Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
¾ cup grated cheese (any variety of your choice—cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan work great!)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
2 medium eggs, beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the broccoli:
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool. Once cooled, chop the broccoli into smaller pieces (a fine chop or pulse in a food processor works well).
Mix the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, grated cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into balls. If it's too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it.
Shape the balls:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
Serve these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are great with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara!
Tips:
Cheese variety: Use any cheese you like, but a sharp cheese (like cheddar) will give more flavor. Mozzarella will provide a melty, stretchy texture, and Parmesan will add a savory, salty note.
Dipping sauce: A creamy ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce is perfect for dipping.
Make ahead: You can shape the balls and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes them even more convenient to bake when you're ready to serve!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy bites! They're perfect for a light meal or a party appetizer.
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