Crispy Broccoli and Cheese Fritters are golden, cheesy patties filled with tender broccoli and savory melted cheese. They offer the perfect crunch on the outside and a soft, flavorful interior—making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish suitable for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms humble broccoli into a delightful treat that both adults and children will enjoy.
Textural contrast: The fritters achieve a satisfying crispness on the exterior, while the interior remains soft and cheesy—a truly indulgent combination.
Quick and customizable: Ready in under 30 minutes, you can adjust the recipe for low‑carb, gluten‑free, or vegan diets with simple ingredient swaps.
Make‑ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and reheat later, ideal for gatherings or easy weekday meals.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Broccoli florets, finely chopped or “riced”
Shredded cheddar (or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for extra depth)
Eggs, to bind the mixture
Flour or almond meal (or gluten‑free flour)
Garlic (fresh or powder), onion powder (optional)
Paprika, Cajun seasoning or other spices as preferred
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Cooking oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or similar)

directions

Prepare the broccoli by steaming or blanching until just tender. Let it cool slightly, then chop finely or process into small pieces for a uniform texture.
Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the chopped broccoli with cheese, eggs, flour (or almond meal), and your chosen seasonings. Mix until evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together but remain moist.
Shape fritters: If the batter is too loose, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or an additional egg. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per fritter and gently flatten it. Optionally, refrigerate the shaped fritters for 20 minutes to improve cohesion.
Cook fritters: Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Once shimmering, add fritters—do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
Serve immediately, optionally with dipping sauces such as Greek yogurt, spicy mayo, or tzatziki.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes approximately 4 servings, depending on size—roughly 6 large fritters or 10 smaller ones.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~10–15 minutes
Total time: Under 30 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for company.

Variations

Low-carb/keto: Use almond meal or oat fiber as the binding agent.
Cheese variations: Substitute Parmesan, pepper‑jack, Asiago, or dairy‑free cheese to alter flavour and texture.
Baked option: Instead of frying, bake fritters at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 30 minutes, turning halfway, and spray lightly with oil for crispness.
Add-ins: Incorporate finely grated carrot, zucchini, herbs (dill, parsley), or green onions for added flavour and nutrition.
Gluten‑free: Swap regular flour with gluten‑free blends or breadcrumbs.

Storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze separated layers with parchment paper between fritters; they can keep for up to 3 months.
Reheat: For best results, reheat in a lightly oiled skillet to restore crispness. Microwaving works but may compromise texture; an air-fryer or toaster oven also works well.

FAQs

How do I prevent soggy fritters?

Ensure you remove excess moisture from the broccoli before mixing. If using high‑moisture veggies like zucchini, consider salting and wringing them to reduce water content.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes—replace eggs with flax or chia “eggs” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit), and use a plant‑based cheese alternative.

Why did my fritters fall apart?

That can happen if the mixture lacks binding or the pan isn’t hot enough. Check your ratios of eggs and cheese; chilling the batter may also help fritters hold their shape.

What cheese gives the best flavor?

Sharp cheddar offers excellent melting and tang, while Parmesan adds nuttiness. Feel free to experiment with blends for your preferred taste.

Are these fritters healthy?

Absolutely—they feature nutrient-rich broccoli, protein from eggs and cheese, and relatively modest amounts of grain—especially if you use almond flour.

Can I make them ahead for a party?

Yes—shape and refrigerate or freeze ahead, then reheat just before serving to maintain freshness.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Try Greek yogurt with herbs, chipotle or sriracha mayo, tzatziki, or honey mustard for contrasting flavours and textures.

How do I ensure an even golden crust?

Cook on a moderately hot skillet, adding oil between batches as needed. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat and crispiness.

What size fritter should I make?

Use about ¼ cup mixture for large fritters, or smaller spoonfuls (1–2 tbsp) for bite‑sized versions—adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I use leftover or frozen broccoli?

Yes—leftover or thawed broccoli works well once drained of excess moisture. Just ensure the pieces are finely chopped for even cooking.

Conclusion

Crispy Broccoli and Cheese Fritters are an elegant yet unfussy dish that showcases humble ingredients in a delicious and textured way. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side, or a vegetarian entrée, these fritters deliver satisfying crunch, flavor-packed aroma, and versatility. With minimal effort and ample room for customization, they are destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Crispy Broccoli and Cheese Fritters

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Golden and crispy broccoli and cheese fritters packed with flavor and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 10 fritters 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and finely chop.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter and flatten slightly.
Cook the fritters in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with your favorite dip or sauce.

Notes

You can use frozen broccoli; just thaw and drain well before chopping.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for variation.
Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier option, flipping halfway through.