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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli by steaming until it reaches a tender-crisp consistency, then allow to cool completely.
- Mince the cooled broccoli into fine 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) pieces, transferring to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the chopped broccoli with Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, Panko breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg, mixing thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Carefully form the mixture into uniform spheres using approximately one rounded tablespoon per ball, aiming to create 12-14 consistent portions.
- Chill the formed balls on a plate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- 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.
- Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a Dutch oven, ensuring approximately two inches (5 cm) of oil depth.
- Individually coat each chilled ball by first rolling in flour, then dipping in egg mixture, and finally covering completely with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully fry the breaded balls in small batches, rotating to ensure even golden-brown coloration on all surfaces.
- 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