Description
Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are golden-fried bites loaded with fresh broccoli and a trio of melted cheeses. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, they’re perfect snacks or party appetizers that are both crowd-pleasing and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (for breading)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Steam broccoli florets for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Cool completely.
- Finely chop broccoli and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add Colby, cheddar, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko, and 1 beaten egg. Mix well.
- Shape mixture into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and refrigerate for 30+ minutes.
- Set up breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and remaining Panko.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 375°F.
- Dredge each ball in flour, dip in egg, and roll in Panko.
- Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Serve hot.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite cheeses.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls, Appetizer, Snack, Vegetarian