Looking for a tasty and creative way to enjoy broccoli? These crispy broccoli cheese bites are the perfect solution! Combining fresh broccoli with a blend of flavorful cheeses, these bite-sized delights are not only delicious but also easy to make. Ideal for parties, snacks, or even as a side dish, these broccoli cheese bites will have everyone reaching for more. Let’s get started on this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces of Velveeta, diced into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for coating)
- Vegetable or Canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green. After cooking, drain them and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Finely chop the broccoli and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta chunks, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs to the bowl with the chopped broccoli. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Balls: Add the lightly beaten egg to the broccoli and cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to bind the ingredients together. Shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized portions using your hands.
- Coat the Balls: Place the all-purpose flour in one shallow bowl, the 2 lightly beaten eggs in another, and the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs in a third bowl. Roll each broccoli cheese ball first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the Panko crumbs until fully coated.
- Fry the Balls: Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the broccoli cheese balls in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Each batch will require approximately 3-4 minutes to cook.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried broccoli cheese bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
These crispy broccoli cheese bites are a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering snack. The combination of tender broccoli and melty cheese encased in a crunchy Panko coating makes for a perfect appetizer or side dish. Easy to prepare and sure to please, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Try it out and watch these bites disappear as quickly as you can serve them !