These Broccoli Cheese Patties are a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course for lunch or dinner, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Packed with the goodness of broccoli and the richness of cheese, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make and require just a handful of ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or boiled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam or boil the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green (about 5-7 minutes). Drain well and let them cool slightly.
- Once cool enough to handle, chop the broccoli into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the broccoli a few times in a food processor.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until fully mixed. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or flour to help bind the mixture.
- Form the Patties:
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form 8-10 patties.
- Fry the Patties:
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, place the patties on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, or a tangy mustard sauce.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, you can bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- You can also try different types of cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed “egg” and use dairy-free cheese.
Enjoy these tasty Broccoli Cheese Patties as a wholesome treat that the whole family will love!
