Broccoli Cheese Balls: A Delicious and Cheesy Snack
Broccoli Cheese Balls are a fun, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties, appetizers, or even a light lunch. These crispy, golden bites are made with broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, delivering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a gooey, cheesy center. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a great way to sneak in some veggies, making them kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make delicious Broccoli Cheese Balls that are packed with flavor and texture, along with tips for making them baked or fried.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of melted cheese with tender broccoli is irresistible.
- Crispy on the Outside: Whether baked or fried, these balls get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy inside.
- Great for Snacking: These bites are perfect for serving as party appetizers, snacks, or even as a side dish.
- Vegetable Packed: A tasty way to get more veggies into your meals!
Key Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup additional breadcrumbs for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)
- Dipping sauce (ranch, marinara, or your favorite dip)
Directions:
- Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until they are tender (about 4-5 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the Broccoli: Finely chop the cooked broccoli into small pieces. This will help the mixture hold together better when forming the balls.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Continue forming the rest of the mixture into balls, placing them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in the additional breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This step will give the balls a crispy exterior when cooked.
Cooking Methods:
For Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the Balls: Arrange the coated broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
For Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully add the broccoli cheese balls to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the broccoli cheese balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
Tips for Making Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Drain the Broccoli Well: Make sure the broccoli is well-drained and dried to prevent the balls from becoming too wet or falling apart.
- Don’t Overcrowd When Frying: If frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy balls.
- Make Them Ahead: You can form the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking or frying.
Nutritional Information (Per Ball)
- Calories: Approximately 90-110 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty, fun way to enjoy vegetables with a cheesy twist. Whether you choose to bake them for a lighter option or fry them for extra crispiness, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and watch them disappear!
