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Broccoli Cheese Patties: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist on Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor, Broccoli Cheese Patties are the perfect solution. These crispy, golden patties are a delicious blend of nutritious broccoli and savory cheese, making them an irresistible option for anyone—whether you’re a veggie lover or just trying to get more greens into your diet.
These patties are easy to make, versatile, and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish paired with a side. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover broccoli or to introduce picky eaters to the joys of vegetables. Whether you’re serving them to kids, enjoying them as a vegetarian dinner, or looking for a fun, flavorful side dish, these broccoli cheese patties are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheese Patties
- Crispy & Flavorful: The combination of tender broccoli, melty cheese, and a crispy exterior makes every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the broccoli, these patties are a healthy way to enjoy your greens while satisfying your taste buds with the cheesy goodness.
- Kid-Friendly: These patties are a great way to get kids (or picky eaters) to enjoy their vegetables. The cheesy goodness makes them more approachable, and the crispy texture is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: You can serve these as a main dish, a side, or even a snack. Pair them with a dip like ranch, sour cream, or even a tangy yogurt-based sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
To make these delicious and cheesy broccoli patties, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, ranch dressing, or a drizzle of hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Steam and Chop the Broccoli
Start by steaming the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can do this in a steamer basket over boiling water or in the microwave. Once steamed, let the broccoli cool slightly before finely chopping it into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better the patties will hold together.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be thick and hold together well. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Once the mixture is ready, form it into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Gently press them so that they hold their shape. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly to help form the patties.
Step 4: Fry the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Patties
- Adjust the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for different flavors. A mix of cheeses can also create a richer taste.
- Make Them Ahead: These patties can be made in advance. Simply prepare them, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to crisp them up.
- Baking Option: If you’d prefer to bake these patties instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground almonds or oats as a substitute.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the mixture, such as grated carrots, zucchini, or even spinach. This will add more flavor and nutrition to the patties.
- Freeze for Later: These patties freeze well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply bake or fry them directly from frozen.
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