Broccoli cheese patties are a wonderful and creative way to bring together one of the most famous food pairings in history which is the combination of fresh green broccoli and melted savory cheese. This recipe is all about taking small pieces of healthy broccoli and mixing them with gooey cheddar cheese and eggs plus a little bit of breadcrumbs to create a small round pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is a fantastic alternative to traditional meat patties or heavy fried snacks because it focuses on using fresh vegetables as the main star of the show while still giving you that comforting cheesy taste that everyone craves. You do not need to be an expert in the kitchen to make these because the process is very straightforward and involves simple mixing and pan frying that anyone can learn in just a few minutes. These patties are perfect for people who want to eat more greens but sometimes find plain steamed broccoli a bit boring or hard to enjoy on its own. By turning the vegetable into a fun and handheld snack you are making healthy eating feel like a treat rather than a chore which is a great way to improve your relationship with food. This recipe is a favorite for home cooks because it uses basic ingredients that are usually already sitting in the refrigerator or the pantry waiting to be used.
People absolutely love these broccoli cheese patties because they are the ultimate crowd pleaser that works for both kids and adults who might be picky eaters. There is something very magical about how the cheese melts and forms a golden crust when it hits the hot pan which creates a flavor that is salty and rich and deeply satisfying. Parents love this recipe because it is a clever way to get children to eat their vegetables without any complaints because the broccoli is chopped so small and hidden inside a delicious cheesy blanket. It is also a very social food because you can serve them as a small appetizer at a party or as a main dish during a casual family dinner where everyone can grab a few with their hands. Many people find that these patties provide a sense of nostalgia because the flavor profile is similar to the classic broccoli cheese soup that many of us grew up eating during the cold winter months. They are also very popular in the meal prep community because you can make a large batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge to have a quick and healthy lunch during the busy work week. Knowing that you are eating something that is packed with vitamins but tastes like a gourmet snack gives you a great sense of happiness and balance in your daily diet.
You should make these broccoli cheese patties whenever you are looking for a light yet filling meal that supports your fitness goals or when you just need some comfort food after a long day. They are an excellent choice for a post workout snack because the eggs and cheese provide a good amount of protein while the broccoli gives you the fiber and minerals your body needs to recover. If you are feeling a bit tired of the same old chicken and rice routine then these patties will bring a burst of color and a new texture to your plate that will wake up your taste buds. Emotionally making these patties can be a very relaxing and mindful activity because the process of chopping the broccoli and shaping the little rounds with your hands allows you to focus on the present moment. They are also the perfect thing to make when you have some broccoli in the fridge that is starting to look a little bit sad and you do not want it to go to waste because the cooking process makes it taste fresh again. Whether you are hosting a vegetarian brunch for your friends or just want a healthy snack to eat while watching your favorite show these patties are always a reliable and tasty option. They fit perfectly into a lifestyle that values health but refuses to give up on great flavors and satisfying textures that make eating a joy.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is a balanced tiny meal all by itself since it contains fiber and protein and healthy fats in every single bite you take. Broccoli is often called a superfood because it is loaded with vitamin C and vitamin K and many other nutrients that help your body stay strong and keep your skin looking very healthy and bright. When you mix this with the high quality protein from the eggs and the calcium from the cheese you are creating a very smart food choice that fuels your brain and your muscles at the same time. This recipe is for the person who wants to be mindful of their calorie intake but still wants to feel like they are eating something rich and savory that hits all the right spots. You can easily customize the recipe by adding different spices or using different types of cheese which makes it a very flexible base for your own culinary experiments in the kitchen. As you watch the patties turn golden brown in the pan you will feel a sense of accomplishment because you have created something beautiful and nutritious from very basic building blocks. It is a testament to the fact that simple food can be the most delicious food when it is made with fresh ingredients and a little bit of love. You will find that once you start making these they will quickly become a permanent part of your cooking rotation because they are just so easy to love and so fun to eat.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make these tasty broccoli cheese patties you will need the following simple ingredients from your local market or garden.
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Two large heads of fresh green broccoli which should be about four cups when chopped
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One and a half cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Three large eggs beaten well in a small bowl
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One cup of plain breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
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Two cloves of fresh garlic minced very fine
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One half of a small yellow onion finely diced
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One teaspoon of sea salt
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One half teaspoon of black pepper
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One half teaspoon of dried oregano
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Two tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil for frying
Step by Step Method
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect crispy broccoli cheese patties every single time.
First you need to prepare the broccoli by washing the heads and cutting off the thick stems. Chop the green florets into very tiny pieces almost like green rice so that the patties hold together well.
