Description
These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer featuring soft cooked broccoli, cheesy goodness, and a crispy golden exterior. Baked till perfection and served with a zesty lemon yoghurt sauce, they make a perfect party treat or a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Cheese 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), suitable for all oven types to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine chopped cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, mashing the broccoli as you mix, similar to preparing ground meat, to create a cohesive mixture.
- Form Balls: Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop the mixture and press it firmly. Flick the mixture into your hand and shape into balls. Place the formed balls on the lined baking tray. Repeat until all mixture is used, making about 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the balls with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the surfaces are golden and slightly crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While baking, mix together plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls warm with the lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup if preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the cooked broccoli is well drained to avoid soggy texture.
- Using different cheeses like Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese will alter the flavor mildly; choose based on preference.
- The lemon yoghurt sauce can be prepared ahead to enhance flavor.
- These can also be served with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Olive oil spray helps to achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying.