Fried Broccoli And Cheese Balls Recipe for Easy Snacking

Looking for the perfect blend of comfort food and veggies in one bite-sized, golden snack? These Fried Broccoli and Cheese Balls are your new go-to appetizer, snack, or even meatless lunch. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re a delicious way to sneak in more greens while indulging in cheesy goodness.

Ideal for picky eaters, party trays, or meal prep, this recipe transforms humble broccoli into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re deep frying, baking, or tossing them in the air fryer, these cheesy veggie balls are bound to win over everyone at the table.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a standout among healthy cheese snacks, and how you can make the best broccoli bites every single time.

Save

Why These Broccoli Appetizers For Party Menus Always Win

You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy these broccoli cheese bites, but they do make the perfect appetizer for parties, potlucks, and game nights. They check every box:

• Crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Great for vegetarians
• Made with real ingredients
• Easy to customize with spices or cheeses

Unlike many fried snacks, these deliver a veggie-forward flavor with the rich, satisfying texture of melted cheese. They’re a great option if you’re hunting for broccoli appetizers for party menus that feel fun and indulgent—without straying too far from your healthy goals.

Ingredients You Need for the Best Broccoli Bites Recipe

These cheesy broccoli balls come together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this classic broccoli bites recipe:

• 3 cups cooked and finely chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Oil for frying (vegetable or avocado oil work well)

This base can easily be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs—more on that later.

How to Make Fried Broccoli And Cheese Balls Step-by-Step

Making your own fried broccoli and cheese balls at home is surprisingly easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Cook and chop the broccoli: Steam or boil until just tender, then cool and finely chop. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, both cheeses, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and seasonings. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Form into balls: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Chill them in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to help them hold shape.
4. Fry until golden: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the broccoli balls in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
5. Drain and serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

That’s it! The hardest part is not eating them all before serving.

Save

Air Fryer Option: Broccoli Cheese Bites Air Fryer Instructions

Want to lighten things up? Making broccoli cheese bites in the air fryer is a great alternative to frying. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
3. Place chilled broccoli balls in a single layer, not touching.
4. Spray the tops lightly with oil to encourage browning.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.

They’ll be just as satisfying and crunchy—no deep frying needed.

Tips for Making Healthy Cheese Snacks at Home

Want to make your healthy cheese snacks even healthier without sacrificing flavor? Try these tips:

• Use reduced-fat cheese or part-skim mozzarella
• Swap regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or gluten-free versions
• Add extra veggies like cauliflower or zucchini
• Use the air fryer instead of frying in oil
• Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a crispy finish

These changes turn a comfort food classic into a lighter, everyday snack.

Creative Veggie Recipes: Fun Things to Do with Broccoli

If you’re stuck with extra broccoli and wondering what else to make, here are a few creative veggie recipes that turn this humble green into something special:

• Broccoli tots with sweet potato
• Broccoli and cheddar stuffed mushrooms
• Broccoli frittata muffins
• Broccoli pesto pasta
• Roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon

Whether you’re trying to add more greens to your plate or create things to do with broccoli that go beyond steaming, this recipe is a great starting point.

How to Make These Broccoli Appetizers for Party Success

To serve these broccoli appetizers for party platters, follow these tips:

• Make them ahead and reheat before serving
• Serve with multiple dips: think ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or aioli
• Use toothpicks or mini skewers for easy grabbing
• Keep them warm in a slow cooker or warming tray
• Offer a dairy-free version using vegan cheese for guests with dietary restrictions

They pair well with wine-free spritzers or sparkling flavored water, making them ideal for festive spreads without the fuss.

Broccoli Recipes for Kids That They’ll Actually Eat

These cheesy bites are one of the best broccoli recipes for kids, especially those who are picky about eating green veggies. Why?

• The cheese masks the “green” flavor
• The crispy texture is fun and familiar
• Dipping makes them interactive
• They’re finger-food friendly

You can also involve your kids in shaping the balls, turning it into a fun kitchen activity that encourages them to try what they helped make.

Serving Ideas and Dipping Sauces for Broccoli Cheese Balls

These fried broccoli and cheese balls are versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few winning pairings:

• Classic ranch or garlic aioli for creamy contrast
• Sriracha mayo for a spicy kick
• Honey mustard for a sweet-savory balance
• Marinara sauce for an Italian twist
• Tzatziki or Greek yogurt-based dip for a fresh feel

Serve them in small bowls with a dip in the center, or create a snack board for a more impressive presentation.

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating Tips for Broccoli Cheese Bites

Yes, you can totally prep these ahead of time! Here’s how:

• To refrigerate: Store uncooked balls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To freeze: Flash-freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Bake at 375°F or air fry for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.

Meal prepping with these snacks has never been easier—and they’re perfect for tossing into lunchboxes or heating up for after-school treats.

Healthy Swaps for Lightening Up Fried Broccoli and Cheese Balls

Looking to reduce calories or carbs? Here are easy swaps for a healthier take on this indulgent treat:

• Use egg whites instead of whole eggs
• Add chopped spinach or kale for a nutrient boost
• Swap cheese for a dairy-free version or reduce the amount
• Use cauliflower rice to replace part of the breadcrumbs
• Choose oven or air fryer methods over deep frying

You’ll still get that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bite—with less guilt and all the taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Broccoli Bites

Avoid these common mistakes for flawless broccoli bites every time:

• Not draining the broccoli well – too much moisture leads to sogginess
• Skipping the chill time – helps the balls hold their shape when frying
• Overfilling with cheese – can cause leaks and loss of structure
• Not seasoning enough – broccoli needs flavor boosts to shine
• Crowding the pan – leads to uneven cooking

Stick to these tips, and your fried broccoli and cheese balls will come out crispy and golden every single time.

Save

Fried Broccoli and Cheese Balls FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and Parmesan are classics, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are great too.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan cheese, egg replacers, and plant-based breadcrumbs for a dairy-free option.

Are these keto-friendly?
With a few tweaks—like using almond flour or pork rind crumbs—they can fit into a low-carb plan.

Conclusion

These Fried Broccoli and Cheese Balls are the crispy, cheesy, veggie-packed snack your kitchen has been missing. Perfect for entertaining, family meals, or sneaking more greens into your day, they’re a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.

Whether you serve them hot from the skillet, crisp from the air fryer, or cold in a lunchbox, these bites deliver every time.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your fellow veggie-lovers, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more creative veggie recipes, healthy snacks, and irresistible appetizers you’ll want to make again and again.

Print