Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls (Low Carb, Gluten-Free, and Flavorful)
If you’re craving a delicious, low-carb snack that’s bursting with flavor, these Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect solution. They’re an easy-to-make treat that’s packed with cheesy goodness and the health benefits of broccoli, all without the carbs! Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet, a low-carb lifestyle, or simply looking for a healthier snack option, this recipe will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your goals. The best part? These keto broccoli cheese balls are incredibly versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish to complement your main meals.
In this detailed guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about making these keto-friendly broccoli cheese balls, from the ingredients and preparation steps to nutritional information, including SmartPoints for Weight Watchers (WW). This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, making it easy to enjoy these savory bites throughout the week. Whether you’re a beginner in keto cooking or an experienced keto chef, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re taking familiar ingredients and swapping out high-carb options for healthier, low-carb alternatives that still provide a satisfying taste and texture.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the keto broccoli cheese balls:
- 2 cups Cooked Broccoli (Finely Chopped)
- Broccoli is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s incredibly low in carbs. Make sure to steam or cook the broccoli until it’s tender, then drain well to remove excess moisture. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but ensure it’s thoroughly drained if using frozen to avoid watery balls.
- 1 cup Almond Flour (Instead of Breadcrumbs)
- Almond flour is a keto-friendly alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. It’s low in carbs and provides a light, nutty flavor. It’s also packed with healthy fats and protein, making it a great choice for a low-carb recipe. Use finely ground almond flour for the best results.
- 2 Large Eggs
- Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the mixture together and adding richness. They also provide protein and healthy fats, essential components of a keto diet.
- 3/4 cup Shredded Cheese
- You can use any cheese that melts well and adds flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work beautifully in this recipe. Cheese is not only delicious but also adds richness and helps to bind the balls together. Plus, it’s full of healthy fats and low in carbs.
- 2 Green Onions (Finely Sliced)
- Green onions add a mild onion flavor, enhancing the taste of the broccoli cheese balls without overpowering them. They’re also low in carbs, making them an ideal addition to any keto recipe.
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- Garlic adds a savory punch and depth of flavor to the dish. Garlic is rich in antioxidants and can add a wonderful zing to your broccoli cheese balls.
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors in the dish and balances the overall taste.
- Black Pepper (To Taste)
- Black pepper adds a slight spiciness to the broccoli cheese balls. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
- Olive Oil Spray
- To crisp up the balls and give them a golden-brown exterior, use olive oil spray. Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and has a mild, fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
Instructions for Making Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls
Let’s go over the step-by-step process to create these irresistible keto broccoli cheese balls. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the broccoli cheese balls will cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown color on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil the florets until tender. Once cooked, drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove any excess water. For frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully defrosted and drained. Finely chop the cooked broccoli into small pieces, ensuring that it’s in small, bite-sized bits.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with the almond flour, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and minced garlic. Crack the two eggs into the mixture to help bind everything together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, making sure that the broccoli and cheese are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Once everything is mixed together, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Aim for about 1 to 1.5-inch diameter balls, making sure they’re uniform in size. You should be able to form about 16-18 balls, depending on the size.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the balls from sticking. Arrange the broccoli cheese balls in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil spray to help them crisp up while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking, as every oven is different.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the broccoli cheese balls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. These are perfect on their own or paired with a low-carb dipping sauce, like ranch or a sugar-free marinara sauce.
Nutritional Information for Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls
This keto recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also supports your low-carb lifestyle. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one broccoli cheese ball, assuming the recipe yields 16 balls):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Total Carbs: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
SmartPoints and Weight Watchers (WW) Information
For those following Weight Watchers, these keto broccoli cheese balls are a great option to enjoy without feeling guilty about your SmartPoints. Each broccoli cheese ball contains 2 SmartPoints (based on the PersonalPoints system), making them a perfect choice for a snack or appetizer while staying on track with your WW goals.
Tips for Perfect Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your mixture. This will prevent the balls from becoming soggy during baking.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the Seasonings: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture. Likewise, you can add more garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: These broccoli cheese balls are great for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen for about 25-30 minutes.
- Serve with a Dipping Sauce: Serve your broccoli cheese balls with a low-carb dipping sauce such as ranch, blue cheese, or sugar-free ketchup for added flavor.
- Crispy Perfection: For an extra crispy exterior, broil the balls for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching them closely to avoid burning.
Conclusion: Why Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls Are a Must-Try
These keto broccoli cheese balls are a perfect example of how low-carb eating doesn’t have to be boring. They’re delicious, satisfying, and versatile—great for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, these keto-friendly broccoli cheese balls will keep you full and fueled without the carbs found in traditional breaded alternatives. They’re easy to make, and the whole family will love them. Whether you’re a keto newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal plan.
Enjoy these low-carb broccoli cheese balls guilt-free and feel great about staying on track with your dietary goals!
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