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Broccoli Cheese Balls


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 balls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and cheesy appetizer that combines fresh broccoli with a blend of Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta cheeses. Fried to golden perfection, they are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfect for parties or as a snack, these balls make vegetables irresistible!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz Velveeta, cut into small chunks
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 ¼ cups Panko crumbs, divided
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 additional eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Steam the Broccoli:
    Steam broccoli until slightly softened, then let it cool. Finely chop broccoli into pieces about ¼-inch or smaller.
  2. Prepare the Mixture:
    In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, ¼ cup Panko crumbs, and 1 beaten egg. Mix well.
  3. Shape the Balls:
    Use about a rounded tablespoon of mixture for each ball, shaping it by hand. You should get around 12-14 balls. Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare Coating:
    Set up three bowls for coating. Add flour to the first bowl. In the second bowl, mix the 2 lightly beaten eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. Place the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs in the third bowl.
  5. Coat the Balls:
    Remove broccoli balls from the refrigerator, coat each one in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally roll in Panko crumbs.
  6. Fry the Balls:
    Pour about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot and heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry about 4 balls at a time, cooking until golden brown on all sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Enjoy these crispy, gooey, and cheesy broccoli balls as a tasty appetizer!

Notes

  • Refrigerating the balls before frying helps them maintain their shape.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg