Introduction to Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
Are you looking for a tasty treat that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than these delicious Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls! As a busy mom, I know how important it is to find quick solutions for a hectic day. These bite-sized snacks not only pack a punch of flavor but also sneak in some nutritious broccoli. Picture this: a crispy exterior giving way to a gooey, cheesy center. It’s perfect for impressing your friends at gatherings or simply delighting your loved ones at dinner. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are a game-changer for busy lifestyles! They’re quick to prep and cook, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute snack cravings. The combination of cheeses creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, with broccoli hidden in every bite, you’ll feel good about serving these to your family. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
To create these mouthwatering Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls, you’ll need a delightful mix of ingredients that work together seamlessly. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show! This vibrant green veggie adds nutrition and flavor. Ensure they are fresh for the best taste.
- Shredded Colby cheese: This cheese brings a mild, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Known for its sharpness, cheddar provides a taste that makes you go “wow!” when combined with broccoli.
- Velveeta: This creamy cheese adds a rich, gooey texture that’s just irresistible in every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A hint of spice! Adjust the amount based on your family’s heat tolerance.
- Panko crumbs: These crispy crumbs give the balls their unforgettable crunch. They’re lighter than regular bread crumbs.
- Egg: Used for binding all the delicious ingredients together.
- All-purpose flour: This helps in breading the balls and achieving that perfect crispy coating.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Essential for frying! These oils have high smoke points, making them ideal for cooking.
All the ingredient quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Feel free to mix and match or substitute with your favorite cheeses or gluten-free options. The flexibility of this recipe is one of its many charms!
How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
Let’s get cooking! Making Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls is straightforward and fun. Follow my simple steps, and soon you’ll have a plate full of deliciousness ready to impress your family and friends.
Prepare the Broccoli
First things first: we need to prep our broccoli.
Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they’re slightly tender, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step ensures they cook evenly later on. Once done, let them cool on a plate for a few minutes.
Now, the real magic happens when you chop! Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small pieces, about 1/4 inch or less. This helps everything mix together beautifully and cook evenly in the frying process.
Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add in the chopped broccoli.
Now it’s time for flavor town! Toss in the shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chunks of Velveeta. The combination of these cheeses adds layers of creaminess and flavor that you’ll adore.
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, followed by 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs and one lightly beaten egg. Mix it all together with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined. Every bite needs to be full of flavor!
Shape the Cheese Balls
It’s ball-formation time!
Using your hands, shape the mixture into rounded balls, about the size of a golf ball. Each one should take about a rounded tablespoon of the mixture. You should end up with 12-14 balls.
Here’s a little tip: placing the formed balls on a plate and refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes helps firm them up. It’s a game-changer for achieving that perfect texture when frying!
Breading Station Setup
To create that crispy outer layer, you’ll need a breading station.
Set up three bowls: one for flour, one for two lightly beaten eggs mixed with a tablespoon of water, and the last for the remaining Panko crumbs. Having this organized makes it easier to coat your cheese balls.
Start with the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with those delicious Panko crumbs. This order ensures a perfect crispiness for our balls!
Heat the Oil
Now comes the sizzling part! In a Dutch oven or heavy pot, pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil.
Heat the oil until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Trust me; a thermometer will be your best friend here! Proper oil temperature is key to achieving that golden brown, crispy exterior.
Frying the Balls
Once the oil is hot, it’s frying time!
Carefully drop 4 balls into the hot oil at a time. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning every now and then. You want them golden brown on all sides, just like the perfect snack should be.
Draining and Serving
After frying, it’s essential to drain the excess oil from the balls.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, letting any extra oil drip off. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb the excess oil and keep them crispy!
And there you have it! Serve your Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls hot, and watch them disappear right before your eyes!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your broccoli is chopped finely for even cooking and easy mixing.
- Chill the formed balls for at least 30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for the perfect golden crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; fry in batches for even cooking.
- Experiment with spices to customize the flavor to your family’s taste!
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients. A sturdy bowl works well if you don’t have a mixing one.
- Steamer or Pot: To steam broccoli. A simple pot with a lid will do!
- Dutch Oven: Perfect for frying. You can use any heavy pot that can withstand high heat.
- Thermometer: To check oil temperature; a basic kitchen thermometer is perfect.
- Slotted Spoon: For removing the cheese balls from hot oil, any spoon with holes will work!
Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some feta or mozzarella for an extra cheesy twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for a fiery flavor!
- Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Panko crumbs and flour for a safe alternative.
- Nutritious Add-ins: Toss in some finely chopped spinach or kale for an added nutrient boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, ranch, or a tangy yogurt dip for an extra flavor boost!
- Salad Pairing: A fresh green salad brightens the meal and balances the richness of the cheese balls.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange the crispy balls on a colorful platter for a visually appealing spread.
FAQs about Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
Can I make Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese balls, shape them, and then refrigerate them for up to a day before frying. Another great option is to freeze them before frying for later use. Just make sure to give them a little extra cooking time if they’re frozen when you fry!
What can I serve with these cheese balls?
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are excellent on their own, but pairing them with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch takes them to the next level! They also make a perfect match with fresh salads to bring balance to the meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cheese balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 days. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven to regain some crispiness!
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before chopping it. This helps to prevent excess moisture which can affect the texture of the cheese balls.
What if my cheese balls don’t hold their shape?
If your Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls fall apart, it might be due to not enough binding agent. Ensure you’re using enough egg in your mixture, and refrigerating the balls for at least 30 minutes before frying will help them hold together better.
Final Thoughts
Making these Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls is pure joy! As I fry each batch, the delightful aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile. Watching my family dig in, their faces lighting up with every crunchy bite, is priceless. It’s one of those simple pleasures that brings everyone together over a plate of tasty goodness. Whether it’s a movie night or a quick appetizer before dinner, these little bites make any moment special. I hope they become a favorite in your home just as they have in mine!
Print
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are delightful bite-sized treats that combine broccoli, a trio of cheeses, and a crispy Panko coating, perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
- 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
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli florets until slightly softened. Allow them to cool before handling.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli into small pieces, about 1/4-inch or less. Place the chopped broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the shredded Colby cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta chunks, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs, and 1 lightly beaten egg to the bowl with the broccoli. Mix well to combine.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls, using about a rounded tablespoon of the mixture for each ball. You should get approximately 12-14 balls. Place the formed balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with the flour, one with the remaining 2 lightly beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, and the third with the remaining 2 cups of Panko crumbs.
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the refrigerator. Coat each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with Panko crumbs.
- Fry the balls in batches of about 4 at a time, cooking until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove the fried balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before frying for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
