Description
A delicious appetizer or snack that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. These Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (or bake in the oven)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then chop them finely. You should end up with about 2 cups of chopped broccoli. Let it cool slightly. - Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture holds together. - Form the Balls:
Using your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Fry or Bake:
Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the broccoli cheese balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Bake: If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Place the balls on the sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. - Serve:
Serve the broccoli cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these in advance and freeze the uncooked balls. When ready to serve, just fry or bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these broccoli cheese balls gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Frying/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg