Cheesy Broccoli Bites Recipe

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Cheese balls are crispy outside. Soft and cheesy inside. These deep-fried bites are easy and quick to make for any occasion.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
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Cheesy Broccoli Bites are a simple, crispy treat that’s great for snacks or parties. The combination of melted cheese and broccoli wrapped in a crunchy coating is always a favorite. They’re easy to make and taste best when fresh from the fryer. Everyone loves these Cheesy Broccoli Bites!

These can be an appetizer or a side served with Cowboy Stew.

A white plate with golden-brown, crispy arancini balls; one is cut open, revealing a creamy, cheesy filling with herbs.

Cheesy Broccoli Bites

Have you ever had the Broccoli Bites at Harvey’s restaurant? I modeled these Cheesy Broccoli Balls after them. They are crispy outside with a soft and cheesy inside. They are easy and quick to make for any occasion.

A white plate with nine breaded Cheesy Broccoli Bites, one halved revealing a cheesy filling with green bits, possibly herbs or vegetables, on a white cloth.

PMc says:

I like this recipe because it’s a creative way to include more vegetables while still feeling like a treat. A pro tip: chop the broccoli finely before mixing to make shaping the bites easier and ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Broccoli Bites

To fry

A white plate with nine golden-brown, fried balls. One ball is split open, revealing a soft, yellow filling. Garnished with chopped herbs.

Cheesy Broccoli Bites Cooking Tips

Steam the broccoli until it’s fork-tender but not overcooked.

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture evenly and save time shaping them.

Chill the bites for 15–20 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape better.

Fry them in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.

      A plate of golden-brown Cheesy Broccoli Bitesgarnished with herbs. One ball is cut open, revealing the creamy pasta filling inside.

      Cheesy Broccoli Bites FAQs

      How do I keep the bites crispy?

      Let them rest on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent sogginess.

      Can I bake them instead of frying?

      Yes, bake at 375°F until golden, turning them halfway through. Brush with oil for a crispier texture. You can also air fry them.

      How do I store leftovers?

      Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best results.

      A plate of golden-brown, fried cheesy broccoli bites displayed, with one ball broken open to reveal the creamy pasta and broccoli filling inside.

      Conclusion

      This recipe is a simple snack that combines cheese and vegetables in a crispy coating. They’re easy to customize and fun to make, making them a hit for any occasion. Enjoy these Cheesy Broccoli Bites fresh for the best flavor and crunch!

      Enjoy my latest recipes

      A white plate with golden-brown, crispy arancini balls; one is cut open, revealing a creamy, cheesy filling with herbs.

      Cheesy Broccoli Bites Recipe

      Cheese balls are crispy outside. Soft and cheesy inside. These deep-fried bites are easy and quick to make for any occasion.
      Author: Paula
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      Prep Time: 10 minutes
      Cook Time: 5 minutes
      Servings: 15 servings

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      Ingredients

      For the bites

      • 1 cup (3.17 oz | 90 g) broccoli florets steamed
      • 1 and ½ cups (7.12 oz | 202 g) cheddar cheese shredded
      • 1 and ½ cups (7.12 oz | 202 g) Italian cheese blend shredded
      • ½ teaspoon paprika
      • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
      • ¼ cup (0.52 oz | 15 g) panko breadcrumbs
      • 1 large eggs lightly beaten

      To fry

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      Instructions

      Prepare the balls:

      • Finely chop broccoli florets and place in a bowl. Add all cheese, paprika, garlic, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, and beaten egg.
        A clear bowl containing a mixture of chopped vegetables and grains, accompanied by a side of Cheesy Broccoli Bites, rests on a speckled countertop.
      • Mix with your hand and use a bit more than 1 tablespoon to shape each ball.
        A plate with 14 round, uncooked falafel balls rests on a speckled countertop, reminiscent of cheesy broccoli bites in their perfect symmetry.
      • Arrange them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

      To fry

      • Place flour in a shallow bowl.
        A white plate with flour-covered round dough balls, some stuffed with cheesy broccoli goodness, sits alongside a few uncovered rounds on a speckled countertop.
      • Mix beaten eggs with 1 tablespoon of water in a second shallow bowl.
        Five dough balls, soon-to-be Cheesy Broccoli Bites, rest in a bowl of beaten eggs on a speckled countertop.
      • Mix panko breadcrumbs with a bit of salt and pepper in a third shallow bowl.
        Six round balls covered in breadcrumbs rest on a white plate, placed on a speckled countertop. These delightful treats are actually Cheesy Broccoli Bites, offering a tasty twist with every crunchy mouthful.
      • Heat about 2 cups of oil in a pot until hot but not too hot.
      • Remove balls from the refrigerator. Coat in the flour first then dip in the egg and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
      • Fry about 4 balls at a time in the pot until golden brown. Be careful they will fry fast.
        A plate of fried arancini balls, reminiscent of cheesy broccoli bites, is garnished with chopped parsley on a white cloth. A fork and knife are placed nearby on the table.
      • Prepare a plate with kitchen paper and lay broccoli balls on them to remove the excess of fat.
      • Serve hot

      Nutrition

      Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 422IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 2mg
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      Call Me PMc is a popular food and lifestyle blog created in 2012 by Southern recipe developer Paula Jones. It features tested family-friendly meals, quick weeknight dinners, updated Southern classics, and indulgent desserts.

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