Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe: Fun Bite-Sized Delights

Crispy, golden-brown broccoli cheese balls dance on the edge of culinary perfection, tempting taste buds with every bite.

These delightful morsels pack a flavorful punch that turns ordinary snacking into an extraordinary experience.

Packed with nutritious broccoli and melted cheese, these bite-sized delights offer a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick side dish.

Each ball combines wholesome ingredients in a compact, irresistible package that melts in your mouth.

The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli creates a harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.

Simple to make and impossible to resist, these broccoli cheese balls promise to be the star of any meal or gathering.

Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this mouthwatering recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

What You’ll Need for Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Broccoli: Tender green vegetable that provides texture and earthy flavor, choose fresh and crisp florets without yellow spots.
• Colby Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta: Creamy dairy components that add rich, melty goodness, select high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor complexity.

• Egg: Crucial binding agent that holds ingredients together, use fresh eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
• Panko Crumbs: Lightweight Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create crispy exterior, look for extra-fine texture for better coating.

• Flour: Provides initial dry layer for breading, use all-purpose flour for smooth coverage.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and depth, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Water: Helps thin egg mixture for smoother coating process.
• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep-frying, choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.

Kitchen Tools for Broccoli Cheese Ball Prep

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly and comfortably.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for finely chopping broccoli into small pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop broccoli precisely and evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Help measure Panko crumbs and other ingredients accurately.
• Dutch Oven: Ideal for deep frying broccoli cheese balls at the right temperature.
• Slotted Spoon: Great for safely removing golden-brown balls from hot oil.
• Three Shallow Bowls: Necessary for breading process with flour, egg wash, and Panko crumbs.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Thermometer: Optional but helpful for checking oil temperature precisely.

Instructions for Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Vegetable Preparation

Gently steam broccoli until it softens slightly, then allow it to cool completely.

• Mixing Base

Create a delicious blend by combining finely chopped broccoli with a trio of cheeses, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

• Shaping Magic

Craft small, uniform balls using a rounded tablespoon, aiming for a dozen bite-sized treats.

• Chilling Moment

Place the formed balls in the refrigerator for half an hour to help them set and develop flavor.

• Coating Station

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the last with crispy breadcrumbs.

• Oil Temperature

Heat oil in a deep pot until it reaches the perfect frying temperature.

• Breading Process

Carefully roll each chilled ball through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.

• Golden Transformation

Fry the coated balls in small batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

• Final Touch

Transfer the hot balls to a paper towel to absorb excess oil and let them cool slightly before serving.

Variations & Tips for Better Cheese Balls

• Quick Tips for Perfect Broccoli Bites
• Ensure uniform, small 1/4-inch pieces for consistent texture and even cooking throughout the balls.
• Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help balls hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Maintain a steady 375°F to achieve golden-brown exteriors without burning or undercooking the centers.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare and shape balls in advance, then freeze uncoated for up to a month – perfect for quick appetizers or last-minute entertaining.

Serving Broccoli Cheese Balls: Quick Ideas

• Serve with Zesty Dipping Sauces: Create a tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic marinara sauce to complement the crispy broccoli cheese balls and add an extra flavor punch.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange the golden-brown balls on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a gorgeous appetizer spread that'll impress guests.
• Perfect Game Day Companion: Pair these cheesy bites with cold beer or a refreshing craft cocktail during sports events or casual gatherings for an irresistible crowd-pleasing snack.
• Elevate Lunch or Dinner: Serve alongside a light green salad or as a fun side dish to transform an ordinary meal into something special and memorable.

Best Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheese Balls

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Seal cooled broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Arrange uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking.
• Reheating Magic: Crisp balls in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, restoring their golden crunch without excess oil.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the mixture and form balls up to 24 hours before cooking, storing covered in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 13

Succulent Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken & rice delight brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet sophisticated meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Evenly coat chicken fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage on both surfaces.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until golden-brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until onions become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
4. Rice Toasting: Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, nutty flavor profile.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth, harmonious cooking base. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Chicken Reincorporation: Carefully return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy rice mixture.
7. Simmering Process: Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and allow dish to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely.
8. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until fully melted and integrated. Perform final seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper.

Notes

• Chicken Browning Technique: Achieve a golden-brown crust by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding chicken, which locks in flavors and creates a beautiful exterior.
• Rice Toasting Tip: Sautéing rice for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid develops a deeper, nuttier flavor and prevents clumping.
• Moisture Management: Use the same skillet for each step to capture layered flavors and minimize cleanup while maintaining a rich, cohesive taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats every grain of rice perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg