Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe with Bacon

Deliciously crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with savory Bacon chunks. Bon appétit!

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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe with Bacon

Ingredients and Quantities:

For 1 person:

• 1 cup broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For 3 people:

• 3 cups broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Time: 30 minutes

Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Step by Step:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix the broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why People Love It:

This recipe combines the delicious flavors of broccoli, cheese, and bacon into a tasty and nutritious snack or appetizer. The crispy texture and savory taste make it a hit with both kids and adults.

The Best Occasions to Make It:

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Bacon are perfect for parties, game nights, or as a side dish for a family dinner. They are a crowd-pleaser and will disappear quickly!

Steps for the Best:

To enhance the flavor, you can add some garlic powder or paprika to the mixture before forming the balls. Make sure to bake them until they are crispy on the outside for the best results.

Tips on Serving:

These cheese balls are best served hot and can be accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or marinara. They can also be served with a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories per Serving: 200

Carbs: 15g

Protein: 10g

Gluten Content: Contains breadcrumbs

Pro Tip: To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute.

Enjoy your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Bacon!

Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe with Bacon

How to Make It More Healthy

When making this recipe, you can increase its healthiness by using low-fat cheese, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Origin of the Recipe

This recipe is inspired by traditional broccoli cheese balls but with a twist of adding bacon for extra flavor. It is a popular appetizer in the United States.

Best Time to Make It

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for lunch or as a snack during the day. They can also be a great side dish for dinner.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for this recipe came from a love for classic broccoli cheese balls and a desire to add a savory element with crispy bacon.

Best Way to Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

5 Tricks When You Cook It

1. Make sure to thoroughly drain the cooked broccoli to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
2. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture for evenly sized cheese balls.
3. Chill the formed cheese balls in the refrigerator before baking to help them hold their shape.
4. For extra crispiness, you can brush the cheese balls with olive oil before baking.
5. Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for added flavor.

How to Make It Gluten Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.

How to Make It Dairy Free

To make this recipe dairy-free, use vegan cheese and plant-based milk instead of traditional cheese and milk.

5 Common Questions with Answers

1. Can I freeze the baked cheese balls? Yes, you can freeze them after baking and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
3. How can I make the cheese balls spicier? Add some chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
4. Can I make the cheese balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve.
5. What can I serve with the cheese balls? They pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

How to Add Special Addition

For a special addition, you can mix in some cooked quinoa or chopped spinach to the cheese ball mixture for added nutrition.