Stuffed Creamy Baked Broccoli Balls

Light, tender, and irresistibly cheesy—these Stuffed Creamy Baked Broccoli Balls are the perfect appetizer or snack when you want something comforting yet wholesome. Inspired by Italian home-style cooking, they combine soft broccoli, creamy ricotta, and a gooey mozzarella center, all baked until golden. Kids love them, adults devour them, and they make the perfect addition to weeknight dinners or party platters!

Servings: 12 broccoli balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli florets (500 g)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)

• Light mozzarella, cut into small cubes (about 12–24 cubes)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (only if mixture is too soft)

Instructions

1. Boil the Broccoli
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 10 minutes, or until very tender. Drain well.

2. Mash and Mix
   Transfer the cooked broccoli to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add the ricotta, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
   If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add 2–3 tablespoons of flour.

3. Form the Balls
   Scoop a spoonful of mixture into your hand, place 1–2 mozzarella cubes inside, and close it into a ball. Repeat until all balls are formed.

4. Coat
   Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, coating them evenly.

5. Bake
   Place the broccoli balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and the mozzarella is melted inside.

6. Serve Warm
   Enjoy them hot from the oven when the centers are perfectly creamy and melty!

Tips & Tricks

• Use pre-cut broccoli florets to save time.

• For extra flavor, add grated Parmigiano Reggiano to the breadcrumb coating.

• Want them extra crispy? Spray lightly with olive oil before baking.

• These freeze beautifully—shape, bread, freeze, and bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per 1 ball)

STUFFED CREAMY BROCCOLI BALLS

Kids love them, adults devour them, and they make the perfect addition to weeknight dinners or party platters!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 balls

Notes

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli florets (500 g)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (250 g)
• Light mozzarella, cut into small cubes (about 12–24 cubes)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (only if mixture is too soft)

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Instructions

1. Boil the Broccoli
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 10 minutes, or until very tender. Drain well.
2. Mash and Mix
   Transfer the cooked broccoli to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add the ricotta, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
   If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add 2–3 tablespoons of flour.
3. Form the Balls
   Scoop a spoonful of mixture into your hand, place 1–2 mozzarella cubes inside, and close it into a ball. Repeat until all balls are formed.
4. Coat
   Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, coating them evenly.
5. Bake
   Place the broccoli balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and the mozzarella is melted inside.
6. Serve Warm
   Enjoy them hot from the oven when the centers are perfectly creamy and melty!