Can I use frozen broccoli to make baked broccoli cheese balls?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the broccoli to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps prevent soggy cheese balls and ensures they hold their shape better during baking.

How do I make baked broccoli cheese balls gluten-free?

To make gluten-free broccoli cheese balls, replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use about 3/4 cup of almond meal for every 1 cup of breadcrumbs called for in the recipe. This swap keeps the texture similar while making the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

What type of cheese works best in broccoli cheese balls?

Cheddar cheese is commonly used because of its sharp flavor and melting quality, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and Monterey Jack for extra depth. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the broccoli for the best flavor.

Can I prepare broccoli cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze broccoli cheese balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through completely.

How can I make baked broccoli cheese balls lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use low-fat or part-skim cheese instead of full-fat varieties and replace some or all of the breadcrumbs with finely ground oats or almond meal. You can also skip added oils or butter, and bake instead of frying, which is already a lower-calorie cooking method for these cheese balls.

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe With Crispy Golden Crust

Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: PT-487719H34S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups packed roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (approximately 400g/13 oz raw broccoli); – 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; – 2 eggs; – ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese); – 2 shallots or scallions, finely sliced; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – ¼ teaspoon salt; – Black pepper to taste; – Olive oil spray; – 2/3 cup plain yoghurt; – Zest of half a lemon; – 1 tablespoon lemon juice; – Half a garlic clove, minced; – 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; – Salt and pepper to taste

Description

🥦 Enjoy a nutritious and tasty snack with these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls featuring a crispy golden crust and tender inside.
🧀 Perfect for family meals or parties, these cheese balls are a healthier alternative to fried snacks, paired with a refreshing garlic lemon yoghurt sauce.

Ingredients

– 2 cups packed roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (approximately 400g/13 oz raw broccoli)

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

– 2 eggs

– ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)

– 2 shallots or scallions, finely sliced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– ¼ teaspoon salt

– Black pepper to taste

– Olive oil spray

– 2/3 cup plain yoghurt

– Zest of half a lemon

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– Half a garlic clove, minced

– 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1-Ready to dive into making these baked broccoli cheese balls? It’s as straightforward as chatting over coffee. First, preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F and line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper to keep things neat.

2-Next, in a bowl, combine all the cheese ball ingredients except the olive oil spray, and mash the broccoli while mixing it well for that perfect blend. Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, flick it into your hand, and form it into a ball. Place it on the tray and repeat to make 15 to 18 balls just imagine the fun of rolling them like little doughy treasures.

3-Lightly spray the balls with olive oil, then bake for 25 minutes or until they’re golden and slightly crisp. While they bake, mix all the sauce ingredients together and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to boost the flavor. Serve the cheese balls with this lemon yoghurt sauce or ketchup for a tasty finish. For related ideas, check out our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe for more veggie-packed meals.

Notes

🥦 Use fresh broccoli for best texture; cook until soft for easier shaping.
❄️ Cool cheese balls completely before storing. They reheat well and freeze well once cooked.
🍽️ Form mixture into patties or rissoles as an alternative shape.
Gluten-Free Tip: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 262 grams
Calories: 374

Keywords: Baked broccoli balls, cheese balls, crispy crust, healthy appetizer