Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
If you are searching for a comforting, tasty, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than this Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe. These golden, crispy little bites are packed with vibrant broccoli, gooey cheese, and fragrant shallots, all baked to perfection. Paired with a tangy, refreshing lemon yoghurt sauce, this dish is a celebration of classic flavors with a delightful twist. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, party appetizer, or a side, these cheese balls will become an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final texture and flavor. From the fresh broccoli that brings natural earthiness and color to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs that ensure a perfect crisp coating, every element is essential to creating these irresistible cheese balls.
- Broccoli (2 cups, packed, cooked and drained): The star vegetable contributing vibrant color and a tender bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides light, airy crispness on the outside once baked.
- Eggs (2): Acts as the natural binder holding everything together beautifully.
- Shredded cheese (¾ cup): My favorites are Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese for that luscious, melty richness.
- Shallots or scallions (2, finely sliced): Adds a subtle onion flavor and nice hint of freshness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a flavor punch that warms everything up.
- Salt (¼ tsp) and black pepper: To enhance all the natural flavors.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist for that perfectly crisp golden crust without extra greasiness.
- Plain yoghurt (2/3 cup): The base for the tangy and creamy lemon yoghurt sauce.
- Lemon zest (from ½ lemon) and juice (1 tbsp): Brings bright, zesty notes to the sauce.
- Minced garlic (½ clove): Adds a subtle depth to the sauce’s flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tsp): Smooths and enriches the yoghurt sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the sauce seasoning for the perfect balance.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F), suitable for any oven style you might be using. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup. Preparing your workspace now means the cooking process flows flawlessly later.
Step 2: Mix the Broccoli and Cheese Ball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. As you mix, mash the broccoli gently to create a cohesive mixture that will hold its shape but still have some texture. This step is the heart of the recipe where all the flavors start to come together beautifully.
Step 3: Shape the Broccoli Cheese Balls
Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the mixture, pressing it firmly in your hand to compact it. Then roll gently into a ball shape. Place each formed ball onto your prepared baking tray. You should end up with between 15 and 18 cheese balls, perfect bite-sized treats that promise a golden crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Give the cheese balls a light spray of olive oil to help achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust as they bake. Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the surface is crisp and golden. The kitchen will start smelling incredible, and the anticipation for that first bite will skyrocket.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Yoghurt Sauce
While the cheese balls bake, mix together plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let the sauce sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the fresh flavors to meld into a perfectly balanced, tangy accompaniment for your baked bites.
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and bright flavor that complements the cheese balls beautifully. A light dash of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes can offer a subtle hint of heat if you like a bit of spice with your snack.
Side Dishes
These cheese balls shine alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light couscous salad. They also pair charmingly with simple tomato-based dips or a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor twist. The lemon yoghurt sauce adds a wonderful balance, cutting through the richness with its fresh zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cheese balls on a stylish wooden board or individual plates arranged on cocktail sticks for easy snacking at parties. For a playful family meal, let everyone dip and mingle flavors. You can also place the sauce in small ramekins scattered across the table, turning this snack into an interactive experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, any leftover broccoli cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lemon yoghurt sauce separately in a sealed jar or bowl, so both stay fresh and maintain their best flavors.
Freezing
These cheese balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen for a crispy, warm treat just like freshly made.
Reheating
For reheating, place the cheese balls on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisped again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely texture. Reheat the lemon yoghurt sauce separately or serve it fresh cold for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using, so excess moisture doesn’t make the mixture too wet and affect the texture.
What type of cheese works best for these cheese balls?
Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese are my top picks because they melt well and have a balanced flavor that complements the broccoli beautifully.
Is the lemon yoghurt sauce necessary?
While the cheese balls are delicious on their own, the lemon yoghurt sauce adds a bright, tangy freshness that elevates the dish and balances the richness.
Can these cheese balls be made vegan?
With some substitutions like vegan cheese, flaxseed eggs, and a plant-based yoghurt, you can certainly adapt this recipe to a vegan-friendly version.
How can I make the cheese balls crispier?
Using panko breadcrumbs and giving them a light olive oil spray before baking really helps achieve a crispy, golden crust. Baking at the right temperature and avoiding overcrowding the tray is also key.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that bring simple ingredients together into something extraordinary. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, these bites are perfect for sharing and sure to become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15–18 cheese balls (serves 3) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls made with soft cooked broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, baked to a golden perfection and served with a tangy lemon yogurt dipping sauce. A healthy and flavorful snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
- 2 shallots/scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Lemon Yoghurt Sauce
- 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for all oven types to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the broccoli cheese balls.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent the balls from sticking and to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the soft cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots or scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, mashing the broccoli as you go, similar to when preparing minced meat, until everything is evenly combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and press it firmly. Flick it into your hand and shape it into a ball. Place it on the lined baking tray. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, forming about 15 to 18 balls.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the formed balls with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the surface is slightly crisp and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: While the balls bake, mix together the plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls hot, accompanied by the tangy lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the broccoli is well drained to avoid soggy cheese balls.
- Use soft cooked broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
- The number of cheese balls formed can vary between 15 and 18 depending on the size.
- You can substitute the cheese with your preferred variety like mozzarella or parmesan for a different flavor.
- The lemon yoghurt sauce can be made ahead to enhance flavor melding.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispier crust but brush olive oil if spray is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
