Description
These crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls combine fresh broccoli, cheddar, and Parmesan into delicious bite-sized treats. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their crunchy exterior and cheesy interior. Enjoy them warm, garnished with fresh parsley!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Chop the florets into small pieces, aiming for about 1/4 inch pieces.
- Steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Use a steamer basket or a microwave-safe bowl with a little water covered with plastic wrap. Avoid overcooking.
- Let the broccoli cool for a few minutes, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Crack the two large eggs into the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Take a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Continue rolling until all the mixture is used, yielding about 15-20 cheese balls.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese balls to the skillet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, turning gently with tongs.
- Transfer the cooked cheese balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy warm as an appetizer or snack!
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the cheese balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Feel free to customize the spices and cheese to your liking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes