Best Amys Cheezy Broccoli Balls Recipes

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and green onions.
3. Add the eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix well until everything is well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the broccoli balls for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the broccoli balls to cool slightly before serving.

Variations

• Substitute different types of cheese, such as blue cheese, feta, or mozzarella.
• Add additional herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or cumin, to give the balls a unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or coconut flour.
• You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as kale, spinach, or zucchini, to add additional nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

When it comes to appetizers, Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls recipe is the perfect dish to kick off any dinner party or gathering. These snacks hit the sweet spot of being both healthy and delicious, ideal for guests who might be watching their waistlines. Broccoli balls make great finger food, and they're also a fun way to get kids to eat their greens. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when making this dish that will make it stand out from the rest. Here are some valuable tips for making Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls that everyone will love.

Tip 1: Use the right kind of broccoli

The first step in making broccoli balls is to get the right kind of broccoli. Choose broccoli heads that are tight and compact, and the florets should be dark green or greenish-purple. Avoid broccoli florets that are yellow, limp, or have brown spots. When in doubt, go for organic broccoli heads as they tend to have a better texture and flavor.

Tip 2: Don't overcook the broccoli

While it's essential to cook the broccoli to make it soft, make sure not to overcook it. Overcooking the broccoli can cause it to lose its texture, and it will become too soggy to form into balls. Steam the broccoli for about five minutes, or until it's tender but still firm enough to handle. You can also blanch it in boiling water for about two to three minutes, then transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Tip 3: Use the right amount of cheese

Cheese is the highlight of Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls recipe, but don't go overboard with it. The amount of cheese you use should be just enough to bind the broccoli mixture and add flavor. Too much cheese can overpower the broccoli and make the balls greasy. Use about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of grated cheese for every two cups of cooked broccoli florets. You can use any kind of cheese you like, including Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella.

Tip 4: Use breadcrumbs for texture

Breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in broccoli balls, as they help to bind the mixture and add texture. You can use any kind of breadcrumbs you like, such as panko or regular bread crumbs. However, avoid using too many breadcrumbs, as they can make the balls dry and crumbly. Use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for every two cups of cooked broccoli florets.

Tip 5: Season well

Seasoning is key when making Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls, as it adds flavor to the dish. You can use any herbs and spices you like, such as garlic powder, dried thyme, or dried oregano. However, make sure not to go overboard with the seasonings, as they can overpower the flavors of the broccoli and cheese. Use about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of herbs and spices for every two cups of cooked broccoli florets.

Tip 6: Chill the mixture before forming into balls

Chilling the broccoli and cheese mixture before forming it into balls will make it easier to handle. After mixing all the ingredients together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to one hour. Chilling the mixture will also help the flavors to combine.

Tip 7: Use a cookie scoop to form the balls

A cookie scoop is the perfect tool to use when forming the broccoli mixture into balls. A cookie scoop will help you create balls that are uniform in size and shape, which will make them cook evenly. Use a small or medium-sized cookie scoop, depending on how big you want your broccoli balls to be.

Tip 8: Coat the balls in breadcrumbs

Coating the broccoli balls in breadcrumbs will give them a crispy texture on the outside. You can use any kind of breadcrumbs you like, such as panko or regular bread crumbs. Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly before baking or frying. If you're baking the broccoli balls, spray them lightly with cooking spray before placing them on a baking sheet.

Tip 9: Bake or fry the balls

You can either bake or fry Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls, depending on your preference. Baking the balls in the oven is a healthier option, while frying them will give them a crispy texture. To bake the balls, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown. To fry the balls, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan and fry for about two to three minutes, or until they're crispy on the outside.

Tip 10: Serve hot and enjoy

Once your broccoli balls are ready, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls are perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They're also great for entertaining guests or for enjoying at home with family and friends.

Conclusion

Amy's Cheezy Broccoli Balls are an easy, healthy, and delicious snack that everyone will love. With these valuable tips, you can make the perfect batch of broccoli balls that will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. Remember to use the right kind of broccoli, don't overcook it, use the right amount of cheese and breadcrumbs, season well, chill the mixture before forming into balls, use a cookie scoop to form the balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, bake, or fry them, and serve hot. Happy cooking!