Broccoli Rice Balls
on Feb 06, 2025, Updated May 30, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and toddler-approved recipe, these Broccoli Rice Balls are a must-try! They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to hold for little hands, and can be served as a snack, lunch, or even a side dish at dinner. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option for the whole family.

Why Broccoli Rice Balls are Great for Toddlers & Families
Easy to Hold: These bite-sized rice balls are perfect for little hands.
Nutritious & Balanced: With whole grains, veggies, and protein, they provide a great mix of nutrients for growing toddlers.
Customizable: Swap broccoli for finely chopped spinach, carrots, or zucchini, or mix in different cheeses for variety.
Great for the Whole Family: These are so tasty that even parents and older kids will enjoy them! Serve as a side dish with dinner or pack them in lunchboxes.
Mess-Free & Portable: Perfect for on-the-go snacks or meals without the hassle of utensils.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (I use microwavable rice to make it easy)
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets (I steam a frozen bag of broccoli)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
How to Make Broccoli Rice Balls for Toddlers
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin if using that method. - Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed. - Form into Balls or Muffins:
- Hand-rolled method: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Make sure to squeeze tightly to help them hold their shape.
- Muffin tin method: Press the mixture firmly into the cups of a mini muffin tin, filling them to the top.
- Bake:
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet (or use the muffin tin) and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm. - Cool & Serve:
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to toddlers.
Substitutions
Cheese: For a dairy-free option, swap the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Egg: To make the recipe egg-free, replace the egg with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 15 minutes to thicken).
Broccoli: If you don’t have broccoli, finely chopped spinach, carrots, or zucchini can be used.
Rice: Any cooked rice variety works well—white, brown, or even quinoa for added protein.
Storing Extra Rice Balls
- Refrigerator: Store leftover broccoli rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave until warm.
Common Questions
Are these broccoli rice balls ok for baby-led weaning?
- Absolutely. These rice balls are soft, easy to hold, and free from added salt, making them great for babies practicing self-feeding.
How do I prevent the rice balls from falling apart?
- Make sure that the mixture is well-combined and that you press the balls firmly when shaping them. If the mixture feels too dry, adding a little more cheese or a splash of water can help bind it together.
What can I serve these broccoli cheese rice balls with?
- They can be served on their own, or with a side of dip, fruits, or veggies.
More Easy Lunch Ideas for Toddlers
Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are a fun, flaky snack or meal made with pastry, melty cheese, and finely chopped broccoli. They bake up golden and delicious, making them a kid-friendly favorite for lunchboxes, party platters, or a veggie-packed side dish. Easy to prep and totally freezer-friendly!
Veggie Orzo – This creamy Veggie Orzo is a quick and comforting toddler meal, made with tiny pasta and finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini. It’s a one-pot recipe that’s easy to customize, great for picky eaters, and soft enough for early eaters and baby-led weaning.
Broccoli Cheese Waffles – Broccoli Cheese Waffles are a savory twist on a kid-favorite, made with wholesome ingredients and packed with veggies. Perfect for little hands, these waffles are soft inside with a lightly crisp edge. Serve them as a fun breakfast, a creative lunch, or cut into strips for dipping!
3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets – These 3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets are a fast, healthy alternative to store-bought nuggets. Made with just ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and a little seasoning, they’re oven-baked (or air fried) for an easy protein-packed meal. Toddler-friendly and perfect for batch cooking!
5-Ingredient Cauliflower Mac N Cheese – This 5-Ingredient Cauliflower Mac N Cheese is a creamy, veggie-loaded take on the classic. Blended cauliflower adds nutrients and makes the sauce extra silky—without losing flavor. It’s a quick, comforting dish your toddler will love and a clever way to get in more vegetables!
I hope you love these healthy broccoli rice balls as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!

Broccoli Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice, I use microwavable to make it easy
- 1 cup finely chopped cooked broccoli florets , I steam a frozen bag of broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin if using that method.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed.
- Hand-rolled method: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Make sure to squeeze tightly to help them hold their shape.
- Muffin tin method: Press the mixture firmly into the cups of a mini muffin tin, filling them to the top.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet (or use the muffin tin) and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to toddlers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.