Here’s a teen-friendly recipe for Broccoli Cheese Balls—crispy outside, cheesy and veggie-packed inside! 🥦🧀
Ingredients (makes ~12 balls)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, cooked and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp oil for baking or frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the mixture:
- In a bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until it sticks together.
- Form balls:
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Optional: Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Cook:
Baking: Place balls on the sheet, drizzle with a little oil, bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
Pan-frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden. - Serve:
- Enjoy warm with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Extra flavor: Add cooked bacon bits or chopped herbs to the mixture.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella for a gooey center.
- Shortcut: Use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain well before mixing.
Basically, these are crispy, cheesy veggie bites—perfect as a snack, side, or party appetizer! 🥦🧀
I can also give a super quick microwave/oven version that’s ready in 15 minutes for a fast teen snack.
Do you want me to do that?
