Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy fried baslls with a melty broccoli and 3-cheese interior. They are amazing!!
Broccoli Cheese Balls make a delicious finger food for holiday parties or game day. Make them as an after school snack and your kids will think you are the coolest parent ever. Next to Fried Mac and Cheese, I think these fried broccoli balls are the best kid snack ever.
Crispy on the outside with a Panko crumb coating and totally cheesy on the inside with 3 kinds of cheese. The little bits of fresh broccoli are totally coated in gooey, melted cheese.
Are Broccoli Cheese Balls Spicy?
I add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to give them some spice. You can reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon if you like.
Make Ahead
You’ll need to go ahead and make the Broccoli Cheese Ball mix a little ahead of time and then shape them into balls. You want to refrigerate them at this point for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape better.
Then they’re coated in flour, dipped in egg wash, coated in Panko crumbs, and fried until golden. For best results, use a thermometer to keep the oil at about 375 degrees.
More Awesome Appetizers To Try
- Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Spinach Cheese Balls
- Broccoli Crescent Squares
- Fried Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
Broccoli Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs,, divided
- 1 egg,, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs,, lightly beaten
- Vegetable or Canola oil
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until slightly softened. Let cool.
- Finely chop broccoli. You want the pieces to be 1/4-inch or less. Place in a large bowl.
- Add cheese, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 egg to bowl with broccoli. Stir well.
- Use your hands to shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each ball. You should get 12-14.
- Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Place flour in a bowl.
- Place the 2 lightly beaten eggs in a second bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon water.
- Place remaining 2 cups Panko crumbs in a third bowl.
- Pour about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat oil to 375 degrees. For best results use a thermometer.
- Remove broccoli balls from refrigerator, coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in Panko crumbs.
- Fry about 4 balls at a time cooking until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe adapted from: Simply Done, Well Done
Originally posted November 9, 2017.
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I used what I had available and they came out amazing 🤩
Could you cook them in an air fryer?
Thank you for sharing! Your article is not only useful but also inspiring. I’ve learned a lot and can’t wait to apply this knowledge to my life.
These are a bit time consuming to make but absolutely worth it.
So good!
I’m going to try freezing them to reheat in the air fryer for convenience.
Absolutely delicious ..made for my kiddo who doesn’t like broccoli atleast this way he ate it all 🙂 thank you so much .
Can I make these in an airfryer Instead of using the hot oil?
The recipe sounds great and I look forward to trying it out.
Loved them!
is really tasty and hope you guys will love to try eat them