Description
A crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible appetizer, Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect snack for any occasion. These bite-sized delights feature fresh broccoli, a blend of melty cheeses, and a crunchy Panko coating, making them a hit at parties, game nights, or as a fun way to enjoy your veggies. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear within minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small chunks
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 ¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for coating)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain again and finely chop the broccoli.
-
Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta chunks, red pepper flakes, and 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs.
- Stir in 1 lightly beaten egg to bind the mixture together.
-
Shape the Cheese Balls:
- Form the mixture into small balls (about golf ball-sized).
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set aside.
-
Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Flour
- 2 lightly beaten eggs
- Remaining 1 ¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Roll each cheese ball in the flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
-
Fry Until Golden & Crispy:
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Notes
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cheese Substitutions: Use Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for extra spice.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheating: Use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked cheese balls on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American