Description

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

Instructions

Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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.
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

Notes

Serving Tips:

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.
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.
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.
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:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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.
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.
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.
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!