Broccoli Cheese Balls

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect appetizer or snack, these Broccoli Cheese Balls are about to become your go-to recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness, they’re an irresistible way to enjoy broccoli. Made with fresh broccoli, gooey melted cheese, and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, these little bites pack tons of flavor and texture into each bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, adding them to your weeknight dinner as a fun side dish, or just looking for a delicious snack to satisfy those cravings, broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients and a little prep work to turn out a tray of hot, golden, cheesy broccoli bites. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal in a way that everyone will love. Even picky eaters and kids who normally avoid vegetables can’t resist the crispy coating and cheesy center of these broccoli cheese balls. And for anyone following a vegetarian diet, these make a fantastic meat-free snack or side.

In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious broccoli cheese balls, from preparing the broccoli to forming the balls and frying (or baking) them to golden perfection. I’ll also share tips on how to customize the flavors, make them gluten-free, and store or reheat any leftovers (if there are any!). So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make these irresistibly cheesy broccoli bites.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These broccoli cheese balls are guaranteed to disappear fast, making them a great option for parties, family gatherings, or game day.

Crispy on the Outside, Cheesy on the Inside: The combination of a crispy breadcrumb coating and gooey, melted cheese inside is totally satisfying and delicious.

Vegetable-Packed: These bites are a fun way to add more veggies to your diet, especially for kids or picky eaters who aren’t usually fans of broccoli.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginners and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen skills.

Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses, add spices, or even bake instead of frying to make these broccoli cheese balls your own.

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Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (per batch)
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 20-24 broccoli cheese balls
• Serving Size: 1-2 balls per person

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

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Ingredients

For the Broccoli Cheese Balls:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 small head of broccoli)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Breading and Frying:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)

Optional Garnishes and Dipping Sauces:

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Spicy aioli

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Place the broccoli florets in the boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
2. Drain and Cool: Drain the broccoli and transfer it to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain the broccoli’s bright green color. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then drain and pat dry.
3. Chop the Broccoli: Finely chop the blanched broccoli into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to form them into balls with the cheese mixture.

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Cheese Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix Well: Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if it’s too dry, add an extra egg or a little more cheese. If it’s too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 20-24 balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Bread the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Set Up a Breading Station: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Season each bowl lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
2. Coat the Balls: Take each broccoli cheese ball and roll it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place the breaded balls back on the baking sheet.
3. Repeat: Continue with the rest of the broccoli cheese balls until they’re all breaded and ready to fry.

Step 4: Fry the Broccoli Cheese Balls

1. Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a large skillet or pot to cover the balls halfway (about 1-2 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add a few broccoli cheese balls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining balls in batches, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish: Transfer the broccoli cheese balls to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for a delicious contrast in flavor.

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How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Balls

These Broccoli Cheese Balls make an excellent appetizer or snack and pair well with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some serving ideas to get you started:

• With Marinara Sauce: Serve with warm marinara sauce for a classic, cheesy pairing that complements the flavors of the broccoli and cheese.
• With Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy ranch dip balances the crispy, cheesy goodness of the balls.
• With Spicy Aioli: For a kick, serve with a spicy aioli made by mixing mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha or hot sauce.
• On a Party Platter: Arrange the broccoli cheese balls on a platter with other appetizers like mozzarella sticks, stuffed mushrooms, or veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack table.
• With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal or side dish.

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Additional Tips for Success

1. Chop the Broccoli Finely: Smaller broccoli pieces make it easier to shape the mixture into balls and help them hold together better when frying.
2. Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: Blanching and cooling the broccoli in ice water helps maintain its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
3. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss for unique flavors. A combination of cheeses works great, too!
4. Adjust the Binding Ingredients: If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or Parmesan. If it’s too dry, add an extra egg or a splash of milk.
5. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs, giving the balls a satisfying crispiness.

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Recipe Variations

1. Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: For a lighter option, bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Balls: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Almond flour is also a great option for breading.
3. Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Broccoli Balls: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with cheddar.
4. Vegan Broccoli Cheese Balls: Substitute vegan cheese and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a binding agent. Coat with a mixture of ground nuts and breadcrumbs for the breading.
5. Bacon Broccoli Cheese Balls: Add chopped, cooked bacon to the mixture for an extra savory flavor. This variation is perfect for bacon lovers!

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Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover broccoli cheese balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These cheese balls freeze well! Place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat the balls in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again.

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Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Pot: For frying the broccoli cheese balls.
• Slotted Spoon: To remove the balls from the hot oil and drain excess oil.
• Food Processor (Optional): To finely chop the broccoli, making prep quicker and easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these broccoli cheese balls without frying?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or air-fry them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just thaw, drain, and pat the broccoli dry before chopping and adding to the mixture. Frozen broccoli may be a bit softer, but it works just fine.

3. What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has a sharp flavor. Mozzarella, gouda, and Swiss are also great options. Feel free to mix different cheeses for added flavor!

4. Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roll them into balls and cook.

5. How do I make them extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs in the breading mixture and frying at the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) will help achieve maximum crispiness.

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Conclusion

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and fun way to enjoy a classic combination of flavors: broccoli and cheese. With a crispy coating and a warm, gooey center, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a snack, or even a side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. The recipe is simple, versatile, and easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Try different cheeses, add spices, or even bake them for a healthier version—you’ll love how customizable these broccoli cheese balls are.

Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a fantastic way to make veggies exciting and appealing. Even if you’re not a huge broccoli fan, these cheesy, crispy bites might just change your mind. So why not whip up a batch of these Broccoli Cheese Balls and watch them disappear? They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and veggie goodness, all wrapped up in a crunchy, cheesy bite. Enjoy!

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