Looking for a tasty way to eat more veggies? These broccoli cheese balls have become my go-to snack when I’m trying to keep things low carb. I started making them last year when I was searching for something different to bring to book club, and now my friends request them all the time.
They’re super easy to throw together, and the best part is they taste just as good cold as they do warm. I usually make a double batch – one for now and one for later. My kids even grab them from the fridge for after-school snacks, which honestly surprised me since they normally run from anything green.
If you love the classic combo of broccoli and cheese but want something a bit more fun than the usual casserole, these little bites are for you. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep since they keep well in the fridge for several days.
Why You’ll Love These Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Low-carb friendly – Made with almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these broccoli cheese balls fit perfectly into your keto or low-carb eating plan.
- Kid-approved veggie dish – The combination of melty cheese and crispy coating makes these balls a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these balls in advance and reheat them when needed – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lunch prep.
- Customizable recipe – Switch up the cheese, seasonings, and herbs to match your taste preferences, or use what you already have in your fridge.
- Quick preparation – With just 35-45 minutes from start to finish, you can have these tasty bites ready for dinner or as a party appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Kind of Broccoli Should I Use?
Fresh broccoli is your best bet for these cheese balls, though frozen broccoli can work in a pinch – just make sure to thaw and drain it really well to avoid excess moisture. If you’re using fresh broccoli, look for heads with tight, dark green florets and no yellowing spots. You can use both the florets and the upper part of the stems (just peel the tough outer layer of the stems first). For this recipe, you’ll want to chop your broccoli into very small pieces – about the size of peas – so they’ll bind together well with the other ingredients and cook evenly. A quick blanch in boiling water for about 2 minutes will give you the perfect texture for these balls.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is super adaptable and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Broccoli: While broccoli gives these balls their signature taste, you can swap it with cauliflower or even grated zucchini (just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from zucchini first).
- Almond meal: If you’re not following a low-carb diet, regular breadcrumbs work perfectly. You can also try coconut flour (use only 1/4 cup as it’s more absorbent) or crushed pork rinds for a zero-carb option.
- Cheese: Any melting cheese works here – try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just avoid hard cheeses like parmesan as the main cheese since they won’t bind as well.
- Cilantro: Not a cilantro fan? Use parsley, chives, or basil instead. You can also skip the herbs altogether.
- Cajun spice: Feel free to use any seasoning blend you like – Italian seasoning, ranch powder, or even just garlic powder with paprika works great.
- Eggs: The eggs are important for binding and can’t be skipped, but if you’re vegan, try using 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 15 minutes).
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making broccoli cheese balls is dealing with excess moisture – make sure to steam your broccoli just until tender and let it cool completely, then chop it finely and pat it dry with paper towels to prevent soggy balls that fall apart. Another common mistake is not chilling the mixture before shaping – pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which helps the balls hold their shape better during cooking and prevents them from spreading on the baking sheet. When forming the balls, avoid making them too large (about golf ball size is perfect), as oversized ones tend to fall apart and won’t cook evenly through the center. For the crispiest exterior, make sure to give each ball a light coating of cooking spray before baking, and don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides.
What to Serve With Broccoli Cheese Balls?
These cheesy broccoli bites make a great appetizer or side dish, and they pair really well with a variety of dipping sauces! Try serving them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor. If you’re making these as part of a meal, they go perfectly alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete low-carb dinner. For a fun appetizer spread, serve them next to other finger foods like buffalo wings, celery sticks, and cucumber slices – your guests will love having different options to mix and match.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These cheesy broccoli bites stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy. They make great leftovers for quick snacks or lunch box additions!
Freeze: Want to make a bigger batch? These balls freeze really well! Just arrange them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick side dish.
Warm Up: To get these balls back to their tasty best, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes if they’re from the fridge, or 15-20 minutes if frozen. You can also use the air fryer for 3-4 minutes – they’ll come out nice and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 35-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup almond meal (or use panko or italian-style breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or your preferred melting cheese)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon cajun spice mix (or taco seasoning, or your favorite seasoning blend)
- A pinch each of salt and black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Meanwhile, steam the broccoli either by placing it in boiling water or microwaving it until it is tender.
Once cooked, chop the broccoli finely using a knife or a food processor until it reaches a minced consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced broccoli with eggs, almond flour, cheese, parsley, and your choice of spices.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the broccoli mixture and shape it into a ball with your hands.
Place each ball onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave space between them.
Lightly spray or drizzle the broccoli balls with oil to help them achieve a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake the Broccoli Balls
Bake the broccoli balls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, serve the broccoli balls as a versatile addition to meals.
They can be enjoyed on a salad, inside a sandwich, paired with rice, or served as an appetizer or snack alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy the delicious and nutritious treat!