Ingredients
Broccoli Cheese Balls Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or panko or Italian breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/4 cup minced onion or shallots (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or favorite seasoning blend
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Steam and Mince Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender using boiling water or microwave. For microwave steaming, place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a wet paper towel for 2 minutes. Alternatively, steam for 5 minutes in a steamer or blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Once tender, chop finely using a knife or food processor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, eggs, almond flour, shredded cheese, minced onion or shallots (if using), cilantro (if using), minced garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the balls with oil for a crispier finish.
- Bake: Bake the broccoli cheese balls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy these balls as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal served over a salad, in a sandwich, or alongside rice. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce such as chipotle sauce, avocado cilantro sauce, or light ranch for extra flavor.
Notes
- To steam broccoli in the microwave: Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a wet paper towel, and microwave for 2 minutes.
- To steam broccoli in water: Use a steamer basket and steam for about 5 minutes until tender or blanch in boiling water for 1 minute.
- To make vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and cheese with vegan cheese.
- Keto option: Add 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon to the mixture before baking for added flavor and protein.
- Serve with dips such as chipotle sauce, avocado cilantro sauce, or a light ranch dressing for enhanced taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
