Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Savor the goodness of Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, a delectable and wholesome snack or appetizer that combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli with creamy cheese and aromatic spices. Perfectly complemented by a tangy garlic lemon yogurt sauce, these baked balls are a hit at any gathering or as a satisfying treat.

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

Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste, depends on fat % of yogurt used)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F.
   • Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mixing and Baking:
   • In a bowl, combine all ingredients for the broccoli cheese balls, ensuring the broccoli is mashed as you mix.
   • Form the mixture into balls using a heaped tablespoon, press firmly, and place on the prepared tray.
   • Spray the balls with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes until they are slightly crisp and golden on the surface.
3. Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce:
   • Mix yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
   • Allow the sauce to sit for at least 20 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 3

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Fresh and Hot: Serve the Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor. They are delicious when served warm with the Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce or ketchup.
2. Party Pleaser: Arrange the cheese balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings. They make a great finger food option that guests will love.
3. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the cheese balls just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
4. Pairing Ideas: Serve alongside a green salad, roasted vegetables, or as a side dish to complement a main course for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To maintain their crispy exterior, reheat the cheese balls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
3. Freezing: While these cheese balls can be frozen, they may lose their crispiness upon thawing due to the moisture content. If freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.
4. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the broccoli cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Form into balls and bake just before serving to ensure they are fresh and crispy.
5. Sauce Storage: Store any leftover Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.

Enjoy these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls as a wholesome snack or appetizer with these serving and storage tips to ensure they remain delicious and enjoyable every time!

Variations:

1. Spinach and Feta Cheese Balls: Replace broccoli with chopped cooked spinach and use crumbled feta cheese instead of Cheddar. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
2. Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Balls: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with garlic and onion. Use Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar for a rich and earthy flavor.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower Balls: Substitute broccoli with finely chopped cooked cauliflower. Toss with buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles in the mixture. Serve with ranch dressing.
4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Balls: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the mixture. Use Parmesan cheese instead of Cheddar for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Balls: Mix mashed cooked sweet potato with black beans, corn, and Mexican spices. Use Monterey Jack cheese and serve with salsa or guacamole.
6. Quinoa and Chickpea Balls: Combine cooked quinoa and mashed chickpeas with diced bell peppers and onion. Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
7. Pesto and Mozzarella Balls: Mix in pesto sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese into the broccoli mixture. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
8. Curry Spiced Balls: Add curry powder, ground cumin, and coriander to the mixture. Use a blend of shredded sharp Cheddar and Gouda cheese. Serve with mango chutney.
9. Crab and Cream Cheese Balls: Fold in finely chopped imitation crab meat and cream cheese into the mixture. Use a blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese. Serve with tartar sauce.
10. Greek Style Balls: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese into the mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce or a Greek yogurt dip.

These variations offer a wide range of flavors and ingredients to customize your Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, making them suitable for different tastes and occasions. Experiment with these ideas to create delicious and unique appetizers!

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for convenience. Thaw and drain it well before chopping and incorporating into the cheese ball mixture.
2. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Form into balls and bake just before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even blue cheese to vary the flavor and texture of the cheese balls.
4. How can I make these cheese balls gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of panko breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I bake these cheese balls instead of frying them? Yes, baking these cheese balls reduces the amount of oil used and creates a healthier option without compromising on flavor or texture.
6. Can I freeze these cheese balls? While you can freeze them, they may lose some crispiness upon thawing due to the moisture content. Reheat in the oven to regain some crispiness.
7. What can I serve with these cheese balls besides the yogurt sauce? They pair well with ketchup, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
8. How do I prevent the cheese balls from falling apart? Ensure the mixture is well combined and press firmly when forming the balls. Chilling the mixture before forming can also help.
9. Can I make a vegan version of these cheese balls? Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan cheese alternatives. Adjust seasonings as needed.
10. How long can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator? Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness before serving.

These FAQs address common queries about Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls, offering tips and alternatives to suit various dietary preferences and preparation methods.