Broccoli Cheese Balls

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food that I can never get enough of. The first time I made them, I was simply trying to use up some leftover broccoli, but what came out of the oven was so irresistibly golden and cheesy, I had to make a second batch immediately. They’re crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, and packed with just enough broccoli to feel like a sneaky veggie win.
I love how they come together so effortlessly. A bit of chopping, a little mixing, and just a few minutes in the oven or fryer, and you’ve got the kind of snack that disappears in seconds. They’re perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or even as a side dish to your favorite dinner. Honestly, I’ve even had them for breakfast once with a runny egg on top—no regrets.
What makes these even more special is how customizable they are. You can go bold with spices or keep it classic with just cheese and herbs. Either way, the texture is phenomenal, and that crunch when you bite into them? Unmatched.




Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are all about flavor, texture, and simplicity. They make veggies exciting and cheesy in the best way. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy middle. They’re also portable, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly. Whether baked or fried, they come out perfectly golden every time. If you’re looking for a snack that makes people hover around the plate until the last one is gone, this is it.
Ingredients
Broccoli florets: The heart of this recipe. Lightly steamed and finely chopped, broccoli adds a fresh flavor and a bit of healthy green to every bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: It melts into the mixture, creating that deliciously gooey center. I love using sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess and helps hold everything together. It gives the balls their irresistibly smooth texture.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the ingredients and also coating the balls before frying or baking to get that perfect crunch.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients in place so the balls don’t fall apart.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These give a subtle depth of flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to bring everything to life.
Oil (if frying): Needed to get that perfectly golden, crispy crust.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Lightly steam your broccoli until just tender. Drain well and let it cool completely. Once cooled, finely chop the florets—this helps them mix evenly without large chunks.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and forms a sticky mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Coat the Balls
Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs to coat the outside. This adds to the crunch factor when baked or fried.
Step 5: Bake or Fry
To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. For frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the balls in batches until crispy and deep golden.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Let them cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
There are so many ways to tweak these Broccoli Cheese Balls to fit your pantry or preferences. You can swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda if you like a different flavor profile. For a sharper punch, try adding a bit of grated parmesan to the mix.
If you’re out of cream cheese, ricotta can also work well, though it will make the texture a bit lighter. Want to go gluten-free? Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of breadcrumbs. You can also mix in finely chopped cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more protein-packed version.
To spice things up, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even a touch of hot sauce in the filling. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives also adds brightness and color.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
I usually serve these Broccoli Cheese Balls with a dipping sauce—ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara are all excellent. They make a fantastic party appetizer or snack platter centerpiece. If you’re making a brunch spread, they go beautifully alongside quiche or scrambled eggs.
For a fun dinner idea, pair them with a big green salad and roasted sweet potatoes. They’re also great tucked into a pita with a drizzle of garlic sauce or layered into a grain bowl with roasted veggies and hummus.



Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to prep ahead, they freeze wonderfully too—just freeze them after shaping and before baking/frying. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
To reheat, pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F until warmed through, about 10–12 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker and crispier result.
FAQs
How do I keep Broccoli Cheese Balls from falling apart?
Make sure your broccoli is well-drained and the mixture is thoroughly combined. Chilling the mix before shaping can also help.
Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese Balls before cooking?
Yes! Shape them and place them on a tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. Bake from frozen when needed.
What dipping sauce goes best with Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, and even a tangy marinara all pair well.
Are Broccoli Cheese Balls healthy?
They’re definitely more nutritious than your average fried snack thanks to the broccoli, but you can make them lighter by baking and using less cheese.
Can I use frozen broccoli in Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Absolutely. Just thaw it completely and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If these Broccoli Cheese Balls made your taste buds happy, you’ll definitely want to check out a few of my other favorites. These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes offer a similar cheesy goodness with crispy edges that are just as satisfying. For a veggie-focused side dish that’s equally delicious, the Roasted Zucchini and Squash is one I make almost weekly. And if you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, my Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are another fun, snackable recipe you shouldn’t miss.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Broccoli Cheese Balls recipe to your favorite Pinterest board! That way you’ll have it handy when you need a quick snack idea, something for your next party, or even a clever way to get veggies onto the table. Share the love by sending this to a friend, posting it in your group chat, or sharing it on Instagram and tagging me—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Broccoli Cheese Balls

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, these Broccoli Cheese Balls are the ultimate party appetizer or snack-time treat. Each bite offers a golden crust with a creamy, melty interior filled with finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic and onion. They’re quick to prepare, fun to eat, and ideal for entertaining guests or satisfying a cheesy craving. Whether baked or fried, these vegetarian bites are a crowd favorite and easy to make ahead for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until just tender. Drain, cool, and finely chop.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into small bite-sized balls. Chill for 15–20 minutes if mixture is too sticky.
- Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs to coat.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry balls in batches until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray balls lightly with oil before baking.
- Great for freezing: shape, freeze, and bake later.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara.
- For variation, try adding chopped bacon or use different cheeses.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 93Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 4g