Transform your love for broccoli and cheese into these irresistible golden patties that deliver all the comfort food satisfaction you crave with a healthy twist. These broccoli cheese patties combine tender vegetables with melty cheese in a crispy exterior that’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Whether you’re looking to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet or simply want a delicious way to enjoy broccoli, these patties are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups (400g) fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour or almond meal
- 2 large eggs, beaten (approximately 100g)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup/75g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons/6g)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) paprika
For Cooking
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying
- Cooking spray for baking method
For Serving
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Alternatively, steam the broccoli in a steamer basket for the same amount of time. Drain thoroughly and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Chop the Broccoli: Once cooled, finely chop the cooked broccoli into small pieces, roughly the size of rice grains. This ensures even distribution throughout the patties and prevents large chunks from breaking apart during cooking.
- Prepare the Aromatics: While the broccoli cools, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll integrate into the patties and the more evenly distributed the flavors will be.
- Mix the Binding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, flour or almond meal, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This mixture will act as the binder that holds your patties together.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli, both cheeses, diced onion, and minced garlic to the egg mixture. Using a large spoon or your hands, mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be overly wet.
- Rest the Mixture: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb moisture and the flavors to meld. This resting period helps create better texture and binding.
- Shape the Patties: Using your hands, scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and form it into a patty approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) in diameter and 1/2 inch (1.25cm) thick. Place the formed patties on a plate lined with parchment paper. You should have about 8-10 patties.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Patty, Based on 8 Patties)
- Calories: 145
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Vitamin C: 45mg (50% DV)
- Vitamin K: 55mcg (46% DV)
- Calcium: 180mg (14% DV)
- Iron: 1.2mg (7% DV)
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
Replace the all-purpose flour with almond meal, coconut flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. Almond meal adds a subtle nutty flavor and extra protein, while coconut flour requires slightly less quantity due to its high absorbency.
Low-Carb Alternative
Use almond meal instead of regular flour and add an extra egg if the mixture seems too loose. This version works perfectly for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets while maintaining the delicious taste and texture.
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives such as nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use cashew-based cheese shreds. Add an extra pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Protein-Packed Version
Add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa or finely chopped cooked chicken to the mixture for extra protein. This makes the patties more substantial and suitable as a main course.
Spicy Variation
Incorporate 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. Serve with cooling ranch or yogurt-based dipping sauce to balance the heat.
Mediterranean Style
Replace the cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or parsley. Include a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These broccoli cheese patties store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months. To freeze, place cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
To reheat refrigerated patties, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. For frozen patties, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen by adding 3-4 extra minutes to the reheating time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These versatile patties work wonderfully in various serving scenarios. For a light lunch, serve them over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. They also make excellent burger patties when served on whole grain buns with avocado and tomato. As an appetizer, arrange them on a platter with multiple dipping sauces for variety.
Pair these patties with roasted sweet potato wedges, a fresh cucumber salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal. They also complement grilled chicken or fish beautifully as a flavorful side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these patties ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also shape the patties and store them on a parchment-lined plate, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 8 hours before cooking. This actually helps them hold together better during cooking.
Why are my patties falling apart during cooking? If your patties are crumbling, the mixture may be too wet or not have enough binding agent. Try adding an extra tablespoon of flour or an additional beaten egg. Also, make sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly after cooking and let the mixture rest before shaping to allow the flour to absorb excess moisture.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Absolutely! Use 4 cups of frozen broccoli florets, but make sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Frozen broccoli tends to release more water, so thorough draining is crucial for proper texture.
What’s the best way to ensure even browning? Make sure all patties are the same thickness for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can cause uneven browning and steaming rather than crisping. If baking, flip the patties halfway through the cooking time for even golden color on both sides.
Can I make mini patties for appetizers? Definitely! Use about 1 tablespoon of mixture per mini patty and reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side when pan-frying, or 10-12 minutes total when baking. Mini patties are perfect for party platters and make excellent finger foods for gatherings.
These broccoli cheese patties prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With their crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and packed nutrition, they’re destined to become a regular feature on your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them to kids who think they don’t like vegetables or adults looking for a guilt-free comfort food, these patties deliver on all fronts with their irresistible combination of taste, texture, and wholesome ingredients.