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#### 1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the balls from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **shredded cheese**, **breadcrumbs**, **cooked chicken or turkey** (if using), **cream cheese**, **green onions**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **Italian seasoning**. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.
#### 3. **Shape the Balls:**
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about **1-inch in diameter**. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about **1 inch apart**.
#### 4. **Bake the Snack Balls:**
Bake the snack balls in the preheated oven for about **12-15 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
### **Flavor Variations to Try:**
2. **Cheesy Jalapeño Balls**: Add **diced jalapeños** and a blend of **cheddar and pepper jack cheese** for a zesty kick. These are perfect for those who love a little heat.
4. **Veggie-Packed Balls**: For a healthier twist, mix in some **finely chopped spinach**, **carrots**, or **zucchini** to the mixture. These veggie-packed balls are perfect for getting your daily dose of greens.
5. **Italian Meatball Balls**: Add some **Italian sausage** or **ground beef** to the mix, along with **parsley**, **oregano**, and **parmesan cheese**. These taste like mini meatballs, but in a more portable, snackable form.
– **Flavor-packed**: The combination of cheese, seasonings, and optional proteins like chicken or bacon make each bite full of savory, satisfying flavor.
– **Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside**: The exterior gets a nice crispy texture while the inside remains tender and moist.
– **Perfect for snacking**: The bite-sized portions make it easy to enjoy without overindulging (though, if you’re like my hubby, you might have a hard time stopping after just five!).
### **Conclusion:**
So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious bite, whip up a batch of these irresistible snack balls—just be prepared for them to disappear fast! After all, when you make something this tasty, it’s no surprise that your hubby (or anyone else) can’t stop at just one.