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.
