Description
Savory broccoli cheese balls blend crispy textures with cheesy goodness from classic American comfort cuisine. Crisp exterior and melty interior make these appetizers perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup grated cheese (variety of choice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium eggs (beaten)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim and chop broccoli into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking and consistent texture in the final dish.
- Immerse broccoli in boiling water for 5-6 minutes until tender but still vibrant green, then quickly drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled broccoli with grated cheese, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and whisked eggs, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Thoroughly blend ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and creating a cohesive mixture that holds together easily.
- Using moistened hands, carefully craft compact spheres approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, compressing mixture firmly to prevent crumbling.
- Position cheese balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote uniform heat circulation.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating tray midway to achieve consistent golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Allow broccoli cheese balls to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven, which helps them stabilize and maintain structural integrity.
- Serve immediately as a warm appetizer, accompanied by optional dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy cheese balls, squeezing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel for maximum crispiness.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gouda, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
- For gluten-free options, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy texture.
- Make these cheese balls vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based cheese alternatives and ensuring all ingredients align with vegetarian dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg