Description
These crispy broccoli cheese balls are the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer! Made with fresh broccoli, gooey cheddar cheese, and a crunchy coating, they are easy to prepare and can be baked, fried, or air-fried. Whether you’re serving them for a party, as a side dish, or just as a quick snack, they are sure to be a crowd favorite. Pair them with a delicious dipping sauce like ranch or sriracha mayo for extra flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup flour (for coating)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1 additional egg (for coating)
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Let them cool, then finely chop.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in flour, dip it in beaten egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the balls lightly with oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or sriracha mayo!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the balls with breadcrumbs before cooking.
- To make them gluten-free, use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a cheesier bite, add extra mozzarella in the center of each ball before rolling.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Keywords: broccoli cheese balls, crispy appetizer, baked broccoli bites, fried cheese balls, easy snack recipe, vegetarian appetizer, party food