Only a few simple ingredients and an easy pan fry are all you need to make these broccoli cheddar fritters that are kid-approved and packed full of nutrition…but shhhh they don’t need to know these cheese fritters are healthy!
The BEST Broccoli Fritters
I’ve always been one of those people who genuinely enjoys vegetables. As a kid I looked forward to steamed broccoli (I still love it!) and I’d frequently as my Mom to make roasted asparagus. Don’t get me wrong, I was picky in other ways but veggies were never an issue (besides frozen peas – YUCK!).
In spite of my love of veggies, I’ve still made it my mission to come up with creative and delicious recipes that give you the benefits of veggies without the oh-so-obvious fact that you’re eating veggies. I’ve hidden many a veggie in desserts and am of the attitude “if you can get away with adding them – add them!”. Don’t even ask C how many times I’ve packed kale into various meals.
These broccoli fritters are one of those recipes. C’s first reaction was: “kids will love these!”. And he’s right. Don’t believe me? Test em’ out on your kids and tell me what they think in the comments below!
What You Need for Broccoli Fritters:
- Broccoli – roughly 4 cups of florets
- Shredded cheese – we like using sharp white cheddar cheese but mozzarella cheese will also work.
- Almond Meal – regular all purpose flour or gluten-free flour will work too.
- Eggs – to help bind ingredients
- Garlic clove – use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor.
- Spices – paprika, salt + black pepper
- Olive oil – or a more neutral oil like grapeseed oil for cooking
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
STEP 1: COOK BROCCOLI
Cook broccoli – see below for instructions for both stove top and microwave.
STEP 2: CHOP BROCCOLI
Chop up broccoli finely so it’s a coarse grain consistency. Alternatively you could use a food processor to process coarsely.
STEP 3: MIX INGREDIENTS
In a large bowl combine chopped up broccoli with all other ingredients (except oil). Stir to combine mixture.
STEP 4: COOK CHEESE FRITTERS
Add 1 tbsp of oil to a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Spoon roughly a 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and flatten with the back of the spoon to form little patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown. Repeat until batter is all used. Do not overcrowd pan. Cook in batches, adding oil in between if necessary. Enjoy!
Can You Meal-Prep Fritters?
Yes! You can absolutely meal prep these broccoli cheese fritters. Just make them as instructed and store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
What To Eat With Fritters
Need some ideas for what to pair with these broccoli cheddar fritters? Here are a few main dishes that work great with these:
- Chimichurri Baked Salmon
- Kale and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
- Baked Sriracha Lime Chicken Wings
- Jalapeno Turkey Burgers
- Easy Miso Salmon
- Zucchini Black Bean Burgers
More Easy Side Dish Recipes:
- Roasted Rosemary Butternut Squash
- Wild Rice Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Maple Chipotle Sweet Potato Wedges
- Charred Green Beans with Garlic + Pomegranate Seeds
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Only a few simple ingredients are all you need to make these broccoli cheddar fritters that are kid-approved and packed full of nutrition…but shhhh they don’t need to know!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Cook
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup almond meal (or regular flour)
- 2 large eggs, cracked and whipped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pinch of pepper
- olive oil for cooking
Instructions
To cook broccoli [on stove-top]:
- bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes.
- Strain broccoli from water and allow to cool until it can be handled.
- Chop up florets into small bits, almost like a coarse grain consistency.
To cook broccoli [in microwave]:
- Add broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl and top with 1 tbsp of water.
- Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. May need 1 minute longer depending on microwave but test to see if it’s cooked through at 2 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and let cool for a few minutes or until it can be handled.
- Chop up florets into small bits, almost like a coarse grain consistency.
For the fritters:
- In a large bowl combine chopped up broccoli with all other ingredients (except oil). Stir to combine.
- Add 1 tbsp of oil to a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spoon roughly a 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and flatten with the back of the spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Repeat until batter is all used. Do not overcrowd pan. Cook in batches, adding oil in between if necessary.
- Serve warm or store in fridge and reheat. Will keep in fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar fritters, broccoli fritter, broccoli fritters, gluten-free broccoli fritters
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8 Comments
Michelle Irwin
November 17, 2021 at 12:58 pmCant wait to try these!! They look delicious 😋! Will Almond flour work, I don’t have meal on hand? TIA!
Deborah Gore
March 9, 2021 at 11:00 amCan cauliflower be used in place of broccoli?
★★★★★
Davida Lederle
March 9, 2021 at 11:20 amShould work!
Autumn Crist Borders
February 24, 2021 at 1:45 pmWhat is the calorie count for these?
Stacie
February 23, 2021 at 4:26 pmCan I use defrosted frozen broccoli if strained well and water pressed out with paper towels? [email protected]
Davida Lederle
February 23, 2021 at 9:27 pmShould be fine!
Jennifer
February 23, 2021 at 12:35 pmCan you freeze the fritters?
Davida Lederle
February 23, 2021 at 1:23 pmhaven’t tried it myself but I imagine you could!