- 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.
