Cheesy Fried Broccoli Bites

Ingredients

• 1½ cups Fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 4 oz. Velveeta- cut into small cubes
• ½ tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes
• 2¼ cups Panko crumbs- divided
• 1 Egg- lightly beaten
• ½ cup All-purpose flour
• 2 Eggs lightly beaten
• Vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. Steam the broccoli until it is soft. Then allow it to cool for a bit.
2. Finely chop the broccoli and place it in a medium to large bowl.
3. Add in the cheese, red pepper flakes, part of the Panko breadcrumbs and one egg. Mix well.
4. Scoop up 1-2 tablespoons of mixture and form into balls.
5. Refrigerate the balls for an hour to let the balls get nice and set up.
6. Then in 3 separate bowls you will add flour in one, eggs, and then thenlast one panko for frying.
7. Heat the oil to 375 degrees using a thermometer in a large skillet to ensure the oil is nice and hot.
8. Place the ball in the flour mixture, next roll in egg, and finally panko.
9. Place the balls in the oil and fry for a few minutes on each side. Cook in batches, making sure there is space between each ball.
10. Once the breading is golden brown on all sides, then place on a paper towel lined tray. Then serve warm.