If you’re hunting for something irresistibly cheesy, snackable, and just a little bit sneaky with the veggies, look no further than Broccoli Cheese Balls. This crowd-pleaser balances crisp, golden exteriors with gooey, melty cheese and the fresh flavor of broccoli tucked in each bite. They’re just as perfect for potlucks as they are for cozy movie nights at home. Don’t be surprised if these Broccoli Cheese Balls disappear faster than you can say “pass the ranch!”

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli Cheese Balls have an ingredient list that celebrates kitchen simplicity—the kind of staples you probably have on hand, each with a role to play in bringing these bites to life. Take a closer look at how each star ingredient transforms these into the ultimate comfort food.

Fresh broccoli florets: Steamed and finely chopped, broccoli adds hearty texture and a burst of nutritious green to each bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, sharp cheese that delivers unbeatable melty goodness and flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Just a little goes a long way to add depth and a salty punch that perfectly complements the cheddar.
Breadcrumbs: Divided in the recipe, these provide structure inside the balls and a crunchy exterior that fries up beautifully.
Large eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as the binder, helping everything hold together when you’re rolling and frying.
Garlic powder: For just the right amount of savory, aromatic lift to the filling.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle, mellow sweetness that rounds out the other flavors.
Black pepper: Just a touch for that gentle, crave-worthy heat.
Vegetable oil: Essential for deep frying the Broccoli Cheese Balls to golden, crispy perfection. Alternatively, baking or air frying works for a lighter version!

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Start by reaching for your largest mixing bowl, then add your steamed and finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Grab a spatula or use your (clean!) hands to thoroughly combine everything until you have a mixture that easily holds its shape when rolled. This step is all about building that irresistible flavor and texture, so don’t rush—make sure all those bits of cheese and broccoli get worked in evenly.

Step 2: Shape and Coat

Scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and gently roll into balls. The mix should be moist but not sticky—if it doesn’t hold, add a pinch more breadcrumbs. Next, pour the remaining 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, coating completely. This final layer gives your Broccoli Cheese Balls that signature crunch you’ll crave later.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to around 350°F. Working in batches, gently lower the balls into the oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning them with tongs to ensure even browning. When they’re all golden and crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to blot away any extra oil. The sizzling aroma at this point is absolute heaven!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Serve the Broccoli Cheese Balls warm, ideally just minutes after frying, while the center is melty and the outside is wonderfully crisp. Offer up some ranch or marinara sauce for dipping and watch them vanish as soon as you set the plate down.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls

Garnishes

A little flourish makes these Broccoli Cheese Balls truly pop! Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or fresh chopped parsley for a colorful, inviting finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon is also fabulous if you want a burst of brightness.

Side Dishes

Since Broccoli Cheese Balls are rich and cheesy, pairing them with something fresh works wonders. Try a crisp side salad, tangy coleslaw, or even a plate of roasted veggies. They also shine alongside roasted potatoes, fries, or classic garlic bread if you’re leaning fully into comfort food territory.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn snack time into an event! Skewer the Broccoli Cheese Balls on toothpicks for a passable party bite, or nestle them in mini slider buns with lettuce and tomato for a playful twist. Arrange on a platter with a medley of dipping sauces—ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard—for a build-your-own dipping experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist eating them all in one go, just let the Broccoli Cheese Balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking on later or popping into a lunchbox.

Freezing

Broccoli Cheese Balls freeze like a dream! Place the uncooked, breaded balls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, fry or bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness, reheat Broccoli Cheese Balls in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crunchy again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but for best texture, stick with the oven or air fryer for those irresistible crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Broccoli Cheese Balls bake beautifully at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, just flip them halfway through so they get golden all over. For an even healthier choice, the air fryer works wonders too.

What cheeses can I use besides cheddar?

Mozzarella is great if you want more stretch, while Monterey Jack and Gouda both melt well and complement the flavors of broccoli. Feel free to get creative based on your favorites or what’s in your fridge!

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that the other ingredients are safe. You won’t miss out on any crispiness or flavor.

How can I prepare the broccoli?

Steam broccoli florets until just tender, then finely chop so they blend seamlessly into the mixture. Avoid overcooking so your Broccoli Cheese Balls have a bit of bite and don’t turn mushy inside.

Are Broccoli Cheese Balls kid-friendly?

They sure are! Even veggie skeptics have a hard time resisting these cheesy bites. For extra fun, get little hands involved in rolling and coating the balls (with supervision, of course).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something crispy and cheesy, giving Broccoli Cheese Balls a spot on your menu is always a good idea. There’s so much to love in every bite, so don’t wait—give these a try and watch them become an instant favorite in your kitchen!

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these little bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Cheese Balls:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (divided)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and able to hold shape.
Form Balls: Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and roll each ball to coat.
Fry: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until hot (about 350°F). Fry broccoli cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve: Serve warm with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.