Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever visited my kitchen, you know I can never resist a good cheesy snack, and these Broccoli Cheese Balls have stolen my heart (and my taste buds!). I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy weekend when I wanted something tasty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Little did I know, I was about to discover my new favorite appetizer that not only pleases my palate but also sneakily adds a serving of veggies to the mix!
What I love most about these little morsels is their versatility; they make a fantastic snack for movie nights, a scrumptious appetizer for get-togethers, or even a hearty side dish to accompany your main meal. I remember the first time I served them at a gathering — they vanished off the table faster than I could blink! So, let’s dive into what makes these delightful bites so irresistible.
What’s in Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Let’s get to the good stuff and talk about what goes into making these heavenly treats.
Broccoli Florets: Whether you choose fresh or frozen, you’ll need about 2 cups of these vibrant greens. If you use fresh, make sure to steam them until tender, while frozen just needs a good chop after thawing.
Cheddar Cheese: This is the star of the show! One cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds that classic cheesy goodness we crave.
Mozzarella Cheese: I use ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra melty goodness that pulls it all together.
Breadcrumbs: A half cup helps bind everything while keeping that delightful texture. Make sure to set aside more breadcrumbs for coating!
Parmesan Cheese: A touch of this savory cheese (¼ cup) adds depth of flavor and enriches the overall taste.
All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need ¼ cup to help bind the ingredients and give the balls that perfect consistency.
Eggs: Just two large eggs will help everything stick together beautifully.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add a flavor punch; a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of onion powder are all you need!
Paprika: A half teaspoon, please! It brings some color and (just a hint of) spice to the party.
Salt and Pepper: To taste — let’s be real, seasoning is key!
Oil for Frying: You can use vegetable or canola oil — just enough to fry those balls to crispy perfection.
Is Broccoli Cheese Balls Good for You?
Well, this is the kind of dish that allows you to indulge without the guilt! It’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli, which is loaded with vitamins K, C, and A. The cheeses add calcium to your diet, helping with bone health. Just be mindful of how many of these babies you eat because, well, they are fried! If you’re looking for a healthier twist, consider baking them instead.
Also, if you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium cheese and adjust the salt accordingly. But let’s not kid ourselves, they’re fried cheese balls — they are intended to be a treat!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how snack-happy everyone is!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls?
Alright, let’s get to the fun part — how to whip up these scrumptious little bites!
1. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it until it’s tender (about 5 minutes) then let it cool and chop finely. For frozen, just thaw and chop.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there and mix it all together until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small balls, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If it’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up.
4. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat them completely.
5. In a deep fryer or a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for best results!
6. Fry the balls for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to cook evenly.
7. Once they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Serve these hot and crispy broccoli cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara or ranch, anyone?
Cheesy Tips & Serving Suggestions
I love to experiment with these balls! You can add in various spices like cayenne for heat or herbs like basil for extra flavor. If you want to make them in advance, just freeze them, and fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to indulge!
And don’t forget to have a dipping sauce on standby — it takes these bad boys to another level of tasty!
Trust me, once you try these Broccoli Cheese Balls, you’ll be making them on repeat! Let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share your unique twists! I can’t wait to hear about your dining adventures!
