Welcome back to our blog! Today, we’re excited to share a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering: Broccoli Cheese Balls. These tasty morsels are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Vegetable or Canola oil for frying
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are slightly softened. Allow them to cool.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli into 1/4-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Add the shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta chunks, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs, and the beaten egg to the bowl with the broccoli. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Using about a rounded tablespoon of the mixture for each ball, shape the mixture into balls. You should end up with 12-14 balls.
- Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating Stations
- Set up three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
- Bowl 3: 2 cups of Panko crumbs
Step 5: Fry the Balls
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with Panko crumbs.
- Fry the balls in batches, ensuring they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Once fried, drain the balls on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Broccoli Cheese Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun snack for the family.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 balls
Enjoy these cheesy, crispy delights and let us know how they turned out for you! If you tried this recipe, share your photos and feedback in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful fusion of tender broccoli and melting cheese, encased in a crispy Panko crust. This appetizer is not just tasty but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any party or gathering.
Ingredients
1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetable or Canola oil for frying
Instructions
Steam broccoli until slightly softened. Let cool.
Finely chop broccoli to 1/4-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
Add Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 beaten egg. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each. Aim for 12-14 balls.
Refrigerate the balls on a plate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon water, and one with 2 cups Panko crumbs.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375 degrees.
Coat each ball in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat in Panko crumbs.
Fry the balls in batches until golden brown on all sides.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150