Broccoli Cheese Balls make a delicious finger food for holiday parties or game day. Make them as an after school snack and your kids will think you are the coolest parent ever. Next to Fried Mac and Cheese, I think these Broccoli Cheese Balls are the best kid snack ever.

PREP TIME: 1 HOUR
COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces Velveeta, cut into small chunks
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/4 cups Panko crumbs, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetable or Canola oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Steam broccoli until slightly softened. Let cool.

Finely chop broccoli. You want the pieces to be 1/4-inch or less. Place in a large bowl.

Add cheese, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Panko crumbs, and 1 egg to bowl with broccoli. Stir well.

Use your hands to shape mixture into balls using about a rounded tablespoon for each ball. You should get 12-14.

Place balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Place flour in a bowl.

Place the 2 lightly beaten eggs in a second bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon water.

Place remaining 2 cups Panko crumbs in a third bowl.

Pour about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat oil to 375 degrees. For best results use a thermometer.

Remove broccoli balls from refrigerator, coat in flour, dip in egg mixture, and then coat in Panko crumbs.

Fry about 4 balls at a time cooking until golden brown on all sides.

Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.