Description
Golden, crispy broccoli cheese balls with a tender, cheesy center. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these balls are easy to make, flavorful, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli, lightly steamed and well drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil for baking or 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Lightly steam broccoli until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, 1 cup breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a compact ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place balls on a lined baking sheet, lightly brush or spray with olive oil. Bake 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- To fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry balls in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Substitute mozzarella for cheddar for a milder flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or finely chopped onions/bell peppers for texture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Air fryer option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in air fryer for 5–6 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 balls
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
