These Broccoli Cheese Patties are a crispy, cheesy solution to your veggie cravings. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping snacks for the week, or hosting guests, this savory bite-sized treat delivers on both flavor and ease. The tender broccoli combines with melted cheddar and the umami kick of Parmesan, all bound together with breadcrumbs and egg, forming golden patties that are pan-fried or baked to perfection.
Perfectly balanced between healthy and indulgent, these patties can be made gluten-free, served as an appetizer, or even tucked into wraps and bowls for a complete meal. They’re an easy win for meal preppers and veggie skeptics alike, making them a staple recipe for any home cook.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
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2 large eggs
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1/2 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
Directions:
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Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and let cool slightly.
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Finely chop the broccoli or pulse in a food processor until small pieces remain, then transfer to a large bowl.
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Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix until fully combined.
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Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties (about 2 tablespoons each).
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Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Cook patties in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Serve hot with your favorite dip, like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a zesty aioli.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal per patty (approx.) | Servings: 4 (makes about 10–12 patties)
The Comfort of Cheesy Broccoli Patties
Broccoli Cheese Patties offer a delightful combination of taste, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re trying to get more vegetables into your family’s diet or simply looking for a creative way to use up leftover broccoli, these patties hit the mark. With their crispy outer texture and creamy, cheesy center, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. This is one of those dishes that manages to turn a humble vegetable like broccoli into the star of the meal, proving that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
These patties are incredibly adaptable—serve them as a snack, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a hearty salad or grain bowl. They also work great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or as a make-ahead freezer-friendly option for busy weeknights. Their golden crust and gooey cheesy center make them hard to resist, even for the pickiest eaters.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe particularly effective is the simplicity of the ingredients combined with thoughtful technique. Steaming or blanching the broccoli keeps its flavor bright and fresh, while also making it tender enough to bind well with cheese and breadcrumbs. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan adds a balanced richness, with cheddar offering meltiness and sharpness, and Parmesan providing a savory depth that rounds out the flavor.
By using a small amount of breadcrumb and egg, the mixture stays firm enough to form into patties without being dry or crumbly. Frying them in a skillet gives them a beautifully crispy exterior, but they can also be baked for a slightly lighter version. The result is a patty that is crispy, chewy, cheesy, and packed with subtle broccoli flavor in every bite.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can include in your diet. It’s rich in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber. Its high antioxidant content supports immune function, and compounds like sulforaphane have been linked to potential cancer-fighting properties. Including broccoli in meals regularly can support heart health, digestion, and even brain function.
In this recipe, broccoli isn’t hidden or overly processed—it’s featured prominently, allowing you to benefit from its many nutrients while still enjoying a comforting, indulgent dish. Pairing it with cheese helps increase the palatability for children or vegetable-averse adults, making it an excellent “gateway” veggie recipe.
The Role of Cheese
Cheese not only adds indulgence to this recipe but also nutritional value. Cheddar cheese provides protein, calcium, and healthy fats, all of which contribute to satiety and flavor. The sharpness of cheddar also enhances the mild taste of broccoli, creating a satisfying balance of flavors. Parmesan, with its umami-packed profile, adds complexity and a touch of saltiness, ensuring that each bite is both rich and well-seasoned.
You can experiment with different cheeses depending on your preference—mozzarella for a more neutral melt, feta for tanginess, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. This flexibility allows the patties to be tailored to any taste or dietary requirement.
Customizing the Recipe
This dish is incredibly forgiving and can be customized in many ways:
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Low-carb/keto version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
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Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa for binding.
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Vegan alternative: Substitute cheese with a dairy-free blend and replace eggs with flax eggs or mashed potato.
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Add-ins: Consider adding finely grated carrots, zucchini (squeezed dry), green onions, or even bits of cooked bacon for added texture and flavor.
With so many ways to adapt the base recipe, Broccoli Cheese Patties can become a staple in your meal rotation without ever getting boring.
Serving Suggestions
There are countless ways to enjoy these golden patties:
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Appetizer: Serve them with a side of sour cream, ranch dip, or a spicy aioli.
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Main Course: Plate them with a fresh garden salad, quinoa, or a dollop of hummus for a well-rounded meal.
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Side Dish: Pair with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish for added veggie power.
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Breakfast: Tuck one into a breakfast sandwich with a fried egg and avocado for a nutritious start to your day.
Their small size and satisfying texture make them great for finger foods at parties, lunchboxes for kids, or as a light dinner option.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
These patties freeze exceptionally well. After forming the patties, lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to use them, cook straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. This make-ahead convenience allows you to prepare a large batch and enjoy a quick, homemade meal anytime.
They also store well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making them ideal for meal prepping. You can reheat them in a skillet, oven, or even an air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overcook the broccoli—just tender enough is perfect.
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Drain well and chop finely so it blends easily and binds with the other ingredients.
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Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
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Adjust seasoning to taste—cheese adds salt, so don’t oversalt the mixture.
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Flatten the patties evenly to ensure consistent cooking and crispiness.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
One of the biggest challenges for parents is getting kids to eat vegetables. These Broccoli Cheese Patties are a fun and effective solution. Their golden crust and cheesy flavor disguise the veggie content, and the small, handheld size makes them easy for little hands to enjoy. You can even involve kids in the preparation—mixing, shaping, or helping with dipping sauces—making them more likely to enjoy the finished dish.
They also make a great school lunch option. Pop a few into a lunchbox with fruit and a dipping sauce for a balanced and appealing meal.
Sustainability and Budget-Friendly Cooking
This recipe promotes sustainable cooking by giving you a way to use up leftover broccoli stems and florets. Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge or go to waste, you can incorporate them into this nutritious and delicious dish.
Cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs are pantry staples in most homes, making this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t require special ingredients. It’s perfect for families looking to eat more vegetables without spending a lot or sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheese Patties are more than just a tasty snack—they’re a smart way to feed your family nutritious vegetables in a fun, satisfying form. With their crispy edges, creamy cheesy center, and customizable ingredients, these patties check every box: delicious, nutritious, easy, and versatile.
From weekday dinners and school lunches to party appetizers and freezer-ready meal prep, this recipe fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, managing dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables, these patties are a foolproof favorite.
So the next time you find a head of broccoli sitting in your fridge, think beyond steamed florets. Whip up a batch of these golden patties and discover a new family favorite that’s as comforting as it is wholesome.