Keto Broccoli Cheese Bites
Crispy keto broccoli cheese bites with a golden pork rind coating and gooey melted cheese center. Perfect low-carb appetizer that's deep fried or air fried.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Balls
- 1.5 cups frozen broccoli thawed and well-drained (170g)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened (226.8g)
- 6 oz cheddar cheese freshly grated preferred (170.1g)
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes adjust for heat preference
- 0.75 tsp salt fine sea salt works best
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Breading
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1.5 cups pork rind crumbs finely ground (120g)
For Frying
- 3-4 cups frying oil avocado, refined olive, or coconut oil (672g)
Instructions
- Chop the thawed broccoli very fine, almost minced. Place in a large bowl.
- Add softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Using a sturdy fork, mash everything together until fully combined with no white cream cheese streaks visible.
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Scoop mixture and roll into balls under 1 inch in diameter. Place on sheet without touching.
- Freeze the balls for 3-4 hours minimum, or overnight until completely frozen solid.
- Set up breading station with three shallow dishes: coconut flour in first, eggs whisked with cream in second, pork rind crumbs in third.
- Pour oil into a deep, heavy pot (4-quart Dutch oven works well). Heat to 350°F, using a candy thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Working quickly with frozen balls, roll each in coconut flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat with pork rind crumbs, pressing gently.
- Drop 4-6 breaded balls into hot oil at 350°F. Fry for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown.
- Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let oil return to temperature between batches.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to avoid burns from molten cheese center.
Notes
Air Fryer Method: Prepare through freezing and breading. Line air fryer basket with perforated parchment or brush with oil. Place balls in single layer, spray tops with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Do not microwave.
Make Ahead: Shape and freeze unbreaded balls up to 1 week ahead. Bread and fry day of serving.
Temperature Control: Keep oil between 330-350°F for best results. Don't crowd the pot - fry 4-6 at a time only.