When these balls came out of the oven, the whole family scarfed down 3 trays!

There’s something magical about combining cheese and vegetables into a delectable, bite-sized treat. The Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls are a shining example of this magic, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering snack or side dish. Imagine crisp, golden-brown morsels with a creamy, cheesy center that burst with the freshness of broccoli. This recipe not only appeals to cheese lovers but also cleverly incorporates vegetables, making it an ideal choice for both kids and adults.
A Family Favorite Reimagined
This recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners where vegetables were a struggle to get the kids to eat. My own experience with broccoli cheese balls began when I wanted a way to make broccoli more appealing to my picky eaters. The first time I made these, they disappeared faster than I could count. The blend of cheese and broccoli, coupled with a crispy exterior, proved to be the perfect solution to the vegetable dilemma. Over time, this dish has become a cherished recipe in my home, representing a harmonious balance of taste and nutrition.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the cheese balls.

Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Steaming helps to retain the vibrant green color and nutritional value of the broccoli.

Tip: You can use a steamer basket or a microwave-safe dish with a little water. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap to trap steam.

Cool and Chop: Once steamed, let the broccoli cool for a few minutes. Finely chop the broccoli to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients and forms cohesive cheese balls.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. The breadcrumbs and flour act as binders, giving the cheese balls their shape and texture.

Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese balls, making them irresistibly tasty.

Mix Well: Stir everything together until fully combined. You should have a mixture that holds together well but isn’t too dry. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a small amount of milk.

Tip: Using your hands can help mix the ingredients more thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of cheese and seasoning.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Cheese Balls
Form the Cheese Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls. This size is perfect for a bite-sized snack that cooks evenly.