Looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy your greens? These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are a perfect snack or appetizer that combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with the irresistible appeal of melted cheese. Packed with three types of cheese—Velveeta, Colby, and cheddar—and a crispy panko coating, these cheesy bites are a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a savory treat, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to please. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped finely
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, chopped finely
- 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of panko crumbs, plus additional for coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli and Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped steamed broccoli, Velveeta cheese, Colby cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the panko bread crumbs and red pepper flakes to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Shape the Cheese Balls:
- Using your hands, take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small ball. Continue shaping the mixture into balls until all of it is used up.
- Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with additional panko bread crumbs.
- Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the flour to coat lightly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the panko bread crumbs to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of 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 and turns golden, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Carefully add a few cheese balls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy broccoli cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of crunchy and cheesy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The blend of broccoli and three types of cheese creates a savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy panko coating. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to include more vegetables in your diet or just craving a cheesy snack, these cheese balls are sure to satisfy. Serve them fresh from the fryer and watch them disappear!
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls: A Delicious and Cheesy Snack
Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed and chopped finely
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese chopped finely
- 1 cup Colby cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup of panko crumbs plus additional for coating
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Cheese Mixture:
- o In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped steamed broccoli, Velveeta cheese, Colby cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- o Add the panko bread crumbs and red pepper flakes to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Shape the Cheese Balls:
- o Using your hands, take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small ball. Continue shaping the mixture into balls until all of it is used up.
- Coat the Cheese Balls:
- o Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with additional panko bread crumbs.
- o Roll each broccoli cheese ball in the flour to coat lightly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the panko bread crumbs to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil:
- o In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of 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 and turns golden, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Cheese Balls:
- o Carefully add a few cheese balls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- o Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- o Serve the crispy broccoli cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.