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Crispy broccoli cheese balls that will change your snacking forever

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Instructions: How to Make Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

These crispy broccoli cheese balls are quick to assemble and come together in a few simple steps. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, you’ll love how easy and delicious they are to make.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

  1. Steam or blanch the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until tender (about 3-4 minutes). If using frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain it. You want the broccoli to be soft but not mushy. Once cooked, chop it finely or pulse it in a food processor until finely minced.
  2. Remove excess moisture: Once the broccoli is chopped, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press out any excess moisture. This helps the cheese balls hold together better and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Ball Mixture

  1. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed and the mixture comes together into a dough-like consistency.
  2. Shape into balls: Using your hands, take a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You should get about 12-16 balls, depending on the size.

Step 3: Coat the Broccoli Cheese Balls

  1. Coat the balls: Place breadcrumbs (panko works best for a crispy crunch) on a plate or shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. For an extra crispy exterior, you can also roll the balls in flour before the breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Cheese Balls

You have two options for cooking these delicious balls—baking or frying. Both methods yield crispy, cheesy goodness, but one is a little healthier.

To Fry:

  1. Heat oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cheese balls in the pan.
  2. Fry until golden: Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all over.
  3. Drain on paper towels: Once cooked, remove the cheese balls from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

To Bake:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Spray with cooking spray: Place the broccoli cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
  3. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your crispy broccoli cheese balls immediately while they’re still warm. They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip for dipping. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

  • Don’t skip draining the broccoli: It’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the broccoli to ensure that the balls hold together and get crispy when cooked.
  • Customize the cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a melty interior or parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Make them ahead: You can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just pop them in the freezer on a baking sheet and transfer them to a bag once frozen.
  • For extra crispiness: If you’re baking them, consider using panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. They give the balls that satisfying crunch on the outside.

What to Serve with Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

These broccoli cheese balls are delicious on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal or add some sides, here are a few ideas:

  • Fresh Salad: Serve with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the cheese balls. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing works perfectly.
  • Dips: These crispy bites go great with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a tangy tzatziki sauce.
  • Vegetable Crudité: Pair these cheese balls with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers for a healthy, balanced snack platter.
  • Soup: They also make a great side to a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or a creamy butternut squash soup.

Why These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Will Change Your Snacking Forever

These crispy broccoli cheese balls offer the perfect balance of indulgent comfort food and healthy vegetables. Whether you’re craving something cheesy and crispy for your next gathering, or you’re looking for a fun way to get more veggies into your meals, these broccoli cheese balls are the answer.

They’re quick, easy to make, and utterly addictive. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies, especially for kids or picky eaters. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, veggie-packed interior, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping snacks for the week, or just treating yourself to something savory.

So, grab some broccoli, get your cheese ready, and enjoy these crispy broccoli cheese balls that will make your snacking experience better than ever. You’ll never look at snacks the same way again!

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