Name: Cheesy Broccoli Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; Pinch of black pepper

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Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are a quick and delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a crispy, golden-brown package. Packed with tender broccoli, melted cheddar and mozzarella, and flavorful spices, these fritters are satisfying enough to stand on their own or complement a wide range of dishes. Whether served as a snack, side, or light lunch, they’re always a hit—especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These fritters are a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your day without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy and soft on the inside, and come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. Great for picky eaters, meal prepping, or using up leftover broccoli, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and ready in under 25 minutes.

Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
Pinch of black pepper

Directions

Steam the Broccoli:

Steam the broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes, just until tender but not mushy.
Drain thoroughly and finely chop the steamed broccoli.

Mix the Ingredients:
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with cheddar, mozzarella, flour, eggs, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and holds together.

Form and Cook the Fritters:
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or spray.
6. Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture per fritter into the skillet, flattening each slightly into a patty shape.
7. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:
9. Serve warm with sour cream, ranch, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
Calories: Approximately 240 kcal per serving (varies depending on cheese and oil used)

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Add Protein: Mix in diced cooked chicken for a heartier version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Herb Swap: Try Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley instead of oregano.
Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella for feta or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Bake Instead of Fry: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once for extra crispiness.
Zucchini Mix-In: Add ½ cup grated zucchini (squeeze out moisture first) for extra veggies.
Mini Fritters: Make smaller fritters for party appetizers or kid-friendly portions.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also reheat in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes. For longer storage, freeze cooked fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 12–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw and drain it well, then chop finely before using.

How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?

Be sure the broccoli is well-drained and finely chopped. Don’t skip the eggs—they help bind the mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the mixture or fully cook the fritters and store them in the fridge until ready to reheat.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo all pair wonderfully with these fritters.

Can I make them egg-free?

Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute, though results may vary slightly.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, they’re a great way to get kids to eat more vegetables, especially with a cheesy, crispy finish.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, cauliflower, grated carrots, or chopped spinach work well—just keep the ratio similar.

Do I need to peel the broccoli stems?

If you include stems, peel and finely chop them for better texture and even cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale all ingredients and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are an easy, versatile recipe that turns simple ingredients into crispy, flavorful bites perfect for any time of day. With a golden crust, gooey cheese, and tender broccoli inside, they’re satisfying and fun to make. Whether served as a side, snack, or light meal, these fritters are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Jessica