Description
Crispy cheesy fried broccoli bites deliver a mouthwatering blend of garden-fresh vegetables and melted cheese. Perfectly golden and irresistible, these little appetizers will become your new favorite party snack that everyone craves.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) Velveeta, cut into small cubes
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 ¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Binding and Seasoning:
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten (1 egg, 2 eggs for breading)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Transform steamed broccoli into tender, finely chopped pieces and transfer to a mixing vessel.
- Incorporate Colby, Cheddar, and Velveeta cheeses with red pepper flakes, Panko breadcrumbs, and whisked egg into the broccoli mixture.
- Carefully shape the combined ingredients into uniform compact spheres using gentle hand pressure.
- Refrigerate the formed bites for one hour to enhance structural integrity and flavor melding.
- Arrange three separate breading stations: first with flour for initial coating, second with beaten eggs for moisture, and third with remaining Panko for crisp exterior.
- Preheat cooking oil in a deep skillet to precisely 375°F, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Methodically roll each broccoli sphere through flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Carefully lower breaded bites into hot oil, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
- Fry each batch for several minutes, rotating to achieve uniform crispness and deep amber exterior.
- Transfer fried bites onto paper towel-lined surface to drain excess oil and maintain optimal crunchiness.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting these delectable cheese-infused broccoli morsels as an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Chill the mixture thoroughly to help the broccoli bites hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
- Use a precise oil temperature of 375°F to achieve perfectly crispy exterior without burning or undercooking the bites.
- Ensure even coating by gently pressing breadcrumbs onto each ball for maximum crunchiness and golden-brown color.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels to keep the bites light and prevent greasiness.
- Work in small batches while frying to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, enjoying the crispy outside and melty cheese inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg