Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that will forever change the way you think about broccoli – Broccoli Cheese Balls! These crispy, golden nuggets of joy are a delightful fusion of fresh broccoli florets, three types of gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, all encased in a crunchy panko crust. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy night in, these little morsels are guaranteed to steal the show.

Picture this – a platter of Broccoli Cheese Balls nestled next to a variety of dipping sauces, each bite revealing a tantalizing blend of melty cheese and vibrant broccoli. Whether you’re a broccoli enthusiast or a skeptic, these bites are sure to win you over with their irresistible flavor and addictive texture.

One of the best parts about these Broccoli Cheese Balls is their versatility. Whether you fry them to golden perfection, air-fry them for a healthier twist, or bake them to crispy perfection, they never fail to impress. So go ahead, give these delightful broccoli bombs a try, and get ready to watch them disappear within minutes at your next gathering!

Quick Benefits

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The contrast of crunchy panko exterior with melty three-cheese interior and fresh broccoli creates a flavor bomb that disappears from appetizer trays within minutes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for preparing ahead, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying or freeze for up to 3 months, making them ideal for entertaining and unexpected guests.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Not just for deep frying, you can air fry or bake them for a healthier alternative. They may not be as crispy as the fried version, but they still deliver on flavor and that satisfying cheese pull.
• Customizable Additions: Enhance the flavor with cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions for a personalized touch to these already delicious broccoli cheese balls.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe Recipe

• The crispy exterior and gooey three-cheese interior create a perfect flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more.
• These broccoli cheese balls are a sneaky way to get picky eaters to enjoy their greens, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• The make-ahead option allows for stress-free party planning, making them ideal for entertaining or unexpected guests.
• The recipe’s adaptability to different cooking methods, such as air frying or baking, ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious snack, regardless of dietary preferences.
• The surprise factor of the melting cheese inside will delight guests and family members alike, making them perfect for gatherings and parties.
• Pairing the broccoli cheese balls with various dipping sauces or serving them alongside other finger foods elevates any appetizer spread or light lunch.
• Customizing the recipe with additional ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions allows for endless flavor possibilities to suit different tastes.
• Refrigerating the balls before frying ensures they hold their shape and cook evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy yet gooey cheese balls.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, heaping
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe

Step 1: Steam Broccoli

Steam broccoli until it is slightly tender, then allow it to cool.

Step 2: Finely Chop Broccoli

Chop broccoli finely into 1/4-inch or smaller pieces and place in a large bowl.

Step 3: Prepare Mixture

Combine cheeses, crushed red pepper, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 beaten egg with the broccoli, stirring to mix.

Step 4: Shape Balls

Shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon per ball. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Breading Stations

Prepare three bowls: one with flour, another with 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, and a third with the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs.

Step 6: Heat Oil

Fill a Dutch oven or heavy pot with about 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°F, using a thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Step 7: Bread and Fry Balls

Take broccoli balls out of the fridge. Coat each in flour, dip in egg mixture, then cover with Panko crumbs. Fry 4 balls at once until golden brown all over.

Step 8: Drain and Serve

Place the fried balls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve while warm.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious broccoli cheese balls, it is important to store them properly to maintain their quality. If you plan to serve them within 24 hours, you can refrigerate the unbreaded balls before frying. Simply cover them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bread and fry them. For longer storage, you can freeze the breaded balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can fry the balls directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

When it comes to serving the broccoli cheese balls, they can be elevated even further with the right dipping sauce. Consider pairing them with options like spicy ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or sriracha mayo to enhance their flavor. These cheese balls are versatile and can be served alongside other finger foods for a complete appetizer spread, or they can be a standout addition to a soup and salad lunch. Additionally, if you prefer to avoid deep frying, you can opt for air frying or baking them in the oven, ensuring they are cooked to perfection and ready to delight your guests with their gooey cheese center and crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with diced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Additionally, for a spicy kick, consider swapping the crushed red pepper flakes for diced fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the Panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This swap will ensure the same crispy texture without compromising the taste of the broccoli cheese balls.

For a lactose-free alternative, use dairy-free cheese shreds and a plant-based substitute for the Velveeta cheese. This adjustment will allow individuals with lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet to enjoy these delicious broccoli cheese balls without sacrificing the gooey, melty cheese filling.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive presentation, skewer the broccoli cheese balls on small toothpicks before serving. This way, guests can easily grab a bite-sized portion and dip it into their favorite sauce without making a mess. The skewers also make for a visually appealing appetizer display, perfect for a party or gathering.

For a twist on traditional sliders, sandwich a warm broccoli cheese ball between two small toasted buns with a dollop of marinara sauce or ranch dressing. This unique mini sandwich will be a hit at any casual get-together or game day spread, offering a delicious combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.

FAQs for Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before chopping.

Can I bake the broccoli cheese balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Can I add other ingredients to the broccoli cheese balls for more flavor?

Absolutely! Cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions can enhance the flavor further.

What type of oil should I use for frying the broccoli cheese balls?

Vegetable or canola oil works perfectly as they have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point for frying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Broccoli Cheese Balls are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a sneaky and delicious way to get some greens into even the pickiest eaters. The crispy exterior paired with the melty cheese and fresh broccoli interior creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a cozy night in, or just a fun snack, these cheese balls are sure to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for rolling and frying, and get ready to indulge in these addictive Broccoli Cheese Balls. With their versatility in preparation and serving options, you can enjoy them in various settings and make them a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t be surprised if these become a requested favorite among your friends and family – they’re just that good!

Cheesy Broccoli Balls Recipe

“Transform simple ingredients into irresistible bites with these crispy and gooey broccoli cheese balls, a perfect flavor explosion for any gathering.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time60 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time75 Minutes

CuisineSouthern

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12-14 balls

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, heaping
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Steam Broccoli: Steam broccoli until it is slightly tender, then allow it to cool.
2. Finely Chop Broccoli: Chop broccoli finely into 1/4-inch or smaller pieces and place in a large bowl.
3. Prepare Mixture: Combine cheeses, crushed red pepper, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 beaten egg with the broccoli, stirring to mix.
4. Shape Balls: Shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon per ball. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Prepare Breading Stations: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, another with 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, and a third with the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs.
6. Heat Oil: Fill a Dutch oven or heavy pot with about 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°F, using a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
7. Bread and Fry Balls: Take broccoli balls out of the fridge. Coat each in flour, dip in egg mixture, then cover with Panko crumbs. Fry 4 balls at once until golden brown all over.
8. Drain and Serve: Place the fried balls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve while warm.