Name: Broccoli Cheese Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head, finely chopped or steamed and mashed); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best for that bold flavor); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, salty kick); ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, plus extra for coating); 2 large eggs (lightly beaten); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a subtle, savory flavor); ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness); Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying or a light spray for bakingLet’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Broccoli Cheese Balls: 1. Prepare the Broccoli Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Let them cool slightly, then chop finely or mash them into a coarse texture.; Pro Tip: For a shortcut, use pre-steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.; In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.; Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk.; Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the cheese balls are formed.; For an extra-crispy exterior, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs before cooking.; Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.; Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.; Serve the Broccoli Cheese Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy bites:

2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head, finely chopped or steamed and mashed)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best for that bold flavor)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, salty kick)
¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, plus extra for coating)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a subtle, savory flavor)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying or a light spray for bakingLet’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Broccoli Cheese Balls:

1. Prepare the Broccoli
- Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Let them cool slightly, then chop finely or mash them into a coarse texture.
- Pro Tip: For a shortcut, use pre-steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk.
3. Shape the Cheese Balls
- Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the cheese balls are formed.
- For an extra-crispy exterior, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs before cooking.
4. Cook the Cheese Balls
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Broccoli Cheese Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.

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Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Broccoli Cheese Balls:

1. Prepare the Broccoli

Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Let them cool slightly, then chop finely or mash them into a coarse texture.
Pro Tip: For a shortcut, use pre-steamed broccoli or frozen broccoli. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk.

3. Shape the Cheese Balls

Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the cheese balls are formed.
For an extra-crispy exterior, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs before cooking.

4. Cook the Cheese Balls

Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Broccoli Cheese Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 24
Calories: 80