Broccoli Cheese Patties

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A Crispy, Cheesy Delight: The Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Patties

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I am so excited to share this recipe with you today. If you’re looking for a way to get everyone at the table (especially the little ones!) to happily eat their greens, look no further. These Broccoli Cheese Patties are the answer. They are golden and crispy on the outside, warm, soft, and cheesy on the inside. They are quick to make, use simple ingredients, and are an absolute treat for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Whether you serve them as a fun weeknight dinner side, a protein-packed snack, or even a delicious vegetarian burger patty, these are guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s dive in!

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A Bite of History: The Versatile Vegetable Patty

While the exact origin of the “broccoli cheese patty” is hard to pin down, it’s a proud member of a much larger and older family: the vegetable fritter or croquette. Cultures all over the world have created versions of these fried or baked patties as a delicious way to use up leftovers and transform simple vegetables into a satisfying meal.

Think of Indian vegetable pakoras, Middle Eastern falafel, or classic American corn fritters. The concept is universal: bind cooked vegetables with a starch and a flavoring agent, then fry them until golden perfection. Our Broccoli Cheese Patty is a modern, beloved twist on this timeless tradition, adding the irresistible comfort of melted cheese to the wholesome goodness of broccoli. It’s a perfect example of how home cooking evolves—taking a basic idea and making it your own.

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Why You’ll Love These Patties (The Benefits!)

· A Clever Way to Eat Veggies: Even the biggest broccoli skeptics will be won over by these cheesy, crispy bites.
· Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
· Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
· Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and save some for a busy weeknight!
· Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, light lunch, or even in a burger bun.
· Kid-Approved: The combination of cheese and a crispy exterior is a guaranteed hit with children.

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The Formation of the Perfect Patty

The magic of this recipe lies in the texture. We achieve this through a few simple steps:

1. The Tender Base: Finely chopped, lightly steamed broccoli provides a tender base that melds perfectly with the other ingredients. Steaming, not boiling, ensures it doesn’t become waterlogged.
2. The Binder: A combination of eggs, breadcrumbs, and a little flour acts as the glue, holding all the delicious bits together so the patties don’t fall apart in the pan.
3. The Flavor Bomb: Sharp cheddar cheese melts throughout the patty, creating pockets of gooey, savory goodness that bind everything together from the inside.
4. The Crispy Crust: Pan-frying in a little oil creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.

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Ingredients

· For the Patties:
· 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
· 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
· ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating, if desired)
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 2 green onions, thinly sliced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth)
· 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for frying
· For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
· Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce (like sriracha mayo or ranch)

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Step-by-Step Methods & Instructions

1. Prep the Broccoli: Finely chop your broccoli florets. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or pulse them a few times in a food processor until they are in small, rice-like pieces. Be careful not to over-process into a puree.
2. Steam the Broccoli: Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 2-3 minutes, until it is bright green and slightly tender. Alternatively, you can steam it on the stovetop. Drain any excess water very well. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cheese prematurely. Pro-tip: For extra flavor, you can sauté the chopped broccoli in a pan with a little oil for 3-4 minutes instead of steaming.
3. Combine the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, beaten eggs, green onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
4. Mix and Rest: Stir everything together until it is fully combined and forms a sticky mixture. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, making the mixture easier to form into patties.
5. Form the Patties: Using your hands, scoop up about ¼ cup of the mixture and shape it into a patty about ½-inch thick. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly wet your hands. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet. If you want an extra-crispy exterior, you can gently press each patty into a small dish of additional breadcrumbs to coat both sides.
6. Fry the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place 4-5 patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
7. Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the patties are deeply golden brown and heated through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
8. Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining patties, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
9. Enjoy! Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate, per patty, based on 8 patties)

· Calories: 150-180
· Fat: 9-11g
· Saturated Fat: 3.5-4.5g
· Cholesterol: 55-65mg
· Sodium: 280-350mg
· Carbohydrates: 10-12g
· Fiber: 2-3g
· Sugar: 2g
· Protein: 7-9g

(Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

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For the Lovers of Good Food

This recipe is for the lovers. It’s for the parents who want to nourish their families with wholesome food that also brings a smile to their faces. It’s for the beginner cook who wants a foolproof recipe that feels like an achievement. It’s for the person looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that doesn’t take all day to prepare. It’s for anyone who believes that healthy eating should never be boring.

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In Conclusion: A New Weekday Favorite

These Broccoli Cheese Patties are more than just a recipe; they are a solution. They solve the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma, the “eat your vegetables” struggle, and the craving for something warm, cheesy, and delicious. They are simple enough for a Tuesday night but tasty enough to serve to guests. I truly hope you give them a try and they become a new favorite in your home, just as they have in mine.

Happy cooking, everyone! Don’t forget to comment below and let me know how they turned out! And a quick hello from you keeps our amazing group active and thriving! 😊