Cheese broccoli balls are a tasty and easy way to enjoy cheese and broccoli in a bite-sized form. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and they are perfect for parties, game days, or snacks. You can make them with fresh or frozen broccoli, and use different types of cheese to suit your preference. You can also bake them instead of frying them, if you want a lighter option. Here is how you can make cheese broccoli balls at home with a few simple steps.
Ingredients
To make about 12 to 14 cheese broccoli balls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup of shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups of Panko bread crumbs, divided
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten, divided
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
Follow these instructions to make the cheese broccoli balls:
- In a large bowl, stir together the broccoli, Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta cheese, 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 egg, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl, the remaining 2 eggs in another shallow bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, and the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Coat the broccoli balls in flour, dip them in the egg mixture, and then roll them in the Panko crumbs. Fry them in batches of 4 or 5, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make the best cheese broccoli balls:
- You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before chopping and mixing it with the cheese.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese, depending on your preference and availability.
- You can add some cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped ham, or shredded chicken to the broccoli and cheese mixture for some extra protein and flavor.
- You can also add some fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, or some spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin, to the broccoli and cheese mixture for some extra flavor and aroma.
- You can bake the cheese broccoli balls instead of frying them, if you prefer a lighter option. To do so, spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and place the coated broccoli balls on it. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- You can serve the cheese broccoli balls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, barbecue, or honey mustard.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of cheese broccoli balls (about 3 balls) has the following nutrition facts:
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
- Sodium: 464 mg
- Potassium: 202 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 605 IU
- Vitamin C: 20.6 mg
- Calcium: 341 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Questions About Cheese Broccoli Balls
What kind of cheese should I use for cheese broccoli balls?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, colby, mozzarella, or Velveeta. You can also mix different cheeses for more flavor and texture.
How do I make cheese broccoli balls crispy and golden?
You can coat the cheese broccoli balls with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before frying or baking them. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are light and crunchy. You can find them in most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.
Can I make cheese broccoli balls ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, you can make the cheese broccoli balls ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, or fry them again for a few minutes.
Can I add other ingredients to cheese broccoli balls for more variety?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to cheese broccoli balls, such as bacon, ham, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, or corn. You can also serve them with different sauces, such as marinara, ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
conclusion
Cheese broccoli balls are a tasty and easy way to enjoy broccoli and cheese. They are perfect for parties, game days, or family meals. You can make them with fresh or frozen broccoli, and customize them with your favorite cheese and seasonings. They are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, and can be fried or baked. You can make them ahead of time and reheat them when needed. They are sure to be a hit with everyone!