Name: Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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, depends on fat % of yoghurt used); Salt and pepper, to taste

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 or scallions, finely sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray

2/3 cup plain yoghurt

Zest of ½ lemon

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ garlic clove, minced

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste (for the sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) using any oven type.

Step 2: Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: In a bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, sliced shallots or scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli gently as you mix to create a cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press firmly, then flick it out into your hand and roll into a ball. Arrange the balls on the prepared tray. Repeat until all the mixture is used, making about 15 to 18 balls.

Step 5: Lightly spray the broccoli balls with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp on the outside.

Step 6: While the balls bake, prepare the lemon yoghurt sauce by mixing plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls warm with the lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup if preferred.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the cooked broccoli is well drained to avoid soggy mixture and ensure the balls hold together.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for varied flavors.

For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.

You can add herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for extra freshness.

FAQs

Can I prepare the broccoli cheese balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. If freezing, arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What is the best way to cook the broccoli for this recipe?

Steaming or boiling the broccoli until tender but not mushy works best. Make sure to drain and pat dry to remove excess water. Overcooked broccoli that is too wet may cause the mixture to be too soft and difficult to form into balls.