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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 80 reviews

Deliciously golden and crispy on the outside, these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are packed with nutritious broccoli yet taste indulgent. Juicy and moist inside, they make a perfect vegetarian main or appetizer that is sure to impress. Served with a refreshing garlic lemon yogurt sauce, they offer a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 15-18 broccoli cheese balls (serves 3-4 as a main)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 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

Garlic Lemon Yoghurt Sauce

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for all oven types. Line a tray with baking or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots or scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli as you mix to help bind the mixture similarly to cooking minced meat.
  3. Form broccoli balls: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture, press it firmly together, then flick it out into your hand. Shape the mixture into a round ball and place it on the prepared baking tray. Repeat this process with all the mixture to make about 15 to 18 balls.
  4. Prepare for baking: Lightly spray the formed broccoli cheese balls with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispness during baking.
  5. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the broccoli balls develop a slightly crisp, golden surface.
  6. Make the garlic lemon yoghurt sauce: While baking, mix the 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 flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Remove the broccoli cheese balls from the oven and serve warm with the prepared garlic lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair well with ketchup.

Notes

  • Use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, 1 large head or 2 medium heads are needed. Make sure broccoli is cooked soft for easy mashing and shaping.
  • To cook fresh broccoli: separate florets and cut stems into 2.5cm pieces. Peel thick stem skin if using. Boil stems for 2 minutes, add florets and cook 3 more minutes until soft, then drain well.
  • Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat quickly in the microwave or in the oven. These can be frozen once cooked; thaw then reheat at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
  • Make ahead: form the balls and refrigerate (do not freeze) before baking later.
  • Gluten free option: substitute panko breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup almond meal.
  • This recipe pairs beautifully with Lemon Rice Pilaf and sautéed kale with shredded carrots and crushed almonds.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/baked-broccoli-cheese-balls-with-lemon-yoghurt-sauce-recipe-2/