Broccoli Cheese Balls: Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Healthy Snack

Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delightful and nutritious snack that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and the creamy goodness of cheese. As someone who has always appreciated the art of cooking, I find these little bites to be a perfect blend of taste and texture. Originating from the need to make vegetables more appealing, these cheesy morsels have become a beloved dish in many households, especially among families looking to sneak in some greens for their kids.

What I love most about Broccoli Cheese Balls is their versatility; they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course when paired with a salad. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy center that is simply irresistible. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly convenient to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Join me as we explore the steps to create these scrumptious Broccoli Cheese Balls that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped finely
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Broccoli

First things first, let’s get our broccoli ready. I love using fresh broccoli for this recipe because it gives the cheese balls a vibrant color and a fresh taste.

1. Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
2. Next, chop the florets into small pieces. You want them finely chopped so they mix well with the other ingredients. I usually aim for about 1/4 inch pieces.
3. Once chopped, steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. You can use a steamer basket or a microwave-safe bowl with a little water covered with plastic wrap. Just make sure not to overcook it!
4. After steaming, let the broccoli cool for a few minutes, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent soggy cheese balls.

Preparing the Mixture

Now that our broccoli is ready, let’s move on to mixing everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. I like to use panko breadcrumbs because they add a nice crunch to the outside of the cheese balls.
2. Next, add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. You can use a spatula or your hands for this—just make sure to get everything mixed evenly.
3. Now, crack the two large eggs into the mixture. The eggs will act as a binder, helping to hold everything together. Mix again until the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.

Forming the Cheese Balls

With our mixture ready, it’s time to form the cheese balls. This part is super fun!

1. Using your hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. I like to make them about the size of a golf ball, but you can adjust the size to your preference.
2. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to transfer them to the frying pan later.
3. Continue rolling the mixture into balls until you’ve used up all the mixture. You should end up with about 15-20 cheese balls, depending on the size you make them.

Cooking Process

Now that we have our cheese balls ready, it’s time to cook them. You can either fry or bake them, but I prefer frying for that crispy texture!

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
2. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle), carefully add the cheese balls to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Fry the cheese balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to gently turn them over halfway through cooking.
4. Once they are cooked, transfer the cheese balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Assembling and Serving

Conclusion:

In summary, these Broccoli Cheese Balls are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a delicious and nutritious twist to their snack repertoire. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also offer a fantastic way to sneak in some greens, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike. The combination of crispy exteriors and gooey cheese centers creates a delightful texture that is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delightful bites with a zesty dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli, to elevate the flavor even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding different cheeses, spices, or even incorporating other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made your own batch of Broccoli Cheese Balls, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Print