How to Make the Perfect Baked Falafel Balls
Middle Eastern · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
These baked falafel balls are a kid friendly recipe that sneaks in plant-based protein without any fuss. Kids love rolling them into balls and dipping them in creamy sauce.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Falafel Balls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 15 oz canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Process the Mixture
Add chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin and salt to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly but not pureed, keeping some texture.
Step 2: Shape the Falafel
Stir in flour and form the mixture into 12 small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place on a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Brush falafel with olive oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes flipping halfway through until golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 4: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Serve warm falafel balls with hummus or yogurt sauce for dipping. Kids love using toothpicks to dip these fun little bites.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all-purpose flour → chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free and add more protein
- fresh parsley → fresh cilantro for a slightly different herby flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using wet chickpeas straight from the can without drying them which makes falafel fall apart
- Over-processing the chickpeas into a paste instead of keeping a crumbly texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 10g protein, 30g carbs, 8g fat, 6g fiber.
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