Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls make a fantastic appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or a tasty treat. They combine the earthy flavors of broccoli with rich cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Here’s how to make these delicious bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)
- 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
- 3 eggs, divided (1 lightly beaten for the mixture, 2 lightly beaten for coating)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable or Canola oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender. Finely chop the steamed broccoli and ensure it’s well drained.
- Mix the Cheese Ball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and Velveeta chunks. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and 1 lightly beaten egg to help bind the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Cheese Balls:
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the broccoli cheese mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue until all the mixture is used. You should get around 20-24 balls depending on the size.
- Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Place the flour, the remaining 2 lightly beaten eggs, and 2 cups of Panko crumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
- Roll each broccoli cheese ball in flour, shake off the excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko crumbs. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to completely submerge the cheese balls.
- Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Fry the broccoli cheese balls in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the fried broccoli cheese balls hot with your choice of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Making Ahead: These can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before frying. You can also freeze them before frying and fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the broccoli cheese balls at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through baking.
Conclusion:
These fried broccoli cheese balls are a crowd-pleaser with their creamy inside and crunchy exterior. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a fun and tasty snack, these cheese balls are sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious combination of broccoli and melted cheese in every bite!