Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside snack or appetizer. Packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheese, and aromatic scallions and garlic, they are perfectly baked until golden and served with a refreshing lemon yoghurt sauce. They offer a healthier alternative to fried snacks, making them ideal for a wholesome bite any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Balls
- 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
Lemon Yoghurt Sauce
- 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) using any oven type to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, sliced shallots/scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix, similar to preparing minced meat, until well combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, then flick the mixture into your hand and roll into a ball shape. Place each ball on the prepared baking tray. Repeat until all mixture is used, making approximately 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the broccoli cheese balls with olive oil spray to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the exterior is slightly crisp and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: While the balls bake, mix together the plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls warm with the lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup.
Notes
- Note 1: Use well-drained, soft cooked broccoli to ensure the texture is suitable for mixing and shaping into balls.
- Note 2: Parchment paper lining helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- You can substitute cheeses like Colby or Tasty if Cheddar is unavailable.
- The lemon yoghurt sauce can be made ahead to enhance the flavor.
- For a crispier texture, you can add a light coating of panko breadcrumbs before baking, but it’s optional.