Broccoli Cheese Balls

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I made these Broccoli Cheese Balls on a whim one chilly afternoon when I was craving something crispy, cheesy, and comforting. I wanted a snack that was indulgent but still gave me the satisfaction of sneaking in some greens. As soon as I bit into that golden crust and hit the gooey, cheesy broccoli center, I knew I’d struck gold.

The best part? These little bites of heaven are incredibly easy to whip up. I’ve made them for game days, casual dinners, and even as appetizers for fancier gatherings. They’re always the first to disappear, which says everything. You can make the mixture ahead of time and fry them fresh right before serving, which makes entertaining so much easier.

I’ve also been loving how flexible this recipe is. I’ve tossed in bits of cooked bacon, used cheddar one day and mozzarella the next, and even tried air frying them once. They’re endlessly customizable, making them perfect for anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that isn’t too fussy.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are packed with flavor and texture. The crispy exterior is perfectly golden and gives way to a melty, cheesy interior with tender bits of broccoli. Whether you serve them as a side dish or party snack, they hit that perfect balance between comfort food and feel-good ingredients.

You’ll also love how quick they come together, especially if you keep frozen broccoli and shredded cheese on hand. If you’re into versatile snacks that both kids and adults devour, this is your go-to. They’re also a great way to use up leftover cooked broccoli, and the cheese holds everything together beautifully.

For more cheesy inspiration, check out my creamy broccoli pasta or pair them with something hearty like loaded tater tots or crispy oven baked chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Broccoli: The star of this dish, bringing a vibrant green color and tender bite.

Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its sharp flavor and meltability, but you can try mozzarella or a cheese blend too.

Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and give the outside that crispy texture once fried.

Eggs: Essential for helping the mixture stick and hold its shape when cooked.

Flour: Adds structure and keeps the balls from falling apart.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper bring the flavor to life.

Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for best results.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Start by steaming or boiling your broccoli florets until tender. Drain well and finely chop. You don’t want large pieces that could make shaping the balls difficult.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and seasonings. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Continue until all the mixture is used. If the mixture feels too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs or chill it for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve immediately while they’re still gooey in the center. They’re excellent on their own or dipped in ranch, marinara, or a creamy garlic sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily play around with this recipe. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you want a kick of heat. Want to add protein? Mix in some crumbled bacon or finely chopped cooked chicken. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can even bake them in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes or pop them in the air fryer.

Frozen broccoli works well too, just make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained. To make them vegetarian-friendly, check your cheese and breadcrumbs to ensure they don’t contain animal rennet or additives.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Broccoli Cheese Balls are perfect for a party spread or as a fun side dish for dinner. Serve them with a side of ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce. I also love them with marinara when I’m leaning into more Italian-inspired flavors.

Pair with roasted chicken, a crisp salad, or even as part of a larger appetizer table. A cold sparkling drink or crisp white wine complements them perfectly if you’re entertaining.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 minutes. The air fryer is also great for reheating – just pop them in at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I keep Broccoli Cheese Balls from falling apart?

Make sure the broccoli is finely chopped and well-drained. Adding the right amount of breadcrumbs and flour will help bind the mixture. If they feel loose, chilling before frying helps.

Can I make Broccoli Cheese Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the balls and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them and fry from frozen.

What kind of cheese works best for Broccoli Cheese Balls?

Cheddar melts beautifully and gives a sharp flavor, but mozzarella or a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack also work well.

Are Broccoli Cheese Balls good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Make a big batch, freeze them, and reheat as needed. They’re great for quick snacks or appetizers on the fly.

Can I bake Broccoli Cheese Balls instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re loving these crispy bites, you’ll also enjoy my cheesy brussels sprout bake and creamy broccoli pasta for more veggie-forward comfort food. Or dive into crispy jalapeno popper egg rolls for something spicy and satisfying.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it to your Pinterest board so you can find it when the craving hits. Share it with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram, and tag me so I can see your creations! Whether you’re hosting a party or need a cozy snack, these Broccoli Cheese Balls are the crispy, cheesy hit you’ll keep coming back to.

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