Broccoli Balls in the Oven are a delicious and healthy snack that everyone will enjoy. They are perfect for parties, game days, or just as a quick bite at home. Made with fresh broccoli and cheese, these balls are both nutritious and satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, especially for kids who might be picky eaters. The combination of broccoli and cheese makes them tasty and appealing. Plus, cooking them in the oven means you can enjoy a crispy texture without frying. It’s a guilt-free treat that everyone will love!

How to Make Broccoli Balls in the Oven

Ingredients:

2 cups of broccoli flowers, finely chopped
3 cups of grated cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Parmesan)
1 cup of Panko crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
2 medium beaten eggs
Freshly ground black salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it slightly.
Steam or blanch the broccoli flowers until tender, which takes about 4 minutes. Drain well and let cool. Once cooled, cut the broccoli into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, grated cheese, Panko bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped garlic, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or with a dipping sauce like Ranch or Marinara.

How to Serve Broccoli Balls in the Oven

You can serve these broccoli balls hot or warm. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy aioli. These balls can also be enjoyed with a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.

How to Store Broccoli Balls in the Oven

To store leftovers, let the broccoli balls cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Broccoli Balls in the Oven

Make sure the broccoli is finely chopped for even cooking.
If you want a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the mixture.
You can experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.

Variation

You can add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor or incorporate different vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it first and chop it into small pieces once it’s cooled.

2. How do I know when the broccoli balls are done?

They are done when they are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving.