Description
Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Broccoli Cheese Balls are golden, bite-sized appetizers featuring steamed and mashed broccoli combined with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, encased in a crunchy panko coating. These crowd-pleasing bites are perfect for entertaining, game day snacking, or meal prep, and pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and mashed with a fork (200g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 100g
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 50g, plus 1/2 cup (50g) for crust coating
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 60g
- 2 large eggs, 1 for mixture, 1 beaten for coating
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 60g
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 60g
- As needed oil, for deep frying
- Optional toppings, ranch dip, sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, fresh chives, or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli Base
- 1. Steam broccoli florets until tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then mash thoroughly with a fork until broken down into small pieces.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, 1 large egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- 3. Mix well until the ingredients bind together, adding a little more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.
- 4. Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Create the Parmesan Crust Coating
- 1. Place flour in a shallow bowl and roll each broccoli ball through it until lightly coated on all sides.
- 2. Dip each floured ball into the beaten egg, letting excess drip back into the bowl.
- 3. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, then roll each ball in this mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Fry to Golden Perfection
- 1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches approximately 340°F or 170°C, checking with a thermometer for accuracy.
- 2. Carefully place broccoli cheese balls into the hot oil in small batches, frying for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- 3. Remove the balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes