Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and crispy appetizer made with soft cooked broccoli, cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. Served with a zesty lemon yoghurt sauce, they offer a flavorful and healthy snack or side dish that’s perfect for parties or family meals.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheese Balls
- 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) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots or scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli mixture well as you combine, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the texture resembles a mince.
- Form Balls: Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop the mixture and press firmly, then flick it into your hand and shape into a round ball. Place each formed ball onto the prepared baking tray. Repeat until all mixture is used, making approximately 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the broccoli balls with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the exterior is golden and slightly crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While baking, mix together plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Allow the sauce to sit for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the hot broccoli cheese balls alongside the garlic lemon yoghurt sauce. These also pair wonderfully with ketchup or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Ensure the cooked broccoli is well drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- You can substitute the cheese with any preferred variety, but sharper cheeses like Cheddar add more flavor.
- For a crispier texture, feel free to broil the balls for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- The lemon yoghurt sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- These balls reheat well in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
