If you’re looking for a delicious way to get everyone excited about eating their veggies, these broccoli cheddar fritters are the answer. They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with tender broccoli in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly.
The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and simple seasonings creates a savory fritter that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavor. Best of all, they come together with just a handful of ingredients and cook in minutes. Oh, and they’re kid-friendly too!
If you love crispy veggie comfort food like this, be sure to try our easy corn fritters, fried zucchini, and cheesy onion rings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden exterior with a cheesy center
- Great way to use fresh broccoli
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
Key Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and their exact amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Broccoli: Adds fresh flavor, a tender texture, and plenty of nutrients while forming the base of the broccoli patties.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings rich, cheesy flavor and helps hold the fritters together as it melts.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture while creating a crispy, golden exterior when pan-fried.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory flavor that makes the broccoli and cheese really shine.
Variations
- Try Cauliflower: Replace the broccoli with cauliflower to make cauliflower patties.
- Add More Veggies: Finely chopped cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, spinach, or green onions are great additions.
- Swap the Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Bacon Broccoli Fritters: Add cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Make Them Spicy: Mix in diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Step 1: Steam the broccoli until fork tender.
Step 2: Mash the broccoli into small pieces in a large mixing bowl. Then, mix in the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Shape heaping tablespoons into small patties while preheating the oil. Fry the fritters in small batches until golden and crispy, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate as you go.
Step 4: Serve warm. Serve plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips
- Steam the broccoli until tender but not mushy.
- Mash the broccoli well so the mixture holds together easily.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying.
- Cook over medium heat so the cheese melts without burning the outside.
- Let the fritters cool for a few minutes before serving so they firm up slightly.
Broccoli Cheddar Fritters FAQs
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Thaw it completely, drain off as much excess moisture as possible, and pat it dry before mashing to help the fritters hold together.
Be sure to steam the broccoli until it’s tender but not overcooked, mash it well, and mix the ingredients thoroughly. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.
Absolutely. You can prepare the broccoli mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to form and cook the fritters.
Excess moisture is usually the culprit. Drain the broccoli well after steaming, avoid overcrowding the skillet, and cook over medium heat so the fritters develop a crisp exterior.
Yes. Place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush or spray them with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Definitely! Lightly spray both sides of the fritters with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
You can refrigerate the fritters for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Yes! Let the cooked fritters cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
For the crispiest texture, reheat them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but will soften the exterior.
Great Pairings for Your Broccoli Cheddar Patties
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Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a saucepan, over medium heat, add ¼ cup of water and broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
- In a large bowl, add steamed broccoli and mash it up.
- Add the breadcrumbs and seasonings, mix until well combined then add the shredded cheese. Mix until fully combined.
- Heat oil over medium in a frying pan.
- Scoop about a heaping tablespoon and form into a patty.
- Cook four at a time on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Steam the broccoli until tender but not mushy.
- Mash the broccoli well so the mixture holds together easily.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying.
- Cook over medium heat so the cheese melts without burning the outside.
- Let the fritters cool for a few minutes before serving so they firm up slightly.
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