Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls

🧀🥦 Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls 🧀🥦

What is it?
Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls are delicious bite-sized snacks or appetizers made with a combination of cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli. These delightful treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect addition to any party or as a savory snack.

History:
The history of Cheezy Broccoli Balls is not well-documented, but it likely originated from the creative minds of home cooks looking for a tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. The combination of cheese and broccoli has long been a popular pairing, and turning them into bite-sized snacks was a brilliant culinary innovation.

Components:
To make Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls, you’ll need the following components:

• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is the star ingredient, providing a vibrant green color and essential nutrients.
• Cheese: You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to achieve that cheesy goodness.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients and give the balls a crispy outer layer.
• Eggs: Eggs serve as a binding agent to hold everything together.
• Seasonings: Ingredients like garlic powder, salt, and pepper add flavor.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls:

1. Blanch the Broccoli: Start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat them dry.

2. Chop and Mix: Chop the blanched broccoli into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and your choice of seasonings. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Form the Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the broccoli balls in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve your Cheezy Broccoli Balls as a delectable appetizer or snack. You can even serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, like marinara or ranch dressing.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls is approximately 45 minutes, including preparation and baking. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe that yields delightful results.

Enjoy your Cheezy Broccoli Balls! 🧀🥦😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 120-150 calories per serving (depending on size and ingredients used)
• Total Fat: 7-10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 25-35 mg
• Sodium: 200-300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 1-2 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams
• Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 20-25% of the DV
• Calcium: 15-20% of the DV
• Iron: 4-6% of the DV

Health Information:

1. Broccoli Benefits: Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls contain broccoli, which is a cruciferous vegetable known for its health benefits. It’s rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin A, which support a healthy immune system and good vision.

2. Moderate Calories: The calorie content of these balls is relatively moderate, making them a reasonable snack option when enjoyed in moderation.

3. Protein Source: These balls provide a modest amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

4. Calcium Intake: The inclusion of cheese in the recipe contributes to the calcium content. Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth.

5. Fiber Content: While not exceptionally high in fiber, the use of broccoli and breadcrumbs does provide some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

6. Watch Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns about blood pressure. You can adjust the recipe to reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium cheese and breadcrumbs.

7. Portion Control: As with any snack or appetizer, it’s essential to practice portion control. While Cheezy Broccoli Balls can be a nutritious choice, consuming them in moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.

Remember that the specific nutrition values may vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes you use when preparing Amy’s Cheezy Broccoli Balls.