Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup additional breadcrumbs for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)
- Dipping sauce (ranch, marinara, or your favorite dip)
Directions:
- Cook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until they are tender (about 4-5 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the Broccoli: Finely chop the cooked broccoli into small pieces. This will help the mixture hold together better when forming the balls.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Continue forming the rest of the mixture into balls, placing them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in the additional breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This step will give the balls a crispy exterior when cooked.
Cooking Methods:
For Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the Balls: Arrange the coated broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
For Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully add the broccoli cheese balls to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the broccoli cheese balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Contents
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
Tips for Making Perfect Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Drain the Broccoli Well: Make sure the broccoli is well-drained and dried to prevent the balls from becoming too wet or falling apart.
- Don’t Overcrowd When Frying: If frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy balls.
- Make Them Ahead: You can form the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking or frying.
Nutritional Information (Per Ball)
- Calories: Approximately 90-110 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Balls are a tasty, fun way to enjoy vegetables with a cheesy twist. Whether you choose to bake them for a lighter option or fry them for extra crispiness, these broccoli cheese balls are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and watch them disappear!