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Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 90 reviews

These Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a deliciously healthy vegetarian dish packed with broccoli and melty cheese. Juicy and moist on the inside with a golden crisp outside, they make a perfect main or appetizer. With a zesty garlic lemon yoghurt sauce, this recipe is gluten-free friendly and easy to prepare. Ideal for a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 15-18 balls, serves 3-4 as a main

Ingredients

Broccoli 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

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)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded cheese, finely sliced shallots or scallions, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the broccoli mixture well as you combine, similar to preparing a mince, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Form Balls: Using a heaped tablespoon, scoop the mixture and press firmly, then flick it into your hand and shape into a round ball. Place each formed ball onto the prepared tray. Repeat the process until all mixture is used, making approximately 15 to 18 balls.
  4. Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the broccoli balls with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the exterior is golden and slightly crisp.
  5. Prepare Sauce: While baking, mix together plain yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to sit for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
  6. Serve: Serve the hot broccoli cheese balls alongside the garlic lemon yoghurt sauce. They also pair wonderfully with ketchup or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Broccoli can be fresh or frozen. For fresh, use one large or two medium heads. Cook broccoli until soft to make mashing and shaping easier.
  • Chop florets and thinner stems; peel thick stems before boiling. Boil stems for 2 minutes, add florets and cook for 3 more minutes until soft. Drain well.
  • Store cooled balls in an airtight container. Reheat in microwave or oven. Freeze cooked balls; thaw and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
  • Form balls ahead of time and refrigerate (do not freeze) before baking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup almond meal.
  • The recipe pairs well with lemon rice pilaf and sautéed kale with shredded carrots and crushed almonds for a complete meal.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian, Western
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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