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Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

These crispy baked cheese balls combine soft cooked broccoli, shredded cheese, and flavorful seasonings to create a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer. Coated with panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they are served with a tangy lemon yoghurt sauce that enhances the cheesy, savory flavor. Perfect for a quick bite, party snack, or light meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 15 to 18 cheese balls (3 servings)

Ingredients

Cheese Balls

  • 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby, or Tasty cheese)
  • 2 shallots / scallions, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Lemon Yoghurt Sauce

  • 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste depending on fat % of yoghurt used)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for all oven types to ensure even baking of the cheese balls.
  2. Prepare Baking Tray: Line a tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the soft cooked, well-drained broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix, similar to preparing cooked minced meat, to create a cohesive mixture.
  4. Form Cheese Balls: Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop the mixture and press firmly before flicking it out into your hand. Roll it gently to form a ball. Place each formed ball onto the prepared baking tray. Continue until all mixture is used, yielding about 15 to 18 balls.
  5. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the cheese balls with olive oil spray to help them crisp up during baking.
  6. Bake: Bake the cheese balls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the surface is golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Prepare Sauce: While the balls bake, mix together plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Serve the hot cheese balls alongside the tangy lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup for alternative dipping options.

Notes

  • Note 1: Make sure broccoli is well drained and soft-cooked to avoid excess moisture that could affect binding and crispiness.
  • Note 2: Using parchment paper eases removal and cleaning after baking.
  • For extra crispiness, you can finish the cheese balls under the broiler for 1-2 minutes watching closely.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste before forming cheese balls.
  • These cheese balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/broccoli-cheese-balls-with-lemon-yoghurt-sauce-recipe/