Okay, picture this: Is it Is it a busy weeknight, the kids are STARVING, and you need something quick, easy and (dare I say) fun? Is it healthy to Where are these amazing people?Broccoli Cheese Balls –Come to the rescue! Is it true that these little bites of cheesy goodness are good for your pickiest eater? What are some fun twists on mac and cheese? Why are frozen appetizers so much better than frozen ones? Is it a win-win situation?
What are Broccoli cheese balls?
What exactly are you?Broccoli Cheese Balls. BroWhat are some of the best bites with broccoli? What is a mixture of cooked broccoli and cheddar cheese? ), breadcrumbs, and seasonings, all rolled into little balls and then baked or fried until golden brown. What is the name of a book? What are some good ways to sneak veggies into your kids’ diet? What are appetizers for parties or gatherings? Can you serve them as a side dish with your favorite main course? What are some of the most versatile dishes to serve?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love most about these are how surprisingly simple they are to make. I don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. What is the ingredient list? And of course, the taste is amazing! What is the combination of cheesy goodness and bitter broccoli? Plus, you can customize them to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or even a little bit of color. Who doesn’t love bacon?
Why do you obsess over something?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the best way to serve broccoli with cheddar cheese? Is it addictive?
- Super Simple:Is this recipe easy to make?
- Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients to make these without breaking the bank?
- Versatile:What are some great side dishes to serve as an appetizer? Is it safe to pack them in a lunchbox?
What are some good cheesy snacks like Mozzarella Sticks or cheese fries?Broccoli Cheese Balls. BroWhat is a healthier alternative? They’re also a hit at potlucks and game-day parties. What are some of the best appetizers you’ve ever made?
How do you make Broccoli cheese balls?
Quick Overview
How do I make these cheesy delights? You basically cook the broccoli, mix it with cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, roll the mixture. What is the best way to make a ball, and then bake or fry it until golden brown. How do I chop broccoli finely so it blends well with the other ingredients? Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process, it’s easier than you think. Is this a fun recipe for the whole family?
Ingredients
For the main mixture:
- 1 large head of broccoli, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I like using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor) (no stoutness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko bread crumbs give them a nice crunch)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- What is the best Parmesan cheese to eat?
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (this helps bind everything together)
- What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
For the Coating (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. 1 teaspoon bread
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 14 cup Par
Oil for Frying or Baking Spray:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (if you choose to fry them) or non-stick cooking spray for baking.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Is it safe to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray? If you’re frying, get your oil heating in a deep fryer or large pot to 350F.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
What are some options for you? Is it safe to steam broccoli for 5-7 minutes? Make sure it’s not mushy! Is it safe to blanch a chicken in boiling water for about 3 minutes? To stop the cooking process, to an ice bath. How can you keep a vivid green color? Drain broccoli well, squeezing out any excess water.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, and salt. Stir to combine. What are the ingredients for cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder and salt? Mix everything together until well combined. What are some good ways to add crumbled bacon to a recipe?
Step 4: Roll Into Balls
What is the best way to roll broccoli into a ball? Can you make them any size you like, but I find that about 1-inch in diameter is perfect. Repeat with remaining mixture. How do I get my hands dirty in this step?
Step 5: Coat (Optional)
If you want an extra crispy coating, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. How do you roll broccoli balls in breadcrumbs?
Step 6: Bake or Fry
If baking, place the broccoli balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If frying, carefully drop the broccoli balls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove the Broccoli Cheese Balls from the oven or fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a simple aioli.
What to Serve It With
These Broccoli Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile, so you can serve them in so many different ways!
- As an appetizer: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing party snack. Ranch, marinara, and honey mustard are always a hit!
- As a side dish: Serve them alongside your favorite main course, such as chicken, fish, or steak. They pair well with just about anything!
- As a snack: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and easy snack. They’re perfect for satisfying those cheesy cravings!
- In lunchboxes: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a fun and nutritious treat.
We often eat these with a simple side salad for a light and balanced meal. You could also serve them with a bowl of Tomato Soup for a cozy and comforting lunch. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! It all depends on your personal preference and what you’re in the mood for.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Broccoli Cheese Balls
Want to make the BEST Broccoli Cheese Balls ever? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Make sure the broccoli is tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will make the Broccoli Cheese Balls soggy.
- Squeeze out excess water: After cooking the broccoli, be sure to squeeze out any excess water. This will help the balls hold their shape.
- Use good-quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the taste! I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer: When frying, be careful not to overcrowd the fryer. This will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy Broccoli Cheese Balls.
- Get creative with the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. A little bit of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
- Add some bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that takes these Broccoli Cheese Balls to the next level.
- Freeze for later: These Broccoli Cheese Balls freeze beautifully! Simply roll them into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake or fry, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
I remember one time, I accidentally overcooked the broccoli, and the Broccoli Cheese Balls turned out super mushy. It was a total disaster! That’s when I learned the importance of not overcooking the broccoli and squeezing out any excess water. Lesson learned!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: As mentioned earlier, these Broccoli Cheese Balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might not be as crispy. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you want to recrisp them, you can pan-fry them again until they are golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for the best Broccoli Cheese Balls ever! I truly hope you and your family love them as much as we do. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit, no matter the occasion. If you’re looking for other fun and cheesy recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. And don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how yours turned out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking!
Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls: 7 Reasons They're Your New Go-To Snack!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Broccoli florets Steamed until tender
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar recommended
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large Egg Lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, panko bread crumbs, egg, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
