Intro
Hi, I’m Dulcia. These Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites are one of my favorite quick crowd-pleasers. They are crunchy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, and perfect for parties, game day, or a satisfying snack.
Origins
This idea came from my love of turning simple vegetables into fun bites. Broccoli has long been celebrated for nutrition and versatile cooking, as summarized on Wikipedia. Fried, breaded vegetables are a comfort food in many cuisines, and the creamy cheese center makes these irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 oz. Velveeta, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for the mix)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for breading)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
I keep food safety in mind, and the USDA has good frying and handling guidance at USDA.
If you want more on my site, see my homepage at Dulcia Recipes or a favorite companion snack recipe like this bread guide on Cheesecake Factory Bread copy.
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli until soft, then let it cool slightly.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli and place it in a medium to large bowl.
- Add the Colby cheese, Cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg to the broccoli. Mix well to combine.
- Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into balls.
- Place the balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Prepare three bowls for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with the remaining Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a large skillet, using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Coat each broccoli ball in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the broccoli bites in batches, ensuring space between each one, for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, place the bites on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the cheesy broccoli bites warm and enjoy!
Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: About 18–24 bites (serves 4) 1x
Description
Crispy fried broccoli and cheese bites made with Colby, Cheddar, Velveeta and Panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 oz. Velveeta, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/4 cups Panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (for breading)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli until soft, then let it cool slightly.
- Finely chop the cooled broccoli and place it in a medium to large bowl.
- Add the Colby cheese, Cheddar cheese, Velveeta, red pepper flakes, 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg to the broccoli; mix well to combine.
- Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into balls.
- Place the balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Prepare three bowls for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with the remaining Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 375?F in a large skillet, using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Coat each broccoli ball in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the broccoli bites in batches, ensuring space between each one, for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, place the bites on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the cheesy broccoli bites warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Tips
- Chill the formed balls for at least 1 hour, this helps them hold shape while frying.
- Use a thermometer so the oil stays around 375°F, this gives a crisp exterior without overcooking inside.
- If you want extra crunch, double-dip in egg and Panko once more before frying.
Variations
- Bake instead of frying: spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter version.
- Make them spicy: increase crushed red pepper flakes, or serve with a sriracha mayo dip.
- Swap cheeses: Monterey Jack or Mozzarella work well if you prefer milder melt.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, form and chill the balls up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bread and fry when ready.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 6-8 minutes, or air fry at 350°F until warmed through to keep them crisp.
Q: Are these freezer friendly?
A: Yes, freeze uncooked, breaded bites on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Fry from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the cook time.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites are a fast route to a crowd-pleasing snack. They are flexible to adapt, easy to prepare, and always a hit. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. For more recipes and kitchen tips, visit my site at https://www.dulciarecipes.com/.