Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Yields: About 24 cheese balls

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray, for greasing

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.

Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Allow to cool, then finely chop.

In a large bowl, mix the broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, and combine well.

Form the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter balls and place on the baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.

Allow to cool slightly before serving to avoid a scorching surprise.

Variations & Tips:

Substitute breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version.

Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

These cheese balls can be made in advance and frozen. Simply freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Add extra veggies like shredded carrots or chopped spinach for an additional nutrient boost.