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
Scale
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
