These Broccoli Cheddar Poppers are the perfect snack or appetizer! With crispy outside and gooey cheese inside, they make veggies a little more fun. Plus, they’re super easy to create at home!
Honestly, who can resist cheesy broccoli goodness? I love serving these at parties, and they disappear so fast, I sometimes need to hide a batch for myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key here for texture and flavor. You can use frozen broccoli too; just thaw and chop it well. Personally, fresh gives a better crunch!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar for a milder taste. I sometimes mix in some pepper jack for a little kick!
Mozzarella: This is optional, but it makes the poppers extra cheesy. You can swap mozzarella with any melty cheese, like provolone or gouda.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but panko gives a crispier texture. I like mixing half panko and half regular breadcrumbs for the best result.
How Do I Ensure My Poppers Hold Together While Frying?
The mixture can sometimes be a bit loose, so here’s how to get good results:
- After mixing your ingredients, check the consistency. If it’s too sticky, add more breadcrumbs little by little until it’s moldable.
- Let the formed balls chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps firm them up before frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure they cook evenly.
How to Make Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then about 10 minutes for frying. So, in under 30 minutes, you can enjoy these crispy, cheesy bites fresh out of the pan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Broccoli:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the chopped broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Then, drain the broccoli well and use paper towels to pat them dry to get rid of any excess moisture.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar, mozzarella (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well-mixed and you have a nice, thick mixture.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
Next, take one of the eggs and beat it lightly. Add this to the broccoli mixture and stir until it’s evenly combined. If the mixture seems too loose to form balls, just sprinkle a bit more breadcrumbs in until it holds together nicely.
4. Shape the Poppers:
In a shallow bowl, beat the second egg for dipping. Then, pour some extra breadcrumbs into another bowl for coating the poppers. Using your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. Coat the Balls:
Take each ball, dip it into the beaten egg first, and then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat all sides evenly. Place each coated ball on a tray while you prepare to fry.
6. Frying Time:
Heat about 1 to 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Fry the broccoli balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the poppers from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This keeps them nice and crispy!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Poppers warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. They pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo. Enjoy your cheesy, crunchy bites!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before chopping it finely. This will help maintain the texture of the poppers.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
How to Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for the best crispiness.
What Should I Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Poppers?
These poppers are great on their own or served with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo. You can also pair them with a side salad or a veggie platter for a complete appetizer spread!
