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Broccoli Cheese Balls Bites

Category: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Golden on the outside and gooey within, these broccoli cheese bites deliver a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. Fresh broccoli is steamed, finely chopped, and blended with Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta, then accented with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. Coated in panko and deep-fried until perfectly crispy, each bite offers a cheesy, tender interior. The process includes chilling the shaped balls for neat frying and setting up a classic breading station for an extra-crisp finish. Serve these warm for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, and optionally add crumbled bacon for smoky depth of flavor.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:03:39 GMT
A plate of food with a bite taken out of it. Save
A plate of food with a bite taken out of it. | sarahmeal.com

Crispy broccoli cheese balls are the ultimate party snack my family craves each holiday season They combine gooey cheese and fresh veggies for bites that disappear fast at potlucks and game night spreads

I remember introducing these on a birthday buffet and every single guest begged for the recipe that night It is now my top request for any gathering

Ingredients

  • Fresh broccoli florets: for a bright crunch and fresh flavor look for heavy heads with compact flower buds
  • Shredded Colby cheese: delivers a mild creamy melt choose a block and shred it yourself for best meltability
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: brings sharp flavor and depth always opt for blocks to shred yourself
  • Velveeta: adds unbeatable gooeyness and helps hold the mixture together cube it for easy mixing
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: give a gentle kick use fresh flakes for more aroma
  • Panko crumbs: create a super crisp exterior buy unseasoned for full control
  • Large eggs: bind everything and aid in breading pick the freshest eggs if possible
  • All purpose flour: helps the breading stick and adds structure sift for an extra light coating
  • Vegetable or canola oil: perfect for frying and neutral in flavor use fresh oil for optimal crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steam the Broccoli:
Steam broccoli florets just until slightly tender this should take about three minutes Set aside to cool completely to prevent soggy balls
Chop and Mix:
Chop cooled broccoli into tiny bits no larger than a quarter inch Toss the pieces in a large bowl and add the shredded Colby cheese cheddar cheese Velveeta red pepper flakes a quarter cup of panko and one beaten egg Mix until you get a thick even mixture
Shape and Chill:
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of mixture and firmly shape into a ball Keep your hands lightly damp to prevent sticking Place shaped balls on a tray Refrigerate at least thirty minutes so they hold together when frying
Dredge in Three Steps:
Fill one bowl with flour the next with two more beaten eggs and a splash of water and the last with the rest of the panko crumbs Roll each ball first in flour coat in the egg mixture then coat with panko again Press gently for crumbs to adhere
Fry to Perfection:
Heat two inches of oil in a Dutch oven or sturdy pot to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Monitor with a thermometer Fry balls in small batches so they do not crowd Cook until all sides are golden and cheese just begins to melt inside
Drain and Serve:
Lift fried cheese balls out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel lined plate Serve them hot for the ultimate melting experience
A plate of cheese and broccoli balls. Save
A plate of cheese and broccoli balls. | sarahmeal.com

Broccoli is my top pick for veggie appetizers It takes on creamy cheese flavors so perfectly and always tempts even picky eaters I remember my little niece eating these with such excitement she asked for broccoli again the next day

Storage Tips

To save leftovers store the cooled broccoli cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep for up to three days Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and crisp You can freeze uncooked cheese balls after breading them Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze then transfer to a bag for storage Fry straight from frozen just add an extra minute or two

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out Colby for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a spicier bite If you do not have Velveeta use another melty processed cheese such as American Steamed cauliflower will also work instead of broccoli for a milder flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve with ranch dressing spicy aioli or marinara sauce for dipping I have found they pair beautifully with a cold glass of cider or as a side to a big salad They also work as a party platter centerpiece with toothpicks for sharing

A plate of food with a cheese ball and broccoli. Save
A plate of food with a cheese ball and broccoli. | sarahmeal.com

A Bite of History

Broccoli cheese bites take their cue from classic American bar food where gooey cheese and crisp coating never go out of style My family first encountered a similar snack at a state fair and instantly wanted a homemade version Now it is a tradition with every big celebration

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you keep the cheese balls from falling apart while frying?

Chilling the shaped balls for at least 30 minutes helps them keep their shape, making them easier to handle and fry.

→ Can I make these broccoli cheese balls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Form and bread the balls ahead, refrigerate them, and fry just before serving for best texture.

→ Is it possible to bake instead of fry for a lighter option?

Yes, you can bake on a lined tray at 400°F until golden, though they may not be as crispy as the fried version.

→ What cheeses work best for this snack?

A blend of Colby, cheddar, and Velveeta provides a flavorful, melty interior with great stretch.

→ Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?

Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for smokiness or use a pinch of garlic powder for a flavor boost.

→ How should these cheese balls be served?

They're best enjoyed warm, straight from the fryer, optionally with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.

Broccoli Cheese Balls Bites

Broccoli and cheese combine in crispy, golden bites with a melty center and touch of red pepper heat.

Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
50 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (12–14 cheese balls)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Broccoli Mixture

Ingredient 01 225 g fresh broccoli florets, loosely packed
Ingredient 02 110 g shredded Colby cheese
Ingredient 03 110 g shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient 04 115 g processed cheese (Velveeta), cut into small cubes
Ingredient 05 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient 06 30 g Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient 07 1 large egg, lightly beaten

→ Coating and Frying

Ingredient 08 65 g all-purpose flour
Ingredient 09 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Ingredient 10 240 g Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient 11 Vegetable or canola oil, sufficient for deep frying
Ingredient 12 1 tablespoon water

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Steam broccoli florets until just tender yet still bright green. Allow to cool completely.

Instruction 02

Finely chop steamed broccoli into pieces no larger than 0.5 cm. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Instruction 03

Add Colby cheese, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, crushed red pepper, 30 g Panko breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg to chopped broccoli. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

Instruction 04

Using approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of mixture per ball, form into balls (yields 12–14), pressing firmly. Arrange on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Instruction 05

Set up three bowls: one with flour, a second with 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon water, and a third with 240 g Panko breadcrumbs.

Instruction 06

Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with about 5 cm of oil. Heat oil to 190°C, checking with a thermometer for accuracy.

Instruction 07

Remove chilled balls from refrigerator. Dredge each ball first in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs.

Instruction 08

Working in batches of four, fry balls in hot oil until crisp and golden brown on all sides, turning as needed. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Instruction 09

Transfer fried cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot.

Additional Tips

  1. For a richer flavour, incorporate chopped, cooked bacon into the broccoli mixture before forming balls.

Essential Tools

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed frying pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon
  • Kitchen thermometer

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains egg, milk, wheat (gluten).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Fat Content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 16 grams
  • Protein Content: 9 grams