Broccoli Cheese Patties are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy crispy, cheesy goodness while sneaking in some greens. These patties combine finely chopped broccoli with a blend of cheeses, eggs, and breadcrumbs to create a flavorful, golden-brown treat. Whether baked or pan-fried, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of broccoli, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Cooking spray or additional oil (for frying or baking)
Instructions:
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender, then finely chop it. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain excess moisture before chopping.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, sautéed garlic and onion, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well incorporated.
- Form patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- Choose your cooking method:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the patties on the sheet and bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Pan-frying: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the patties cool slightly before serving. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Patties:
- Drain excess moisture: If using frozen broccoli, squeeze out any excess water to prevent soggy patties.
- Enhance the flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Customize the cheese: Try mixing in mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile.
These Broccoli Cheese Patties are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick snack or a fun side dish. Enjoy! 🥦🧀✨