix in crumbled cooked bacon or sausage
Gluten-free – Use almond flour or GF breadcrumbs

Serving Suggestions

Serve with ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for dipping
Pop into lunchboxes with a side of fruit or crackers
Great on party platters with other finger foods
Add to grain bowls or salads for a cheesy crunch
Want to round out your snack spread? These savory bites go beautifully with something sweet like our No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls—easy, creamy, and just the right touch of fall spice!

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-ahead: Shape and coat the balls, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Leftovers

Reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crisp
Chop and toss into a wrap with hummus or salsa
Crumble over soup or pasta for texture and flavor

Freezing

Yes, these freeze beautifully! Flash-freeze the shaped (uncooked) balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Reheating

Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes
Microwave: Use only if you’re short on time—it softens the crisp coating

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just steam and squeeze out all the water before chopping.

Do I have to use Parmesan?
Nope! Pecorino, asiago, or extra cheddar will do.

Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Shallow fry in oil until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Are these toddler-friendly?
Very! Just skip the paprika if you’re worried about spice, and they’re perfect little finger food.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re easy, cheesy, veggie-packed, and oh-so snackable. Whether you serve them hot from the oven or tuck a few into your lunch, they deliver every single time.

Comforting, crispy, and made with love—just how I like it.