Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious broccoli, these baked broccoli cheese balls make a perfect appetizer or snack. Served with a zesty garlic lemon yogurt sauce, they are a flavorful and healthy alternative to fried snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Broccoli Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups (packed) soft cooked broccoli, well-drained (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
- 2 shallots/scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce:
- 2/3 cup plain yogurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Tray: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the olive oil spray. Mash the cooked broccoli as you mix to help form a cohesive mixture.
- Form Balls: Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, then roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture (should make 15-18 balls).
- Bake: Spray the balls lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the balls are baking, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli cheese balls warm with the garlic lemon yogurt sauce, or enjoy with ketchup.
Notes
- Broccoli Prep: Can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, cook until soft before mashing.
- Storage: Store cooled balls in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. They also freeze well.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with ¾ cup almond meal.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with rice pilaf and sautéed kale for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g