Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

Name: Broccoli Cheese Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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).

Introducing a snack that's set to revolutionize your taste buds 🌟! Our Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are a game-changer, blending the nutritious, green goodness of broccoli with the rich, comforting taste of cheese 🧀. The secret? A dash of smoked paprika that adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the cheese's depth and complementing the broccoli's freshness. Crunchy on the outside, with a heart of molten cheese and vibrant broccoli, these balls are a testament to how contrasting textures and flavors can create magic. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, they're not just delicious; they're a conversation starter. 🥦✨

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.

By Zaho

Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:42:28 GMT

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Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls served on a plate with a dipping sauce | myhomemaderecipe.com

Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: A Cheesy Delight

Are you in search of the perfect appetizer that combines the healthiness of vegetables with the irresistible allure of cheese? Look no further than these Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of broccoli mixed with the rich flavors of Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta cheeses. Fried to golden perfection, these cheese balls are sure to become a favorite at parties, family gatherings, or even as a tasty snack. Let's dive into the ingredients and discover how to make this delectable dish.

Ingredients

1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a healthy touch and a nice texture to the cheese balls.
1 cup shredded Colby cheese: Adds a mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy taste that complements the other cheeses.
4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks: Adds a rich, creamy consistency to the cheese mixture.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor.
2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided: These breadcrumbs create a light, crispy coating.
1 egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind the cheese and broccoli mixture together.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the cheese balls before frying.
2 eggs, lightly beaten: Used for coating the cheese balls before they are rolled in Panko crumbs.
Vegetable or canola oil: Necessary for deep frying, giving the cheese balls a golden, crispy exterior.

Instructions

Step 1: Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool before handling.
Step 2: Chop the Broccoli: Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients: Add shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 lightly beaten egg to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Form the Balls: Shape the mixture into balls using about a tablespoon per ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Prepare for Frying: Set up a breading station with bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and remaining Panko crumbs.
Step 6: Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot to 375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Step 7: Bread the Balls: Coat each ball in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and roll in Panko crumbs to coat evenly.
Step 8: Fry the Balls: Fry in small batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Turn occasionally for even cooking.
Step 9: Drain and Serve: Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli. Pair with fresh veggies for a colorful appetizer spread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Add Protein: Mix in crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the mixture.
Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or blue cheese for unique flavors.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko crumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.

Broccoli Cheese Delight

Experience the joy of biting into our Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls, where the delightful crunch meets the creamy, bold flavors of cheese and the fresh, earthy essence of broccoli. A true culinary masterpiece that promises to elevate your snack time.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12-14 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets.

02 1 cup shredded Colby cheese.

03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

04 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks.

05 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.

06 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided.

07 1 egg, lightly beaten.

08 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.

09 2 eggs, lightly beaten.

10 Vegetable or canola oil (for frying).

Instructions

Step 01

Steam the broccoli florets until slightly softened. Allow them to cool before handling.

Step 02

Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small pieces, about 1/4-inch or less. Place the chopped broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Add the shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta chunks, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs, and 1 lightly beaten egg to the bowl with the broccoli. Mix well to combine.

Step 04

Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls, using about a rounded tablespoon of the mixture for each ball. You should get approximately 12-14 balls. Place the formed balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 05

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with the flour, one with the remaining 2 lightly beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, and the third with the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs.

Step 06

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.

Step 07

Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the refrigerator. Coat each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with Panko crumbs.

Step 08

Fry the balls in batches of about 4 at a time, cooking until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 09

Remove the fried balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.

Notes

Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious appetizer or snack that combines the goodness of broccoli with the richness of cheese. Perfectly fried to a golden brown, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.