Name: Broccoli Cheese Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

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Broccoli cheese patties remind me of the time I wanted to sneak more veggies into my weeknight dinners without anyone noticing because I knew my family wasn’t always thrilled about plain steamed broccoli so I decided to turn it into something crispy and cheesy that they wouldn’t resist. I still remember standing in the kitchen, mixing the bright green broccoli with gooey cheese and hoping they’d love it — and to my surprise, they actually fought over the last piece because it turned out so delicious and satisfying.

Since then, these patties have become my secret weapon for busy evenings when I want something comforting yet still packed with goodness and I love watching them turn golden and bubbly in the pan because that’s when I know they’ll be absolutely irresistible. When I serve them with a side of dipping sauce or tuck them into a sandwich, they disappear so quickly that I always wish I had made a double batch.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Broccoli florets – The star of the patties, adding freshness and texture.
Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and brings a rich, savory flavor.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty kick and helps bind the patties.
Eggs – Hold everything together and add extra protein.
Panko breadcrumbs – Give the patties structure and a little crunch.
Garlic powder – Enhances the overall savory taste.
Salt – Balances and brightens the flavors.
Black pepper – Adds a bit of warmth and spice.
Olive oil – Helps achieve a crispy, golden crust when pan-frying.

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients evenly.
Knife and cutting board – To chop the broccoli into small pieces.
Steamer or pot – To lightly cook the broccoli before mixing.
Cheese grater – To freshly grate the cheddar and Parmesan.
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep everything in the right balance.
Frying pan or skillet – For cooking the patties to golden perfection.
Spatula – To flip and handle the patties without breaking them.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by steaming or lightly boiling the broccoli florets until they’re just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes, then I drain and chop them finely.

Step 2

In a large bowl, I mix together the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.

Step 3

I form the mixture into small, even patties with my hands, pressing them gently so they hold together.

Step 4

I heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the surface.

Step 5

I place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

I transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil before serving them warm.

Tips

If you want extra crispiness, I recommend chilling the patties in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before frying. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes if you prefer a lighter version. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, stretchy cheese pull.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these broccoli cheese patties with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. They’re also amazing tucked into a sandwich or wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce. For a full meal, I pair them with a simple side salad or roasted potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze broccoli cheese patties?

Yes! I let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. They reheat nicely in the oven or on the stovetop.

What cheese works best for broccoli cheese patties?

I like sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mozzarella, Gouda, or a cheese blend work great too.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko gives a nice light crunch, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can also be used.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these broccoli cheese patties a try! They’re one of my favorite ways to enjoy veggies, and I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Feel free to share your thoughts or photos below! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer.

Happy Cooking!