Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup shredded Colby cheese

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

– 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided

– 1 egg, lightly beaten

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

– Vegetable or Canola oil

Instructions:

– Steam broccoli until slightly softened. Let cool.

– Finely chop broccoli. You want the pieces to be 1/4-inch or less. Place in a large bowl.

– Add cheese, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 egg to bowl with broccoli. Stir well.

– Use your hands to shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each ball. You should get 12-14.

– Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

– Place flour in a bowl.

– Place the 2 lightly beaten eggs in a second bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon water.

– Place remaining 2 cups Panko crumbs in a third bowl.

– Pour about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat oil to 375 degrees. For best results use a thermometer.

– Remove broccoli balls from refrigerator, coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in Panko crumbs.

– Fry about 4 balls at a time cooking until golden brown on all sides.

– Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Notes:

Cheese Varieties: While Colby and cheddar cheese are recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties for different flavor profiles.

Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the broccoli cheese balls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, turning them over once during cooking.

Freezing Instructions: Prepare the cheese balls and freeze them after shaping and coating. Cook directly from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Dipping Sauces: Serve with various dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or aioli for added flavor.

Using Frozen Broccoli: Thaw and drain frozen broccoli before chopping and incorporating it into the mixture. Ensure it’s not watery for the desired texture.

Adjusting Spice Level: Omit or reduce red pepper flakes for a milder flavor if desired.
Velveeta Substitute: Cream cheese or additional shredded cheese can substitute Velveeta. Adjust quantities based on preference.

Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying reduces oil content. Reheat baked cheese balls in the oven for a crispy texture.

Making Ahead: Prepare cheese balls in advance and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

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Personalization: Experiment with cheese combinations, spices, and dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these broccoli cheese balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can. To make a healthier version, you can bake the broccoli cheese balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown, turning them over once during cooking.

Is it necessary to use the specific cheese types mentioned in the recipe, or can I use other cheese varieties?

You can experiment with different cheese varieties if you prefer.

While Colby and cheddar cheese are recommended, you can substitute them with your favorite cheese, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make these broccoli cheese balls in advance and freeze them for later use?

Yes, you can make the broccoli cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them.

After shaping them into balls and coating them with flour and Panko crumbs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.

Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container.

When ready to cook, fry or bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Are there any suitable dipping sauces or condiments to serve with these broccoli cheese balls?

These broccoli cheese balls are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with various dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a homemade aioli.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli florets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets if fresh ones are not available.

Thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before chopping and incorporating it into the mixture.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh broccoli is not available.

Thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before chopping and incorporating it into the mixture.

Make sure it’s not watery to maintain the desired texture.

Is there a way to make these cheese balls less spicy if I’m not a fan of red pepper flakes?

Absolutely. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes from the recipe. This will make the cheese balls less spicy while still maintaining their delicious taste.

Can I substitute Velveeta with another cheese in this recipe?

While Velveeta is recommended for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with other cheese varieties, such as cream cheese or more shredded cheese of your choice.

Adjust the quantity based on your preference.

Is there a healthier alternative to frying these cheese balls?

Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the broccoli cheese balls in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the balls on a baking sheet.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown, turning them over once during cooking.

Can I make these cheese balls in advance and reheat them later?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls in advance and reheat them.

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.