Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls

Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender (about 3–4 minutes), then drain and let them cool. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and then drain off any excess water. Once cooled, chop the broccoli into small pieces.

Make the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form the balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls using your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake: Place the broccoli cheese balls in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed as a snack or served as a side dish with a dipping sauce (such as ranch or marinara).

Tips:
You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend for varied flavor.
If you want to make them even healthier, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or omit them entirely and use oats.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika for a little kick!
Enjoy these cheesy, veggie-packed bites!