Indulge in a culinary delight with our Baked Cheese & Broccoli Patties recipe. Bursting with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, these crispy patties are a perfect combination of cheesy goodness and nutritious broccoli. Whether served as a satisfying snack or a delightful side dish, these patties are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of homemade patties that are baked to golden perfection!
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli, defrosted
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until the onions and garlic are tender and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Place the defrosted broccoli in a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the broccoli and squeeze out any excess moisture. Transfer the drained broccoli to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients:
- To the bowl of broccoli, add the sautéed garlic and onions. Mix gently to incorporate.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Patties:
- Using your hands, shape the broccoli mixture into patties of your desired size. Place the formed patties onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each patty for even baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the patties for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully flip the patties using a spatula to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the patties are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the patties from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve these delectable Baked Cheese & Broccoli Patties as a delightful appetizer, snack, or side dish alongside your favorite dipping sauce or condiment.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 6-8 patties
- Calories: N/A (calories may vary based on serving size and ingredients used)
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Dipping Delights: Serve these Baked Cheese & Broccoli Patties with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Gourmet Garnishes: Elevate the presentation of your patties by garnishing them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Side Dish Sensation: Pair these patties with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a serving of fluffy quinoa for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Breakfast Brunch: Enjoy these patties as a delicious addition to your weekend brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Freeze for Later: Make a batch of patties and freeze them individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for convenient grab-and-go snacks or quick weeknight dinners.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake the frozen patties in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a batch of patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Simply reheat and serve whenever hunger strikes.
Variations:
- Veggie Medley: Customize the patties by adding your favorite vegetables, such as shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach, to the broccoli mixture for added color and nutrition.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gruyère, to create unique flavor combinations and cheesy goodness.
- Spice it Up: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broccoli mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile of the patties by incorporating fresh or dried herbs, such as basil, thyme, or oregano, into the mixture for a burst of aromatic goodness.
- Protein Power: Boost the protein content of the patties by adding cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the broccoli mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Mushroom Madness: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms into the broccoli mixture for an earthy flavor and added texture. Sauté the mushrooms with the garlic and onions for a richer depth of taste.
- Southwest Spin: Add a Tex-Mex twist to your patties by mixing in diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn kernels. Sprinkle in some taco seasoning or chili powder for a zesty kick. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
- Greek Inspired: Infuse Mediterranean flavors into your patties by adding crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and diced roasted red peppers. Season with oregano, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness.
FAQs :
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli until tender, then chop it finely and proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Can I make these patties gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of panko breadcrumbs to make these patties gluten-free.
- Can I bake these patties in an air fryer? Yes, these patties can be baked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I make these patties ahead of time and freeze them? Yes, these patties can be prepared ahead of time, frozen, and reheated as needed for a quick and convenient meal or snack.
- Can I omit the eggs to make these patties vegan? Yes, you can omit the eggs and use a flax egg or chia egg as a binding agent for a vegan-friendly version of these patties.
- Can I add other vegetables to the mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as cauliflower, zucchini, or peas, to the broccoli mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Asiago, Romano, or Gouda, in place of Parmesan cheese to customize the flavor of these patties.
- Can I make mini patties for appetizers or party snacks? Yes, you can shape the mixture into smaller patties or bite-sized balls to serve as appetizers or party snacks. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I pan-fry these patties instead of baking them? Yes, you can pan-fry these patties in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to the mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of these patties by adding your favorite seasonings or herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to the mixture for extra taste sensation. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
With their crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and wholesome broccoli goodness, these Baked Cheese & Broccoli Patties are a culinary delight that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these patties are perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely gatherings with friends and family. So why wait? Try our recipe today and treat yourself to a deliciously satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to impress!