Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them a better-than-takeout appetizer that’s ready in just 20 minutes. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Thai Chicken Coconut Curry with Jasmine Rice and Creamy Beef Lasagna Recipe Easy for Dinner Tonight.

What You'll Need for Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce, for serving
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes

How to Make Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

1. Prepare broccoli: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam or microwave broccoli until tender-crisp, then chop finely.
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, 1/2 cup cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form cheese balls: Roll broccoli mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in flour, followed by beaten egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Storing & Reheating Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made ahead up to the baking step. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.

Freezing Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

Not recommended for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then crisp up in the oven for 5 minutes.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
• Best substitution: No substitutions for broccoli, but you can use cauliflower or zucchini for a different twist.
• Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
• Troubleshooting: If your cheese balls are burning on the outside but not cooking through, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for a few more minutes.

Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout

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Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

20 mins

⏳

Total

35 mins

🍽

Serves

8-10 cheese balls

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce, for serving

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare broccoli: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam or microwave broccoli until tender-crisp, then chop finely.
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, 1/2 cup cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form cheese balls: Roll broccoli mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in flour, followed by beaten egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
• Best substitution: No substitutions for broccoli, but you can use cauliflower or zucchini for a different twist.
• Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
• Troubleshooting: If your cheese balls are burning on the outside but not cooking through, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for a few more minutes.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then crisp up in the oven for 5 minutes.
• Make ahead: Can be made ahead up to the baking step. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sat. Fat: 2g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!