Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy fried baslls with a melty broccoli and 3-cheese interior. They are amazing!!

Broccoli Cheese Balls make a delicious finger food for holiday parties or game day. Make them as an after school snack and your kids will think you are the coolest parent ever. Next to Fried Mac and Cheese, I think these fried broccoli balls are the best kid snack ever.

Crispy on the outside with a Panko crumb coating and totally cheesy on the inside with 3 kinds of cheese. The little bits of fresh broccoli are totally coated in gooey, melted cheese.

Are Broccoli Cheese Balls Spicy?

I add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to give them some spice. You can reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon if you like.

Make Ahead

You’ll need to go ahead and make the Broccoli Cheese Ball mix a little ahead of time and then shape them into balls. You want to refrigerate them at this point for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape better.

Then they’re coated in flour, dipped in egg wash, coated in Panko crumbs, and fried until golden. For best results, use a thermometer to keep the oil at about 375 degrees.

Recipe Tip

For extra flavor, try adding 5 cooked and crumbled pieces of bacon to the filling.

Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls. One has a bite bitten out showing inside.

More Awesome Appetizers To Try

Broccoli Cheese Balls

Broccoli Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside with 3 kinds of gooey melted cheese and fresh broccoli on the inside. Make a great appetizer!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Southern

Keyword broccoli, fried

Prep Time 1 hour

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings balls

Calories 322kcal

Author Christin Mahrlig

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.