Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls
These Crispy Broccoli Cheese Balls are the kind of snack that totally hits the spot—ooey, gooey, and loaded with cheesy goodness, with a crispy crunch that’ll have you reaching for “just one more.” Fresh broccoli, Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta come together for a rich, savory filling, and the red pepper flakes add just a little kick to keep things interesting. Rolled in Panko crumbs and fried until golden, these little bites are perfect for sharing (but no judgment if you keep them to yourself!). Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping c fresh broccoli florets
- 1 c shredded Colby cheese
- 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz Velveeta cut into small chunks
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 c Panko crumbs divided
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
Steam the Broccoli
- Start by steaming the broccoli just until it’s a little tender—don’t let it get too soft. Let it cool down a bit before chopping.
Chop and Mix
- Finely chop the broccoli into pieces about 1/4 inch or smaller. Add it to a large bowl. Then toss in the Colby, cheddar, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs, and 1 beaten egg. Stir it all together, making sure everything is blended nice and evenly.
Form the Balls
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about a rounded tablespoon each. You should end up with around 12-14 balls. Place them on a plate, cover, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Set Up the Breading Station
- Grab three bowls: one with the flour, one with the other 2 eggs lightly beaten with a splash of water, and the last one with the remaining Panko crumbs.
Heat the Oil
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven or heavy pot and heat it to 375°F. If you have a thermometer, use it here to keep the temperature steady.
Bread the Balls
- Take the chilled broccoli balls from the fridge. Roll each one in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and coat it with Panko crumbs for that extra crunch.
Fry Until Golden
- Carefully place about 4 balls at a time into the hot oil, cooking until they’re golden brown on all sides. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
Serve and Enjoy
- These are best served warm! Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with a crispy outside.
Notes
If you’re looking to make these gluten-free, it’s super easy! Just swap the Panko crumbs and all-purpose flour for gluten-free versions (you can find them at most grocery stores). And for the cheese, check that it’s gluten-free—some pre-shredded cheeses have added ingredients. With these simple swaps, you’ll have all the cheesy, crispy goodness without any gluten worries!