Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, served with a refreshing lemon yoghurt dipping sauce. Perfect as a healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish.
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
- 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 of the broccoli cheese balls.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment or baking paper to prevent the cheese balls from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots/scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix to create a well-combined, slightly chunky mixture similar to cooking mince.
- Shape Balls: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, flick it into your hand, and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the lined baking tray. Repeat until you form about 15 to 18 balls.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the balls with olive oil spray to help them turn golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: While the balls bake, mix the plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and serve warm with the lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup if preferred.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is well drained to prevent soggy balls.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute cheeses, but avoid overly strong cheeses to keep a balanced flavor.
- Lemon yoghurt sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
- The recipe yields 15-18 balls, serving approximately 3 people as a snack or appetizer.
