Crispy Broccoli Cheese Patties Recipe

These broccoli cheese patties are such a delicious way to turn simple broccoli into a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying dish! Made with chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, onion, and garlic, these easy broccoli patties cook in a frying pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or light vegetarian meal for a tasty recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Cheese Patties

• These broccoli cheese patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The cheddar and Parmesan add so much cheesy flavor. Every bite is savory, comforting, and delicious. This is a great way to make broccoli exciting.
• This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients. You only need broccoli, cheese, eggs, onion, garlic, and flour or almond meal. Everything gets mixed together in one bowl. Then the patties cook quickly in a frying pan.
• These patties are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them as an appetizer for a party. Enjoy them as a snack during the day. You can also add them to dinner as a tasty side dish.
• This is a great vegetarian recipe that still feels hearty and satisfying. The eggs and cheese help make the patties filling. The broccoli adds fresh flavor and nice texture. It is a simple meatless dish that everyone can enjoy.
• These broccoli patties are a wonderful way to use up extra broccoli. They turn cooked broccoli into something crispy and fun. Kids and adults will both love the cheesy flavor. This recipe makes vegetables taste like a treat.

Ingredients For Broccoli Cheese Patties

• Broccoli florets – The main ingredient in this recipe. Cooked and chopped broccoli gives these patties their fresh flavor, pretty green color, and hearty texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy taste that makes these broccoli patties so delicious. It melts into the mixture and helps make every bite flavorful.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the patties a savory, slightly salty flavor. It also works well with the cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.
• All-purpose flour or almond meal – Helps bind the broccoli mixture together so the patties hold their shape. Almond meal is a great option if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Eggs – The eggs help hold all the ingredients together. They make the mixture easier to shape into patties.
• Onion – Finely chopped onion adds flavor and a little bit of sweetness. It blends right into the broccoli mixture.
• Garlic – Minced garlic gives these broccoli cheese patties a delicious savory flavor. It makes the patties taste even better.
• Salt – Brings out the flavor of the broccoli, cheese, onion, and garlic. A little salt makes the whole recipe taste more balanced.
• Black pepper – Adds a mild kick of flavor. It pairs perfectly with the cheese and broccoli.
• Olive oil – Used for frying the patties in a skillet. It helps make the outside golden brown and crispy.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

How To Make Broccoli Cheese Patties

• Start by cooking the broccoli until it is tender. You can steam it or boil it, whichever method is easiest for you.
• Drain the broccoli very well. Let it cool for a few minutes so it is easier to handle.
• Chop the cooked broccoli into small pieces. This helps the patties hold together better.
• Put the chopped broccoli into a large mixing bowl. Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour or almond meal, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. It should be thick enough to shape into patties.
• Take small portions of the broccoli mixture and press them into patty shapes. You should get about 8 to 10 patties.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the patties.
• Place the patties in the frying pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, so they can brown nicely.
• Cook until the first side is golden brown, then carefully flip each patty with a spatula.
• Continue cooking until both sides are crispy and golden. Serve the broccoli cheese patties warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these broccoli cheese patties warm with copycat Wingstop ranch dressing, salsa sour cream, or spicy sriracha for dipping.
• Add them to a party appetizer platter with fresh vegetables, crackers, and your favorite dips.
• Pair them with grilled chicken thigh, baked white fish, or crispy air-fried duck legs for an easy dinner side dish.
• Enjoy them with a cauliflower green salad for a light vegetarian lunch.
• Serve them as an after-school snack or quick savory bite during the day.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top right before serving for a bright pop of flavor.

Tips For Success

• The most important tip for making perfect broccoli cheese patties is to drain the broccoli really well. After steaming or boiling the broccoli, let it sit in a colander for a few minutes so any extra water can drain away. If the broccoli is too wet, the patty mixture can become loose and harder to shape. You want the broccoli tender, but not watery.
• Chop the broccoli into small pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. Smaller pieces help the patties hold together better and make every bite more even. If the broccoli pieces are too large, the patties may fall apart when you flip them. A fine chop gives you the best texture.
• Make sure the mixture is well combined before shaping the patties. The cheese, eggs, flour or almond meal, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper should be evenly mixed throughout the broccoli. Press the mixture together firmly when forming the patties. This helps them stay compact while cooking.
• When frying the patties, use medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside may brown too quickly before the inside is heated through. If the heat is too low, the patties can absorb too much oil and may not get crispy. Medium heat gives you golden brown patties with a tender cheesy center.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pan. Give each patty enough space so it can brown properly. If needed, cook the patties in batches. This makes it much easier to flip them and helps them get crispy on both sides.
• Use a thin spatula to flip the patties gently. Let the first side cook until golden brown before turning them over. If you try to flip too early, the patties may stick or break apart. Once they are browned on the bottom, they will be much easier to turn.
• Serve the broccoli cheese patties warm for the best flavor and texture. They taste especially delicious when the cheese is melted and the outside is crisp. Add your favorite dipping sauce on the side and enjoy these cheesy broccoli patties right away.

