Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls
Are you trying to get your family to eat healthy. Well meet them half way with Fried Broccoli Cheese Balls. It’s broccoli florets with three cheeses breaded with Panko and deep fried. Like the old country song. Mama Tried!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Vegetable or Canola oil
Directions:
1. Steam broccoli until slightly softened.
2. Let cool.
3. Finely chop broccoli. You want the pieces to be 1/4-inch or less. Place in a large bowl.
4. Add cheese, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 egg to bowl with broccoli. Stir well.
5. Use your hands to shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each ball. You should get 12-14.
6. Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Place flour in a bowl.
8. Place the 2 lightly beaten eggs in a second bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon water.
9. Place remaining 2 cups Panko crumbs in a third bowl.
10. Pour about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat oil to 375 degrees. For best results use a thermometer.
11. Remove broccoli balls from refrigerator, coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in Panko crumbs.
12. Fry about 4 balls at a time cooking until golden brown on all sides.
