Delicious Baked Broccoli Cheese Snacks

Category: Quick Bites for Every Gathering

Blend steamed broccoli with cheese, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and egg, then roll into small balls. Put them on a tray, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes till crisp and browned.
Clare Greco
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:32:57 GMT
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Snacks Save
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Snacks | homebitesbyana.com

Bite into these crunchy golden beauties and you'll find a gooey, cheesy middle that totally upgrades simple broccoli. The sharp cheddar mingles with nutty Parmesan, giving you a big flavor punch over the mellow veggie base. And since you bake instead of fry, you still get that craveable crunch minus loads of oil. These little snacks are total crowd-pleasers—perfect as finger foods for parties, easy after-school bites, or a sneaky way to win over even the picky veggie doubters at dinner.

When my sister brought her crew over last month, I set out these broccoli cheese balls as a starter before the main meal. My nephew, who usually treats anything green like it's radioactive, scarfed down four without hesitation. He paused only a second when I said they had broccoli, then shrugged and grabbed another one. The crispy outside and cheesy inside? They seriously seem to win over even the hardest veggie opponents.

Tasty Components

  • Salt and Pepper: These make every bite pop and tie the flavors together. Good seasoning brings all your ingredients up a notch.
  • Garlic Powder: This adds a punchy, cozy flavor. The dry kind mixes in smoother than chopped-up fresh here.
  • Egg: It’s the glue! Just one large one keeps things together without making the mix soggy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: You'll get that salty, nutty flair. Go for fresh grated for meltiness and full-on flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: The star melter. Sharp cheddar stands out best, but mild works if that’s all you have.
  • Breadcrumbs: These give you the crisp coating and structure. Both regular or panko work, though panko is super crunchy.
  • Broccoli Florets: This is the healthy base. Chopped up tiny so everything blends well and cooks evenly.

Easy Steps to Make Them

Final Touches:
Spritz or gently brush each ball with a splash of oil or cooking spray before they go in the oven so you get that killer crispy crunch on the outside.
Setting Them Up:
Spread your shaped broccoli balls on the lined baking tray with a bit of space between them. If they're too close, you risk steaming, not browning, so leave room for air to get around them.
Shaping Time:
Scoop out bits of the mixture with a small spoon or scoop, then roll between your hands to get balls around 1 inch wide. Try to keep the sizes close so everything bakes evenly.
Mix Everything:
Toss chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix it all up—your hands or a spatula work—till it sticks together and feels moist but not soupy.
Chop Fine:
Put the broccoli on a board and cut it up small. You want it tiny, but with some bits for texture. Smaller chunks mean it all mixes well and bakes right.
Dry ‘Em Off:
Once broccoli cools, really dry it off with paper towels. Press on it to get as much water out as you can—this keeps your cheese balls from turning mushy.
Prep the Broccoli:
Blanch or steam broccoli florets for just 2 or 3 minutes until they’re just soft enough, but don’t overcook or they get too watery. Dunk in cold water right after and drain so they stay bright green and not mushy.
Heat Up Oven:
Turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C), stick the rack in the middle, and get a baking sheet ready with parchment and a bit of oil or spray so nothing sticks. This way, every ball gets a crisp shell.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe Save
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe | homebitesbyana.com

The first time I tried making these, I learned fast that extra water ruins everything—I hadn't drained my broccoli enough and my mix just flopped apart. Now I double down: drain well and press the warm broccoli between paper towels. That trick changed everything! Now my cheese balls keep their shape and roll out perfectly every time.

Fun Ways to Serve

These broccoli cheese balls get even better with fun dips. Try cool ranch, zesty marinara, or spicy sriracha mayo on the side. For a full meal, toss them on a plate with a crisp salad or a pile of roasted veggies. If you’re hosting, add them to a spread with other bite-sized snacks like deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms for a party everyone will talk about.

Switch It Up

There’s loads of ways to make these your own. Want a Mediterranean vibe? Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and use feta in place of cheddar. Fans of spice can mix in cayenne or some diced jalapeños for a little heat. You can also add chopped bell peppers or grated carrots with the broccoli for a hit of crunch and extra color.

Storing and Reheating

Put cooled cheese balls in a sealed container and stash them in the fridge for up to four days—they keep their flavor and crunch. For longer, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then pack into bags; they stay good for three months. To warm up, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes so they crisp up again—don’t use the microwave or they'll get soggy.

Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Save
Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls | homebitesbyana.com

I can’t even count how many times I’ve whipped up these broccoli cheese balls for family or parties. They’re the ideal mix of nourishing and totally moreish. They’re simple to pull together but look seriously impressive. Even picky kids forget they’re eating veggies! Serve these up as apps, snacks, or sides—you get happy faces every time and nobody misses out on flavor or goodness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can these broccoli snacks be frozen?
Sure! You can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze raw, shape the balls, freeze them on a tray for 1–2 hours until firm, then place them in a zip bag. When you're ready to eat, bake without thawing and add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time. If cooked first, let them cool down, freeze flat, and later store in containers. Warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to enjoy.
→ What sauces go well with these broccoli cheese snacks?
You've got so many options! Pair them with marinara, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic honey mustard. If you prefer something lighter, yogurt dips with herbs and citrus are fantastic. Creamy garlic-based options like tzatziki or aioli also work beautifully.
→ Can frozen broccoli be used as a substitute for fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw it first and press out the water before chopping. Frozen broccoli is pre-cooked during the freezing process, so there's no need to steam it again, which makes things a little faster.
→ How do I make these gluten-free?
Easy fix! Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or finely crush gluten-free crackers. Almond flour or crushed pork rinds also make great alternatives, especially for low-carb versions. Double-check that your cheeses and other ingredients are gluten-free.
→ Why do the broccoli balls break apart?
There are a few reasons this might happen. The mix could be too wet, so be sure to fully drain the broccoli. Adding a little extra egg or cheese can help bind things. It also helps to chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping. Lastly, make sure you press the balls together tightly while forming them.

Bite-Sized Broccoli Snacks

Golden, cheesy broccoli snacks with Parmesan and cheddar. They're a healthier baked option that's perfect for snacking or serving at parties.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Ana


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion Italian

Yields: 24 Servings (24 cheesy broccoli bites)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 large egg
02 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 cup breadcrumbs
04 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 Salt and pepper to season it up
08 Cooking spray or olive oil drizzle

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Give it a quick spray or coat it lightly with olive oil.

Step 02

Boil or steam the broccoli until just softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain everything well and chop it finely.

Step 03

Toss the broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a big bowl. Mix things around until it comes together nicely.

Step 04

Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place it on your lined baking sheet.

Step 05

Give the broccoli cheese balls a light spray or brush of olive oil before they bake.

Step 06

Pop them into the oven for 18-20 minutes. They're ready when they turn crispy and golden.

Step 07

Serve them warm and enjoy with whatever dipping sauce you love.

Notes

  1. Swap in different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or a mix to make it your own.
  2. Want extra flavor? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like chopped parsley.
  3. Make ahead by shaping the balls and keeping them refrigerated. They can also be frozen for another day.

Required Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment lining
  • Mixing bowl (large)

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Includes dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)
  • Has eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 80
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~