Broccoli Cheddar Patties
Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside. Perfect as a side dish, vegetarian main course, or appetizer.
Yield: 6 large patties
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
4 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
¾ cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Drain immediately.
Transfer to ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking.
Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
Finely chop the broccoli.
Tip: Removing excess moisture helps the patties hold together.
Step 2: Make the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
Chopped broccoli
Cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Breadcrumbs
Garlic
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Parsley
Mix until evenly combined.
If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide into 6 equal portions.
Shape each into a patty about:
3½ inches wide
¾ inch thick
Place on a baking sheet or plate.
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 4: Cook
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Optional Baking Method
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Optional Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray patties with cooking oil.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Ranch dressing
Garlic aioli
Sour cream
Greek yogurt dip
Marinara sauce
Sweet chili sauce
Pair with:
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Rice or quinoa
Soup
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 patty (1 of 6)
Calories: 220
Protein: 13 g
Total Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Total Sugars: 2 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Calcium: 260 mg
Iron: 1.2 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and cooking method.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains:
Milk (dairy): Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses
Eggs
Wheat/Gluten: Breadcrumbs (unless using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
It does not contain peanuts or tree nuts.
Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nut-Free Option
The recipe is naturally nut-free. Check packaged ingredients (such as breadcrumbs and cheese) if cooking for someone with severe allergies to avoid cross-contamination.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cheddar and Parmesan alternatives.
Egg-Free Option
Replace the eggs with two flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, rested for 5–10 minutes). The texture will be slightly softer.
Tips for Success
Finely chop the broccoli for patties that hold together well.
Remove as much moisture as possible after blanching.
Chill the patties before cooking to reduce the chance of breaking.
Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Medium heat gives a crisp exterior without burning the cheese.
Variations
Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Herb: Mix in fresh dill, chives, or basil.
Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds (note: almond flour introduces a tree nut allergen).
Mediterranean: Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it completely, squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then chop before mixing.
Why are my patties falling apart?
The mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs, chill the patties before cooking, and make sure the broccoli is well drained.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze uncooked patties?
Yes. Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, or Colby all work well.
How do I know they’re done?
The patties should be golden brown on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if reheating previously cooked ingredients, or be hot throughout with melted cheese.
