Save Pin
Broccoli cheese patties are a weeknight superstar. They use basic kitchen stuff to make something seriously tasty. Each one’s got a crispy bite outside, gooey cheese inside and packs in those veggies so well, even picky eaters come back for more!
Whenever I whip these up, the last patty disappears fast. Even people who normally skip broccoli are grabbing seconds. They save me on nights when dinner has to be easy but still hit the spot.
Tasty Ingredients
- Spices and herbs: Parsley, basil, or a little smoky paprika or ground cumin give these a fresh twist. Chopped fresh herbs always punch up the flavor right before serving
- Breadcrumbs: Totally up to you—add these if you crave super crunchy patties. Try panko for that awesome airy crunch
- Olive oil: You’ll need some for frying. Go with a good one for lovely flavor and an extra pretty crust
- Salt and pepper: Really important for bringing all the flavors to life—taste as you go and add what you need
- Garlic: Mince it up for a flavor boost. Grab the juiciest, freshest garlic you can
- Onion: Chop it up nice and small for tiny bites of sweet and just a hint of crunch
- Large eggs: Give them a quick whisk to help your mixture stick together. Fresh eggs work best here
- All-purpose flour or almond meal: Either gives you structure but almond meal adds a light, nutty thing. Pick fine almond meal if you’ve got it
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Goes big on saltiness and helps hold these together. Look for fragrant, hard Parm
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Extra sharp cheddar is my top pick for melt and tang, but experiment with your favorites too
- Broccoli florets: Steam or boil till just tender and chop up small. Fresh or frozen both work. Go for really bright green, crisp broccoli
Simple Steps
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dive in while they’re still warm. Add your top choice of dip or throw them next to something else you’re serving for dinner
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat olive oil in your pan on medium. Space out the patties so they’re easy to flip, cooking each side till you see a deep golden color—about 3-4 minutes. Want to bake instead? Pop them in a hot oven at 375, lined on parchment, flipping partway until both sides are crisp and browned (about 15-20 minutes)
- Form the Patties:
- Take a couple spoonfuls of mixture for each and shape into not-too-thick rounds, keeping them about three inches across. Press just enough to help them hold up but don’t mash them
- Chop and Mix:
- Finely chop your broccoli or give it a quick blitz in the food processor if you want it super fine but keep it chunky, not mushy. Toss everything—broccoli, eggs, onion, garlic, flour, cheeses, salt, and pepper—into a big bowl and mix until it holds together
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam or boil until you can poke a fork in—five to seven minutes does the trick. Drain and let it cool to stop sogginess before the next step
Save Pin
I can’t get enough sharp cheddar here. It totally balances out the earthiness of the broccoli and melts in those dreamy cheesy strings all through every patty. When I made these for family get-togethers, people always wanted the details—no chance of even a single leftover!
Storage Tips
Let your extra patties cool down all the way before stashing them in the fridge. Slip some wax paper in between layers if you need to stack them. They’ll keep fresh for about four days
To stash in the freezer, lay cooled patties out on a tray so they freeze up quick, then move them to a zip bag. Reheat straight from the freezer by tossing them in the oven or back in the skillet till they’re hot all the way through
Ingredient Swaps
Try mozzarella, fontina, or any smoked cheese instead of cheddar for a flavor twist. Almond meal is a super easy way to skip gluten. And no worries if you only have frozen broccoli—just dry it well after cooking! Toss in some grated zucchini or carrots if you want extra color and goodness
Serving Ideas
Snack on these with some cucumber yogurt or tangy marinara. Enjoy as a main with piled-high salad or tuck them in pita bread with lettuce and tomatoes for a fast meal. They also add fun to a breakfast plate with eggs or go as a side next to your favorite grilled meat
Save Pin
Cultural Context
Dishes like this are born from anyone wanting lovely, simple food packed with veggies without giving up fun flavors. Broccoli cheese patties totally work for quick weeknight eats or sharing at parties—striking a happy middle ground between feel-good and good-for-you
Common Questions
- → How do you keep broccoli patties from falling apart?
Dry your broccoli after cooking so the mix isn't soggy, and use the right amount of flour and cheese. Squeeze each patty together before you cook—helps them hold up great.
- → Can I bake instead of fry them?
For sure. Pop them on baking paper at 375°F, flip once, and they'll get golden and crisp—no need for lots of oil.
- → What cheese works best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar brings big flavor, but you could swap in gouda, feta, or mozzarella if you're feeling adventurous.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely—just trade out the regular flour for almond meal or your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- → How can I add more flavor?
Try stirring in chopped parsley or basil, or sprinkle in black pepper, cumin, or paprika for an extra punch.
- → What are ideal serving suggestions?
These taste awesome warm—dunk them in ranch, marinara, or sour cream, or stick them on the side of any main you like.