If you’re after a deliciously crispy snack packed with vibrant flavors and a nourishing twist, this Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender broccoli blended with melty cheese, garlic, and shallots, baked until golden and served alongside a zesty, creamy lemon yoghurt sauce that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and fresh, bright notes, ideal as a party appetizer, a wholesome snack, or even a fun side dish for family dinner. Let me show you how simple ingredients come together to create magic in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these cheese balls irresistible. From the fresh greens of broccoli to the rich creaminess of cheese, every component balances taste, texture, and color beautifully.
- Broccoli (2 cups, cooked and drained): The hearty green base that provides texture and nutrients, best when well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds that all-important crunch and structure to the cheese balls.
- Eggs (2): The binding agent that holds everything together just right.
- Shredded cheese (¾ cup): Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese brings melty, savory richness to the mix.
- Shallots or scallions (2, finely sliced): Adds a subtle sweet onion flavor and freshness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the balls with warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt (¼ tsp) and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- Olive oil spray: For the perfect crispy, golden outside without excess oil.
- Plain yoghurt (â…” cup): The creamy base of the lemon yoghurt sauce, balancing the cheese balls beautifully.
- Lemon zest (zest of ½ lemon): Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds that key tangy kick to complement the cheesy bites.
- Garlic (½ clove minced): A subtle hint in the sauce that echoes the balls’ flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tsp): Enriches the sauce and smooths out the tanginess.
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for sauce): Adjust seasoning for the perfectly balanced sauce.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tray
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) – this ensures a nicely crisped exterior. Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later. Getting these prepped first makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots or scallions, and minced garlic. Don’t forget the salt and pepper here. Now comes the fun part: mix everything together and mash the broccoli as you go. It should resemble a slightly chunky, cohesive mixture, almost like preparing a savory mince.
Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop a portion of the mixture and firmly press it together before flicking it into your hand. Roll into a tight, round ball and place it onto your lined tray. Continue this process until you have about 15 to 18 perfectly formed balls. Each one is a little bundle of flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray – this is the secret to that desirable golden crisp without adding too much fat. Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the surface is slightly crisp and turns a beautiful golden color. This baking method keeps them light yet satisfyingly crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Yoghurt Sauce
While the balls bake, mix the plain yoghurt with the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let this sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the bright citrus and mellow garlic to mingle fully with the creaminess of the yoghurt. This sauce will add a fresh lift to every bite of the cheese balls.
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop and add a hint of texture, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the baked balls. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of extra lemon juice across the plate also complements the flavors wonderfully. These little touches elevate your dish from simple to stunning.
Side Dishes
These broccoli cheese balls shine alongside fresh salads like a crisp arugula with cherry tomatoes, or a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you want something heartier, roasted potatoes or a warm couscous salad are fantastic, balancing the richness with earthy or zesty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these crunchy bites on skewers with alternating grape tomatoes or olives for color variety. Alternatively, plate in mini muffin liners or on a wooden board with little dipping bowls for the lemon yoghurt sauce and perhaps a flavorful salsa on the side. This recipe is versatile and fun to style, making it a crowd-pleaser in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover baked broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, making for quick grab-and-go snacks or a ready appetizer when friends pop by.
Freezing
These cheese balls freeze beautifully if you want to batch-make. Flash freeze them on a tray first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they’ll maintain their texture and flavor for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest result, reheat your broccoli cheese balls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that nice crunch. The lemon yoghurt sauce is best served fresh, so prepare it just before serving or keep it chilled separately.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully cook and drain the broccoli very well to avoid excess moisture, which can make your cheese balls soggy. Pat dry with paper towels if needed before mixing.
What cheeses work best for these broccoli cheese balls?
Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese are superb choices because they melt nicely and have a bold but not overpowering flavor. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooey texture or a mix of cheeses for depth.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or try using crushed cornflakes or almond meal for a different texture. The key is ensuring whatever you substitute still helps hold the cheese balls together.
How spicy are the broccoli cheese balls? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly as is, but if you love a kick, simply add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix. The lemon yoghurt sauce will help cool down the heat perfectly.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can make the mixture and form the balls a few hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated on the tray, covered with cling film. Just bake them fresh when ready for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe is a total winner in my book. It’s fun to make, simple in ingredients, and impressive in taste and presentation. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or just craving something delightful, these cheese balls hit the spot with their crispy crust and zesty dipping sauce. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15-18 balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside snack or appetizer. Packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheese, and aromatic scallions and garlic, they are perfectly baked until golden and served with a refreshing lemon yoghurt sauce. They offer a healthier alternative to fried snacks, making them ideal for a wholesome bite any time.
Ingredients
Balls
- 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli, well drained (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
- 2 shallots/scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Lemon Yoghurt Sauce
- 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) using any oven type to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, sliced shallots/scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix, similar to preparing minced meat, until well combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, then flick the mixture into your hand and roll into a ball shape. Place each ball on the prepared baking tray. Repeat until all mixture is used, making approximately 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls with olive oil spray to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the exterior is slightly crisp and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: While the balls bake, mix together the plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls warm with the lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup.
Notes
- Note 1: Use well-drained, soft cooked broccoli to ensure the texture is suitable for mixing and shaping into balls.
- Note 2: Parchment paper lining helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- You can substitute cheeses like Colby or Tasty if Cheddar is unavailable.
- The lemon yoghurt sauce can be made ahead to enhance the flavor.
- For a crispier texture, you can add a light coating of panko breadcrumbs before baking, but it’s optional.
