Ah, broccoli—one of those veggies that either sparks joy or dread at the dinner table. But hold on, these Cheesy Baked Broccoli Bites are a whole different story. Imagine biting into crispy, golden edges and a cheesy center that oozes like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200C/390F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked and well-drained broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix to achieve a uniform consistency.
- Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly, and shape it into a ball. Place each formed ball onto the prepared tray and repeat until all the mixture is used, making about 15-18 balls.
- Lightly spray the balls with olive oil and bake them for 25 minutes or until they are slightly crisp and golden on the outside.
- For the sauce, mix plain yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve the baked broccoli cheese balls with the lemon yogurt sauce or your favorite condiment.
Ingredients
- 2 cups roughly chopped, cooked broccoli (well-drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (such as Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
- 2 shallots/scallions, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (adjust based on yoghurt fat content)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1122 cal | Carbohydrates: 123 g | Protein: 59 g | Fat: 50 g | Saturated Fat: 20 g | Cholesterol: 398 mg | Sodium: 1912 mg | Fiber: 14 g | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, ensure it is cooked until soft to make mashing and shaping easier.
- How do I store and reheat the broccoli cheese balls?
- After cooling, place them in an airtight container. For reheating, use a microwave for a quick option or the oven for a few minutes at 180C/350F. They can also be frozen after cooking; just thaw and reheat similarly.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup of almond meal to make the recipe gluten-free.
- What can I serve with these broccoli cheese balls?
- They pair well with a lemon pilaf or a quick sautéed kale side. The balls are also perfect with a lemon yoghurt sauce or even ketchup.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- This recipe serves 3 to 4 as a main course. The nutritional information given is for a meal-sized serving for an adult.
Tips
- When using fresh broccoli, ensure it is cooked until soft to make mashing and shaping into balls easier. This will help achieve the desired texture for your Broccoli Cheese Balls.
- To store any leftovers, let the balls cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be quickly reheated in the microwave or oven, and they also freeze well for longer storage.
- For a gluten-free alternative, replace the panko breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup of almond meal. This adjustment slightly alters the nutritional content but maintains the delicious flavor and texture of the dish.
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Yoghurt Sauce at least 20 minutes in advance to give the flavors time to meld. This sauce pairs wonderfully with the Broccoli Cheese Balls and enhances their overall taste.
Equipment
- Baking/Parchment Paper – For lining the baking tray.
- Olive Oil Spray – For spraying the broccoli cheese balls before baking.
