Broccoli Cheese Balls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Impossible to Resist

If you love quick appetizers that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, Broccoli Cheese Balls are about to become a staple in your kitchen. These bite-sized snacks combine tender broccoli, melty cheese, and savory seasonings, all rolled together, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried until golden brown. They’re the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, holidays, potlucks, game day, or even a simple afternoon snack.

This complete, SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know: how to make broccoli cheese balls, the best ingredients to use, tips for perfect texture, flavor variations, FAQs, and a full printable recipe.

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What Are Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Broccoli cheese balls are small, round appetizers made from chopped cooked broccoli mixed with shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into balls and coated with breadcrumbs, then baked or fried until crisp.

Think of them as a delicious hybrid between:

• Broccoli cheddar bites
• Cheese croquettes
• Veggie nuggets

They’re simple, comforting, and packed with flavor — a great way to sneak vegetables into a snack the whole family will enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These broccoli cheese balls are popular for many reasons:

✓ Quick and Easy

Everything mixes in one bowl, and the recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients.

✓ Super Crispy Outside

Whether you fry or bake them, they get perfectly golden and crunchy.

✓ Cheesy and Flavorful Inside

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create an ooey-gooey, savory filling.

✓ A Great Way to Eat More Veggies

Even picky eaters love them — they taste like cheesy comfort food.

✓ Perfect for Parties

Serve them with dipping sauce and watch them disappear!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious Broccoli Cheese Balls:

For the Filling:

• 3 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli
  Steam or microwave until soft, then chop small.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
  Adds gooey stretchiness.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  For salty, cheesy depth.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  Helps bind the mixture.
• 2 large eggs
  Acts as a binder.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  Optional but recommended for flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  Panko makes them extra crispy.
• 1–2 eggs, beaten
  For dipping.
• Oil for frying
  Use vegetable or canola if frying.

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How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for perfect results:

1. Prepare the Broccoli

Cook broccoli until soft and bright green. Drain thoroughly and chop very finely.
Excess water will cause the balls to fall apart, so pat dry if needed.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Chopped broccoli
• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt & pepper

Mix until the ingredients come together like a thick dough.

3. Shape into Balls

Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls with your hands.
If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs.

4. Coat the Balls

Prepare two bowls:

• One with beaten eggs
• One with breadcrumbs or panko

Dip each ball into the eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

5. Fry or Bake

Frying Instructions:

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry a few balls at a time for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

Baking Instructions (Healthier Option):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place balls on a lined baking sheet.
• Spray lightly with cooking oil.
• Bake 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden.

Air Fryer Instructions (Crispy + Low Oil):

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray the basket and the balls lightly.
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

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Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Remove Excess Moisture

Wet broccoli leads to soggy balls. Drain, pat dry, and chop well.

2. Use Sharp Cheddar

It adds stronger flavor and melts better.

3. Chill the Mixture (Optional but Helpful)

Refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes to make rolling easier.

4. Fry for Maximum Crispiness

Frying gives the best golden crunch, but baking and air frying also work great.

5. Keep the Balls Small

Smaller balls cook evenly and stay crisp.

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Delicious Variations

These broccoli cheese balls are easy to customize:

1. Jalapeño Cheddar Broccoli Balls

Add 1–2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños.

2. Bacon Broccoli Cheese Balls

Mix in ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon.

3. Italian Style

Use mozzarella + Parmesan, and add Italian seasoning.

4. Ranch Broccoli Bites

Add 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning.

5. Cauliflower Cheese Balls

Swap half the broccoli for cooked cauliflower.

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Best Dipping Sauces

Serve broccoli cheese balls with:

• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Honey mustard
• Garlic aioli
• Cheese sauce

They pair well with just about anything!

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store leftover balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze before or after cooking for up to 2 months.
Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag.

To Reheat:

• Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes
• Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
• Microwave: Not recommended (loses crispiness)

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Printable Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Balls

Ingredients

Filling:

• 3 cups cooked chopped broccoli
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper

Coating:

• 1–2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Cook broccoli and chop finely. Pat dry.
2. Mix broccoli, cheeses, 1 cup breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
3. Roll into small balls.
4. Dip into beaten eggs, then breadcrumbs.
5. Fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly snackable. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you fry them for ultimate crispiness or bake them for a lighter version, these little bites are always a crowd favorite.

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