Broccoli Rice Balls

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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.

Broccoli rice balls on a plate with some strawberries

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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Broccoli Rice Balls

These Broccoli Rice Balls are a soft, nutritious finger food perfect for toddlers and kids. Made with broccoli, rice, and cheese, they’re packed with veggie goodness in every bite. Naturally gluten-free and easy to hold, they’re ideal for baby-led weaning, lunchboxes, or snack time. Plus, they freeze well for stress-free meals later!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Servings: 3

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

Serving Suggestions: These Broccoli Rice Balls can be served as a snack, lunch, or side dish. Pair them with a dipping sauce like marinara or yogurt-based dressings for added flavor, or with fruits or veggies.
Batch Cooking: This recipe is great for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze the extras for quick meals on busy days.
Texture Tip: For a crispier exterior, consider baking the rice balls on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow air circulation around them.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 279mg, Potassium: 194mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 646IU, Vitamin C: 27mg, Calcium: 300mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @reallittlemeals or tag #reallittlemeals!

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About Ashley

As a mom to two, I know how stressful feeding little ones can be. That’s why I love helping other parents provide simple, healthy meals that your toddler and whole family will love. From quick and easy snacks, to full meals, I’ve got your mealtimes covered.

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