Oh, the comfort of biting into something cheesy, crisp on the outside, and oh-so-gooey on the inside! That's why I've got to share these amazing Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with you. They're my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but has a sneaky serving of veggies. Originating as a spin on the classic fried cheese balls, this baked version offers a guilt-free twist, perfect for when you're trying to keep things a bit lighter. Whether you're hosting a game-day gathering, looking for a fun side dish to liven up dinner, or simply wanting a tasty snack, these little gems are a total crowd-pleaser, and let's be honest, a fun way to convince the kiddos (or yourself) to eat more greens!

Pair these Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, or set them alongside a crisp green salad for a light meal. For heartier appetites, they're fantastic with a bowl of tomato soup or your favorite grain pilaf to turn these appetizers into a full-on dinner.

Servings: Makes about 24 cheese balls

- 2 cups of broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray, for greasing

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

2. Steam the broccoli florets until they're tender-crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Let them cool, then chop them up nice and fine—you can even throw them in a food processor if you're short on time!

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir until it's well mixed.

4. Shape the mixture into small balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden and firm to the touch.

6. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, they’re hot!

- For a gluten-free option, swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative or rolled oats pulsed into a coarse meal.
- Feel free to mix things up with different cheeses. Mozzarella can bring a wonderful stretchiness to the game, while a bit of pepper jack adds some zing.
- If you're looking to make these beauties ahead of time, they freeze really well. Just prepare the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. When you're ready for them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- And hey, if you want to sneak in even more veggies, try folding in some finely shredded carrots or chopped spinach. It's a great way to get more bang for your broccoli buck!

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