Second place the tiny broccoli pieces into a bowl with a little bit of water and microwave them for about three minutes or steam them on the stove until they are just slightly soft but still bright green.
Third drain any extra water from the broccoli and let it cool down for a few minutes. This is very important because if the broccoli is too hot it might cook the eggs before you are ready.
Fourth in a large mixing bowl combine the steamed broccoli and the shredded cheddar cheese and the diced onion and the minced garlic.
Fifth add the breadcrumbs and the salt and the pepper and the dried oregano to the bowl and stir everything together with a large spoon.
Sixth pour the beaten eggs into the mixture and stir again until every piece of broccoli is coated in egg and the mixture feels a bit sticky and thick.
Seventh use your hands to scoop out a small amount of the mixture and press it between your palms to form a round patty that is about three inches wide and half an inch thick.
Eighth place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the two tablespoons of oil. Wait for the oil to get hot enough so that a tiny piece of the mixture sizzles when you drop it in.
Ninth carefully place the patties into the hot pan being sure not to crowd them. You may need to cook them in two or three separate batches.
Tenth fry the patties for about four to five minutes on the first side until they are a deep golden brown and then use a spatula to flip them over.
Eleventh cook the second side for another four minutes until it is also crispy and the cheese inside has completely melted and become gooey.
Twelfth remove the patties from the pan and place them on a plate with a paper towel to soak up any extra oil before serving them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is special because it takes a very healthy vegetable that many people find difficult to eat and turns it into something that feels like a guilty pleasure even though it is actually quite good for you. Broccoli is famous for being high in fiber which is great for your digestion and helps keep your blood sugar steady so you do not feel hungry again right after eating. The eggs in this recipe provide all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle and stay strong which is why these patties are great for active people and growing kids. Using cheddar cheese adds a lot of calcium for your bones and gives the patties a rich flavor that satisfies your cravings for salty and savory foods. These patties are also special because they are very low in sugar and can be made gluten free if you simply use gluten free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. The taste is a wonderful blend of the earthy and fresh broccoli with the sharp and creamy cheese and the spicy kick of the fresh garlic and onion. It is a dish that proves that healthy food does not have to be boring or tasteless and that you can achieve a lot with just a few simple and honest ingredients.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
If you want to make your broccoli cheese patties even more flavorful you can try adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the mix for a spicy heat. Another great tip is to use a mixture of different cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella along with the cheddar to get a more complex and stretchy cheese texture. If you want the patties to be extra crispy you can dip the shaped rounds into some extra breadcrumbs right before you put them into the pan. You can also bake these in the oven at four hundred degrees for twenty minutes if you want to use less oil although they will not be quite as crunchy as the pan fried version. Serving these with a side of Greek yogurt or a spicy ranch dressing adds a cool and creamy element that goes perfectly with the warm and cheesy broccoli. For a more Mediterranean flavor you can add some chopped sun dried tomatoes or a bit of feta cheese to the mixture before you fry them. Always make sure your onion and garlic are chopped very small so that they cook through completely and do not leave any large crunchy bites in the middle of your soft patty.
Final Thoughts
Making these broccoli cheese patties is a fun and rewarding way to spend time in the kitchen and the result is a snack or meal that you can feel truly good about eating. They represent a perfect balance between health and happiness because they provide the nutrition your body needs without sacrificing the delicious flavors you love. We hope that this recipe becomes a new staple in your home and that it helps you and your family enjoy the wonders of broccoli in a whole new way. Whether you eat them plain or dipped in sauce or tucked into a bun like a burger these patties are sure to bring a smile to your face and a satisfied feeling to your stomach. Enjoy the process of cooking and the even better process of eating these golden and cheesy delights.
Nutrition Details
Here is the estimated nutrition for one serving of broccoli cheese patties which is usually about two patties.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 185 calories |
| Total Fat | 11 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams |
| Cholesterol | 95 milligrams |
| Sodium | 420 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Vitamin A | 15 percent of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 70 percent of daily value |
| Calcium | 20 percent of daily value |
Disclaimer
This recipe and the health information provided are for educational use and should not be taken as medical advice from a professional health care provider. Everyone has a different body and some people may have allergies to eggs or dairy or gluten that could make this recipe unsuitable for them. If you have any medical conditions or are following a specific diet for your health please speak with your doctor before adding new recipes to your routine. The nutrition facts are estimates and can change depending on the specific brands of cheese and breadcrumbs that you choose to use in your kitchen. Results regarding weight or fitness will vary based on your total daily activity and your overall eating habits throughout the day. Please use caution when working with hot oil on the stove to avoid any burns or accidents and always supervise children if they are helping you in the kitchen. Enjoy your food and always make choices that feel right for your unique body and lifestyle.