Cheesy Broccoli Bites (Print Format)
Crispy shell and gooey cheese inside—these Cheesy Broccoli Bites are easy to make and packed with flavor.
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 1/2 cups of broccoli florets, generously packed
02 -
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
03 -
1 cup grated Colby cheese
04 -
4 ounces of Velveeta, diced into small cubes
05 -
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat
06 -
2 1/4 cups of Panko crumbs, split
07 -
1 big egg, whisked gently
08 -
1/2 cup plain flour
09 -
2 large eggs, whisked lightly
10 -
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works fine)
# Steps:
01 -
Cook broccoli in a steamer just until it’s slightly tender. Allow it to cool off.
02 -
Cut broccoli into very tiny bits, around 1/4 inch in size. Move them to a big bowl.
03 -
Toss the cheeses, red pepper, 1/4 cup of Panko, and 1 egg into the bowl with the broccoli. Mix well until it all comes together.
04 -
Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mix and roll it into balls with your hands. You’ll get around 12 to 14 of these. Pop them onto a plate and let them chill in the fridge for at least half an hour.
05 -
Set aside three dishes: one with flour, the second with eggs and a splash of water mixed in, and the third with the rest of the Panko.
06 -
Fill a deep, heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) with about 2 inches of oil. Heat it to 375°F and use a thermometer to be sure it’s just right.
07 -
Take out the chilled balls. Roll them in the flour, dip in the egg mix, and cover them with Panko crumbs. Fry 4 at a time, turning them so they’re crispy and brown on all sides.
08 -
Place the fried balls on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the oil. Serve them hot.
# Tips:
01 -
Want extra flavor? Add 5 strips of crispy crumbled bacon to the mix.