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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: A Deliciously Healthy Snack

In the vibrant world of healthy snacking, Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful combination of flavour, nutrition, and convenience. These little morsels make for a perfect appetiser, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a salad. They are not only easy to prepare but also provide a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your cheese cravings.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make these scrumptious broccoli cheese balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500g broccoli florets – fresh or frozen
• 100g grated cheese – a combination of cheddar and mozzarella works wonderfully
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 100g breadcrumbs – preferably wholemeal or panko for added texture
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or your choice of herbs)
• Olive oil spray – for a gentle finish

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 5-7 minutes until tender. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain excess moisture. Once cooked, chop the broccoli finely.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a pan over medium heat, lightly sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a splash of olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, grated cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky enough to form balls; if it’s too dry, add a splash of water or an extra egg.

5. Form the Balls: Taking small portions of the mixture, roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking.

6. Bake: Place the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each ball. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to help them achieve a lovely golden colour as they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them hot with a tangy dip, such as a homemade garlic mayo, tzatziki, or even a spicy salsa for a fabulous flavour combo. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a main meal alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables.

Storage Tips

Should there be any leftovers – though they are unlikely given their deliciousness! – these broccoli cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the oven, regaining their crispy exterior.

Conclusion

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are the epitome of a healthy yet indulgent snack. Not only do they tantalise the taste buds with their cheesy goodness, but they also provide the nutritional benefits of broccoli, making them a guilt-free option for any time of the day. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, or treat yourself to a wholesome snack straight from the oven; either way, these bites are sure to impress!

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