Variations And Substitutions

• These broccoli cheese patties are easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen. The recipe is delicious as written, but you can make small changes to fit your taste, texture preference, or dietary needs. Since the patties are made with simple ingredients, they work well with many different flavor combinations.
• For the cheese, cheddar and Parmesan give these patties a bold, savory flavor. You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella if you want a milder, meltier patty. Gouda is another tasty option if you like a richer cheese flavor. Feta can also be used for a tangier taste, but it will make the patties a little less melty than cheddar.
• For the binder, all-purpose flour works well and helps the patties hold together. Almond meal is a great substitute if you want to make the recipe gluten-free. It gives the patties a slightly nutty flavor and still helps bind the mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour or almond meal until it is easier to shape.
• You can also add more vegetables to the broccoli mixture. Finely grated carrots would add a little sweetness and color. Chopped bell peppers would add a fresh crunch and bright flavor. If using extra vegetables, make sure they are finely chopped so the patties stay compact and easy to flip.
• For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices. A pinch of paprika gives the patties a mild smoky flavor. Fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh taste. Basil can also be added for a different herb flavor that pairs nicely with the cheese.
• You can adjust the seasonings to taste. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, add another clove of garlic. If you prefer a milder onion taste, use a little less onion. These small changes make it easy to create broccoli cheese patties that are perfect for your family.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover broccoli cheese patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the patties cool completely before storing them so they do not release extra moisture in the container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the patties in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Warm them for a few minutes on each side until heated through and lightly crisp again. This is the best way to bring back the crispy texture.
• You can also reheat the patties in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals until warm. The microwave is quick, but the patties will be softer and not as crispy.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a skillet over low to medium heat until hot in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli To Make Broccoli Cheese Patties?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli to make broccoli cheese patties. Cook the frozen broccoli until tender, then drain it very well before chopping. Frozen broccoli can hold extra moisture, so it is important to press out as much water as possible before adding it to the patty mixture. If the broccoli is too wet, the patties may be harder to shape and may not get as crispy in the frying pan. After draining, let the broccoli cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces. Once it is chopped and mixed with the cheese, eggs, flour or almond meal, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, it will work just like fresh broccoli in this recipe.

How Do I Keep Broccoli Cheese Patties From Falling Apart?

The best way to keep broccoli cheese patties from falling apart is to make sure the mixture is not too wet and that the patties are pressed together firmly. Drain the broccoli very well after cooking, because excess water can make the mixture loose. Chop the broccoli into small pieces so it blends evenly with the cheese and binder. The eggs and flour or almond meal help hold everything together, so make sure they are fully mixed into the broccoli mixture. When shaping the patties, press them gently but firmly with your hands so they hold their shape. Also, let the first side cook until golden brown before flipping, because the patty becomes sturdier as it cooks.

Can I Make These Broccoli Patties Gluten-Free?

Yes, these broccoli cheese patties can be made gluten-free by using almond meal instead of all-purpose flour. Almond meal helps bind the patties and gives them a nice texture. It also adds a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with broccoli and cheese. Be sure to check that all other ingredients you are using are gluten-free, especially if you are cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Mix the almond meal with the broccoli, cheeses, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, then shape and fry the patties as directed.

What Kind Of Cheese Works Best In Broccoli Cheese Patties?

Cheddar cheese works really well in broccoli cheese patties because it has a bold flavor and melts nicely. Parmesan cheese adds extra savory flavor and helps make the patties taste rich and cheesy. You can also use other cheeses depending on what you like. Mozzarella will make the patties milder and meltier. Gouda gives them a deeper, richer flavor. Feta adds a tangy taste, although it will not melt the same way cheddar does. For the best flavor, use a cheese that you enjoy eating, because the cheese is one of the main flavors in this recipe.

Can I Make Broccoli Cheese Patties Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make broccoli cheese patties ahead of time. You can cook them completely, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to reheat. This is a great option for meal prep, snacks, or party appetizers. You can also shape the patties ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them. If the mixture releases a little moisture while sitting, gently press the patties back together before cooking. For the best texture, reheat cooked patties in a frying pan so the outside becomes crisp again.

What Should I Serve With Broccoli Cheese Patties?

Broccoli cheese patties are very versatile and can be served in many ways. They are delicious with ranch dressing, sour cream, or marinara sauce for dipping. You can serve them as an appetizer before dinner or place them on a party platter with other snacks. They also make a great side dish with grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted meat. For a lighter meal, serve them with a fresh green salad. These patties are also perfect as a quick savory snack when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Why Are My Broccoli Cheese Patties Not Crispy?

If your broccoli cheese patties are not crispy, the mixture may have too much moisture or the pan may not be hot enough. Make sure the cooked broccoli is drained really well before chopping and mixing. If the mixture feels too soft, you can add a little more flour or almond meal to help firm it up. When frying, heat the olive oil over medium heat before adding the patties. The patties should sizzle gently when they touch the pan. Do not overcrowd the frying pan, because too many patties at once can trap steam and prevent browning. Cook them in a single layer and let each side become golden before flipping.

Other Easy Broccoli Recipes

• Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli
• Grilled Broccoli Recipe
• Broccoli Apple Salad
• Roasted Broccoli Stalks
• Chicken Broccoli Fried Rice

More Appetizer Recipes

• Spinach Artichoke Appetizer Dip
• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites Appetizer
• Kielbasa Pineapple Skewers