These Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are a crispy, golden snack that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Packed with fresh broccoli, melted cheese, and just the right blend of seasoning, they’re pan-fried to perfection for a snack or side dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether I’m looking for a quick appetizer or a fun way to sneak in more veggies, these fritters are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these fritters come together with simple ingredients but deliver so much flavor. The cheese melts into the broccoli, giving each bite a gooey center and a crisp exterior. They’re versatile enough to serve as a snack, lunchbox filler, or even a veggie-loaded side dish. Plus, I can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- All-purpose flour
- Large eggs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- I start by steaming or blanching the chopped broccoli just until tender, then pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the broccoli, shredded cheese, flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- I mix everything together until it forms a thick, sticky batter.
- I heat a bit of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- I scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons each) and flatten them slightly into fritters in the skillet.
- I cook each side for about 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, I transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 to 10 fritters, enough to serve 3 to 4 people as a snack or side dish. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.
Variations
I like mixing things up by adding chopped green onions or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. For a more protein-packed version, I sometimes add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to the mix. Swapping the all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour works great for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I crisp them up in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave works too, but they lose some of that crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I’ve used frozen broccoli in a pinch. I make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before chopping.
What kind of cheese works best?
I prefer cheddar for its bold flavor, but mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Sometimes I mix both for the best of both worlds.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. I bake them at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through until both sides are golden and crisp.
Are these fritters kid-friendly?
Definitely! I find these are a great way to get kids to eat more vegetables, especially with the cheesy flavor and crispy texture.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, I freeze them after cooking. I let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, I reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are one of my favorite ways to turn fresh ingredients into a crave-worthy snack. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether I serve them as a quick bite, a lunchbox addition, or a veggie-packed side, they always disappear fast!
PrintCheesy Broccoli Fritters Snack
Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are crispy, golden snacks made with fresh broccoli, gooey cheese, and savory spices. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or quick veggie-packed snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 fritters (3–4 servings)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Steam or blanch chopped broccoli until just tender, then pat dry.
- In a bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix into a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter into the skillet and flatten slightly.
- Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Add chopped green onions or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Swap flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Bake instead of fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg