Quick & Tasty Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe Everyone Will Love

Broccoli cheese balls combine wholesome nutrition with irresistible comfort flavors that spark instant hunger.

Crispy exteriors and molten centers make these bite-sized delights a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack sensation.

Tender vegetables and melted dairy create a harmonious blend of textures that dance across your palate.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients craft ordinary produce into an extraordinary culinary experience you’ll crave repeatedly.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly these savory spheres come together with minimal preparation.

Simple techniques and accessible components guarantee success for kitchen novices and seasoned experts.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with a recipe that promises deliciousness in every golden-brown morsel.

Cheese Ball Recipes with a Twist

• Spicy Southwest Broccoli Poppers: Replace red pepper flakes with diced jalapeños and add ground cumin. Mix in crumbled cotija cheese for extra southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Broccoli Bites: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, and dried oregano. Substitute some Panko crumbs with crushed pine nuts for added texture.
• Protein-Packed Green Bombs: Fold in finely chopped cooked chicken or crumbled bacon. Use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for a protein boost and rich flavor profile.
• Ranch-Inspired Cheesy Spheres: Mix in dried ranch seasoning and use a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese. Serve with a homemade ranch dipping sauce for extra zesty enjoyment.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Worth Craving

• Boost Veggie Excitement: Transform boring broccoli into crispy, cheesy bite-sized balls that make healthy eating irresistibly fun for kids and adults alike.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These golden-brown balls are perfect party appetizers that come together easily and deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crunchy Panko coating and the soft, melty cheese interior that creates an addictive eating experience.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Serve as a game-day snack, potluck contribution, or quick dinner side that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredient Checklist for Cheese Balls

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh, green vegetable with a mild flavor and excellent nutrient profile.
• Colby Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta: Soft, melty cheeses that provide rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Egg: Crucial binding agent that helps hold the broccoli balls together.
• Panko Crumbs: Light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Flour: Helps create a dry surface for better coating adhesion.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the broccoli cheese balls.
• Water: Used to thin the egg mixture for smoother coating.
• Vegetable Oil: High-heat cooking oil for deep frying and achieving a crispy exterior.

How to Fry the Perfect Broccoli Ball

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Steam broccoli until it becomes slightly tender. Allow to cool completely. Chop finely into small 1/4-inch pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Cheese Mixture

• Colby cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Velveeta
• Red pepper flakes
• Panko crumbs
• Beaten egg

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Shape Bite-Sized Snacks

Form mixture into rounded balls using about per ball. Aim to create 12-14 uniform balls.

Step 4: Chill Broccoli Balls

Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 5: Set Up Coating Stations

• Bowl 1: Flour
• Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs mixed with water
• Bowl 3: Panko crumbs

Step 6: Coat Each Ball

Carefully coat each ball in the following order:

• Roll in flour
• Dip in egg mixture
• Cover with Panko crumbs

Step 7: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F. Fry balls in small batches until they turn golden brown on all sides.

Step 8: Drain and Serve

Place fried broccoli balls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Outside, Cheesy Inside

• Chop Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut broccoli into uniform 1/4-inch pieces for consistent texture and even cooking.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the formed balls for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying and prevent falling apart.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 375°F to ensure crispy exterior and fully melted cheese inside without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried balls on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping them crisp and preventing greasiness.
• Experiment with Cheese: Mix different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and added excitement.

Save and Reheat Cheese Balls with Ease

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy outside. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Best enjoyed within one month for optimal texture and flavor.

Dips and Sides That Go with Cheese Balls

• Unleash Wine Harmony: Pair these crispy broccoli cheese balls with a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the cheesy interior.
• Dip into Deliciousness: Serve with a zesty ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra flavor kick that elevates the appetizer's creamy texture.
• Beer Buddy Bliss: Grab a cold, hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale to balance the deep-fried goodness and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Salad Sidekick Strategy: Create a fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a light, refreshing contrast to the indulgent cheese balls.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory broccoli cheese balls bring Italian-inspired appetizer magic to your table. These crispy, golden bites pack rich cheesy flavor with tender broccoli, offering a delightful crowd-pleasing snack you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Velveeta, cut into small chunks

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 ¼ cups Panko crumbs, divided

Seasoning and Frying Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Vegetable or Canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli by steaming until it reaches a tender-crisp consistency, then allow to cool completely.
2. Mince the cooled broccoli into fine 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) pieces, transferring to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine the chopped broccoli with Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, Panko breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg, mixing thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Carefully form the mixture into uniform spheres using approximately one rounded tablespoon per ball, aiming to create 12-14 consistent portions.
5. Chill the formed balls on a plate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them firm up.
6. Create a three-stage breading station: first bowl with all-purpose flour, second bowl with two beaten eggs whisked with one tablespoon water, third bowl with two cups Panko breadcrumbs.
7. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a Dutch oven, ensuring approximately two inches (5 cm) of oil depth.
8. Individually coat each chilled ball by first rolling in flour, then dipping in egg mixture, and finally covering completely with Panko breadcrumbs.
9. Carefully fry the breaded balls in small batches, rotating to ensure even golden-brown coloration on all surfaces.
10. Transfer fried broccoli cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving warm.

Notes

• Chill the mixture before breading to help balls hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniformly sized balls, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
• Pat broccoli dry after steaming to remove excess moisture, which can make the balls soggy and difficult to form.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked Gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
• Maintain oil temperature around 375°F to achieve crispy, golden exterior without greasy or undercooked centers.
• Serve immediately after frying for maximum crunchiness and best taste, paired with ranch or marinara dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 247 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 362 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg