Irresistible Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe for Game Day

Melted cheese and crispy broccoli cheese balls create a magical snack that transforms ordinary appetizers into extraordinary bites.

These golden-brown spheres pack incredible flavor and texture in every mouthful.

broccoli adds a nutritious punch to this irresistible treat that makes everyone crave more.

Crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, these cheese balls satisfy hunger with remarkable ease.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sharp cheese and tender broccoli.

The recipe comes together quickly, requiring minimal preparation and maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to make these again and again for every gathering or casual snack moment.

Why Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Are So Snackable

• Whip up these cheesy broccoli balls in no time, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger pangs or unexpected cravings.
• These crispy, golden bites will win over both kids and adults, making them ideal for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings.
• Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to your culinary mood.
• Pack nutrition into a deliciously crispy package that makes eating vegetables enjoyable and irresistible for picky eaters.

Broccoli Cheese Ball Ingredients for a Tasty Bite

• Colby Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that adds rich flavor to the broccoli balls.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy taste to the mixture.
• Velveeta: Ensures a smooth, melty texture throughout the balls.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a cohesive mixture.

• Broccoli: The star ingredient that provides a nutritious and green base for the cheese balls.

• Panko Crumbs, Flour: Create a crispy, golden exterior for the cheese balls.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat to the recipe.
• Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Provides the medium for deep-frying the cheese balls to crispy perfection.
• Water: Helps thin the egg mixture for breading.

Tools for Easy Cheese Ball Preparation

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Slotted Spoon: Essential for safely removing crispy broccoli cheese balls from hot oil.
• Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: Ideal for deep frying with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping broccoli into small pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Used to finely chop broccoli florets.
• Three Shallow Bowls: Required for setting up breading station with flour, egg wash, and Panko crumbs.
• Thermometer: Crucial for monitoring precise oil temperature during frying.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Great for draining excess oil from fried balls.

How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

Step 1: Steam The Green Veggie

Grab your broccoli florets and steam them until they’re just tender.

Let them cool down completely so they’re easy to handle.

Step 2: Chop With Precision

Finely dice the cooled broccoli into tiny pieces, making sure they’re super small.

Transfer the chopped broccoli to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Colby cheese (shredded)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Velveeta (chunked)
• Red pepper flakes
• Panko crumbs
• Egg

Mix everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Shape Into Bite-Sized Treats

Use your hands to roll the mixture into small, uniform balls.

Aim for about 12-14 poppers.

Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to help them set.

Step 5: Set Up The Coating Station

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs with a splash of water
• Third bowl: Remaining Panko crumbs

Step 6: Heat The Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable or canola oil into a deep pot, reaching about 2 inches deep.

Heat the oil to 375°F, using a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 7: Coat The Poppers

• First, dust with flour
• Next, dip in egg mixture
• Finally, coat with Panko crumbs

Step 8: Fry To Golden Perfection

Carefully drop 4 poppers at a time into the hot oil.

Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 9: Finish And Serve

Scoop out the poppers with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.

Serve these crispy, cheesy bites while they’re piping hot and irresistibly crunchy.

Tips for Gooey, Crunchy Cheese Balls

• Pat the steamed broccoli completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and well-textured cheese balls.
• Refrigerate the formed balls for at least 30 minutes before breading to help them maintain their shape and create a crispier exterior during frying.
• Maintain the oil at a consistent 375°F to achieve golden-brown, crispy balls without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Swap Panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version of these delicious appetizers.

Flavorful Broccoli Cheese Ball Variations

• Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Balls: Replace Panko crumbs and flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Broccoli Bites: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and bake the balls at 400°F for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute Panko crumbs with crushed pork rinds, use full-fat cheese, and replace flour with almond flour to create a keto-friendly appetizer.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Balls: Add diced fresh jalapeños or swap crushed red pepper flakes with jalapeño powder for an extra kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Broccoli Balls

• Dip Delights: Serve these crispy broccoli cheese balls with a variety of zesty dipping sauces to elevate the flavor experience.
• Game Day Appetizer: Perfect for sports gatherings, game nights, or casual parties where guests love finger foods that pack a cheesy punch.
• Family-Friendly Meal Companion: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal that kids and adults will both enjoy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Starter: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy pickup at potlucks, making them an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly.

Storing Cheese Balls for Anytime Snacks

• Place cooled broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their crispy texture.
• Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they're tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange balls on a baking sheet, spreading them out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness and even heating.

FAQs

• Are these broccoli cheese balls healthy?

While delicious, they are a fried appetizer with cheese and breading, so they’re more of an occasional treat than a health food. They do contain vegetables and protein from the broccoli and cheese.

• Can I make these balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balls and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before breading and frying. This makes party prep easier and allows the flavors to meld.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta create a great melty, flavorful combination. You can substitute similar melting cheeses like monterey jack or mild white cheese if needed.

Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy broccoli cheese balls deliver a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli combine into golden-brown bite-sized treats that satisfy cheese and vegetable cravings in one satisfying morsel.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cheese and Vegetables):

• 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare broccoli by steaming florets until tender, then cool completely to room temperature.
2. Mince cooled broccoli into fine, uniform pieces approximately 1/4-inch or smaller.
3. Combine broccoli with cheeses, red pepper flakes, initial portion of Panko crumbs, and egg in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Craft uniform spherical portions using approximately one rounded tablespoon of mixture, creating 12-14 consistent balls.
5. Chill formed balls in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes to ensure structural integrity.
6. Create three separate breading stations: one with flour, second with whisked eggs and water, third with remaining Panko crumbs.
7. Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven to precise 375°F, monitoring temperature with cooking thermometer.
8. Roll each chilled ball sequentially through flour, egg wash, and Panko coating, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Carefully lower breaded balls into hot oil, frying 4 at a time until achieving rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
10. Transfer fried broccoli cheese balls onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then serve immediately while crisp and warm.

Notes

• Customize Cheese Selection Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, Parmesan, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles and accommodate various taste preferences.
• Reduce Oil Content Bake the broccoli cheese balls at 425°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying, which cuts down on calories and provides a healthier alternative with similar crispy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace wheat flour and Panko crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable Variation Swap broccoli with cauliflower or zucchini for a different vegetable base, maintaining the cheesy, crispy characteristics while offering nutritional variety.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg