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Broccoli Cheddar Fritters Delight

Category: Perfect Accompaniments to Complete Any Meal

Broccoli cheddar fritters offer a flavorful way to enjoy more veggies at the dinner table. Chopped broccoli is quickly blanched, then combined with sharp cheddar, spices, almond meal, and eggs, creating a thick batter. The mixture is pan-cooked in olive oil until golden and crisp on both sides. Serve these warm for a satisfying side or snack, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days—a great choice for making ahead or for kids’ lunches.

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Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 20:40:47 GMT
Broccoli Cheese Patties Pin
Broccoli Cheese Patties | lottirecipes.com

These broccoli cheddar fritters are a weeknight game-changer and a sneaky way to pack vegetables into a meal kids truly love. Crispy golden on the outside and loaded with melty cheddar and tender broccoli, they are perfect as a side dish or light lunch. I find myself making a double batch because these disappear faster than I ever expect.

I started making these when my picky eater declared war on green veggies but devoured these fritters with absolute joy. Now we make them as a family, and they always bring smiles at the dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work but use vibrant green firm heads for best flavor
  • Shredded cheddar: Provides creamy meltiness and that classic cheesy taste try to grate your own for better melt
  • Almond meal or regular flour: Binds the fritters and helps crisp the edges I like almond meal for a nuttier taste
  • Large eggs: Hold everything together look for fresh eggs with good yolk color
  • Garlic clove: Adds subtle flavor punch always use fresh and mince finely
  • Paprika: Boosts color and adds mild smokiness go for a sweet variety if you want less heat
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning taste before shaping fritters
  • Pepper: Brightens everything and counters the richness of cheese
  • Olive oil: For pan frying choose a light or extra virgin kind for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of water to boil and add broccoli florets Cook for two minutes just until bright green and slightly tender
Cool and Chop:
Drain broccoli and let cool until safe to handle Chop into very small uniform pieces so the fritters hold together
Mix the Batter:
Combine the chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar almond meal eggs garlic paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl Stir until everything is evenly mixed and coated
Heat the Oil:
Add about one tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet Heat over medium high until oil shimmers
Form and Cook Fritters:
Scoop roughly a quarter cup of the broccoli mixture onto the skillet Flatten gently with the back of a spoon Cook each side for about two to three minutes until deep golden brown Repeat with remaining batter working in batches and adding oil if needed
Serve Warm:
Transfer fritters to a plate and let cool slightly Serve while still crispy and warm
Broccoli Cheese Patties Pin
Broccoli Cheese Patties | lottirecipes.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the little crispy cheddar bits that cook out around the fritters they remind me of the crunchy edges from a childhood grilled cheese. My daughter loves shaping the fritters herself and calls them cheesy broccoli pancakes.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place in a skillet over low heat so they crisp up again or pop into a toaster oven for a few minutes. These fritters do not freeze well as the texture can get watery after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap cheddar for another melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Regular all purpose flour or your favorite gluten free flour blend works in place of almond meal. If out of fresh garlic use a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Try these fritters with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice on top for extra zing. Serve alongside a big salad roasted potatoes or tuck into sandwiches as a veggie burger substitute. They also make a fantastic finger food for parties.

Why Broccoli and Cheese Are a Classic

Broccoli and cheddar is a combo loved since childhood because the creamy cheese balances the mild earthy notes of broccoli. This pairing is found in classic casseroles and soups and works so well in fritters as melty cheese brings everyone to the table. It is also a clever way to get hesitant eaters to enjoy their greens.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use frozen broccoli in fritters?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen broccoli works well. Chop finely before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ How can I make these fritters dairy-free?

Replace cheddar with a dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for savory flavor.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Try Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a tangy herbed yogurt dip for extra flavor and freshness.

→ Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F on a lined sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

→ How long do fritters stay fresh?

They last up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pan or oven for best texture.

Broccoli Cheddar Fritters

Cheesy broccoli fritters combine simple prep with delicious crunch for a kid-friendly side or snack.

Preparation Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins

Category: Simple Sides

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: International

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 8 fritters)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Fritter Base

01 4 cups broccoli florets
02 2 large eggs, beaten
03 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 1/4 cup almond meal
05 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Seasonings

06 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 Pinch of black pepper

→ Cooking

09 Olive oil, as needed for frying

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain immediately and let cool until safe to handle.

Step 02

Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 15 ml water. Microwave for 2 minutes, checking for doneness. Let cool before handling.

Step 03

Using a sharp knife, finely chop the cooled broccoli until it resembles a coarse grain texture.

Step 04

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with beaten eggs, shredded cheddar, almond meal, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

Step 05

Heat 15 ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop approximately 60 ml of the mixture and place in the skillet. Flatten gently with the back of a spoon. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat in batches, adding oil as needed.

Step 06

Transfer cooked fritters to a plate. Serve warm, or store refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Ensure broccoli is well-drained and cooled prior to chopping for best fritter texture.
  2. For even browning, avoid overcrowding the pan and cook fritters in batches.

Tools You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large pot or microwave-safe bowl
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Contains eggs and milk (cheddar cheese).
  • Contains tree nuts (almond meal). Substitute with wheat flour if preferred and not gluten free.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 140
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 8 g