These WW Broccoli Cheese Balls are the ultimate snack: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and totally Weight Watchers-friendly! Perfect for satisfying cravings without guilt, they’re a hit for game days, family nights, or anytime you need a tasty, bite-sized snack.
Imagine this: you take a bite, and there’s this amazing crispy coating, then a burst of gooey cheese, and tender broccoli inside. Each bite of these WW Broccoli Cheese Balls is like a mini celebration of everything good about snack time. And the best part?
They’re light enough to fit into your Weight Watchers plan, so you can satisfy that cheesy craving without a hint of guilt.
Bringing the Magic of Cheesy Bar Bites Home—with a Healthy Twist!
If you’re like me, you know there’s just something special about those classic bar appetizers. Back in the day, my husband Ron and I had a Friday night ritual: after a long week, we’d head to our favorite bar-and-grill, slide into a cozy booth, and order a big plate of cheesy broccoli bites. They’d arrive sizzling hot and crispy, with that perfect cheese pull in every bite.
Honestly, it was the best part of our week. We’d laugh, chat, and (let’s be real)fight it out for the last one!
Now, with kids and a healthier lifestyle to think about, I wanted a way to bring that same indulgent snack vibe home but with a lighter twist.
Table of Contents
| Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights) |
| Ingredients for WW Broccoli Cheese Balls |
| How to Make This Healthy WW Broccoli Cheese Balls |
| Storage & Serving Suggestions |
| Tips & FAQs |
Look at the Recipe (Key highlights)
As a professional chef with years of experience in crafting WW-friendly meals, I can confidently say that this WW Broccoli Cheese Balls is one of my go-to dishes.
- Crispy and Cheesy: Golden, crunchy coating with a gooey, cheesy center.
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: Just a few WW points per bite—satisfy cravings without guilt.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with real broccoli and a blend of flavorful cheeses.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Bake, air-fry, or pan-fry for the perfect snack.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for game days, family nights, or a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients Needed
- Broccoli Florets – Use fresh if possible for the best texture, but frozen works if you steam and drain it well.
- Velveeta or Processed American Cheese – Creates a creamy, gooey center.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese – Provides extra meltiness and richness.
- Eggs – Acts as a binder and for breading.
- Plain Breadcrumbs – Traditional breadcrumbs or Panko, depending on preference.
- Black Pepper – For seasoning.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- Flour – For the breading process.
- Cornstarch – Helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
- Vegetable Oil – Canola oil is another option for frying.
- Ranch Dressing – For serving (optional).
How to Make WW Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender, chop into small pieces, and allow them to cool.
Mix Ingredients: Combine the broccoli with cheeses, breadcrumbs, and seasoning until well blended, forming a slightly chunky mixture.
Form & Chill: Shape the mixture into small balls, chill them to help hold their shape.
Breading Station Setup: Set up stations with flour + cornstarch, a beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
Bread & Fry: Coat each bite in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry in a skillet with oil until golden and crispy.
Serve Warm: Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this WW Broccoli Cheese Balls meal is how easy it is to store and reheat. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Got leftovers? (If they last that long!) Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Just try not to sneak one every time you pass by!
- Freezer: Want to save some for a rainy day? Freeze the uncooked cheese balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Reheating: When it’s snack time again, just toss them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, and they’ll crisp up perfectly, like they’re fresh out of the pan!
Serving Tips
- Dipping Sauces: These bites are begging for a good dip! Serve them up with ranch, honey mustard, or even marinara—it’s all about what makes you happiest.
- Pairing: For a little balance, set these alongside a fresh veggie platter or a light salad. (But honestly, they’re also perfect solo with just you, the couch, and a movie!)
- Occasions: These are a hit for game nights, lazy Sundays, or even as a fun appetizer for family dinners. Watch them disappear faster than you can make them!
Tips & FAQs
- Can I make these WW Broccoli Cheese Balls in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air-frying is a game-changer for these. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. You still get that golden, crispy outside with way less oil! - Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yep! Just be sure to steam and drain it really well. You don’t want extra water sneaking in and making your cheese balls less crispy. - How do I make these gluten-free?
Easy fix! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep that crunchy goodness. - Can I freeze these and cook them later?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then pop them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just fry or bake them straight from the freezer—no thawing needed! - What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
Ranch is a classic, but honey mustard and marinara are amazing too! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy mayo or sriracha for a little extra zing.
Health Benefits and How This Recipe Fits into the WW Plan
These WW Broccoli Cheese Balls offer several health benefits, particularly for those following the Weight Watchers program. Here’s why they’re such a great choice:
High in Fiber: Broccoli is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which helps keep you full longer and supports digestion.
Protein-Rich: With cheese and broccoli, each bite provides a decent amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full.
Low-Calorie & Low-Fat: Thanks to smart ingredient choices, these bites are lower in calories and fat than many traditional fried appetizers.
These low-calorie broccoli cheese bites can fit seamlessly into your Weight Watchers plan with just 3 points per serving, making them a perfect option for those who want to indulge without overspending their daily points.
Description
WW Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy, cheesy, and totally Weight Watchers-friendly! Made with fresh broccoli and melty cheese, they’re a guilt-free snack perfect for game days or family nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
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Start by steaming the broccoli florets until they are tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly, then chop the broccoli into small, ½-inch pieces.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, Velveeta, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, 1 egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a slightly chunky, cohesive mixture. The broccoli should be broken down but still slightly chunky.
Step 3: Form into Balls and Chill
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Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls about the size of a ping-pong ball. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 45 minutes. This step helps the cheese balls hold their shape when frying.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Stations
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Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour and cornstarch, another with the remaining egg (beaten with a tablespoon of water), and a third with the remaining breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bread and Fry the Broccoli Cheese Balls
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Dip each ball first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, enough to cover about 2 inches of the skillet. Once the oil is hot (around 375°F), carefully add the balls in batches, frying each for 90 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Serve
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While the broccoli cheese balls are still warm, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve immediately with ranch dressing or another dip of your choice.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 110kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 6g12%
- Points per serving 3
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
These Broccoli Cheddar Bites bring back so many memories of my early days with my husband. It’s amazing how food can make you feel connected to a time or place, and that’s what I love most about these bites. Making them from scratch at home with lighter ingredients means I can indulge guilt-free—and my kids love them, too!
