Broccoli Cheese Patties

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Are you looking for a creative way to enjoy broccoli? Look no further than these mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Patties! With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, tender interior, these patties are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then finely chop them.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the lightly beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
  4. Shape Patties: Shape the mixture into patties using your hands, compacting them firmly.
  5. Fry Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the broccoli cheese patties in the skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the broccoli cheese patties hot as a delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 150 kcal per serving

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the broccoli cheese patties just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Dipping Sauces: Serve the patties with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.
  3. Side Dish Selection: Pair the broccoli cheese patties with complementary side dishes like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
  4. Slider Style: Serve the patties as mini sliders by placing them between small buns or slider rolls with a dollop of mayonnaise or mustard for a fun and portable snack option.
  5. Brunch Addition: Include the broccoli cheese patties as part of a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover broccoli cheese patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
  2. Freezing: To freeze the patties, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven from frozen until heated through.
  3. Meal Prep: Consider making a batch of broccoli cheese patties ahead of time and portioning them into meal prep containers for quick and convenient lunches or snacks throughout the week. Pair them with a side salad or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal on the go.
  4. Reheating Tip: For best results when reheating refrigerated or frozen patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Single-Serving Packs: If you’re meal prepping for one, wrap individual patties in parchment paper and aluminum foil before freezing to easily grab and reheat as needed without thawing the entire batch.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the crispy and flavorful broccoli cheese patties anytime, whether as a quick snack, appetizer, or side dish, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!

Variations:

  1. Broccoli Cauliflower Patties: Combine chopped cauliflower with broccoli for a colorful twist on the classic recipe.
  2. Spinach Broccoli Cheese Patties: Mix chopped spinach with broccoli for an extra boost of green goodness and nutrients.
  3. Sweet Potato Broccoli Patties: Incorporate mashed sweet potatoes into the mixture for a naturally sweet and creamy texture.
  4. Quinoa Broccoli Patties: Add cooked quinoa to the mixture for added protein and a nutty flavor.
  5. Mushroom Broccoli Cheese Patties: Include finely chopped mushrooms for a savory and earthy taste.
  6. Black Bean Broccoli Patties: Combine mashed black beans with broccoli for a vegetarian-friendly option packed with protein and fiber.
  7. Buffalo Broccoli Cheese Patties: Toss the patties in buffalo sauce before frying for a spicy kick.
  8. Tex-Mex Broccoli Patties: Season the patties with taco seasoning and top with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
  9. Greek Broccoli Feta Patties: Mix crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and Greek seasoning into the mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  10. Curry Broccoli Patties: Add curry powder and diced bell peppers to the mixture for a fragrant and flavorful option.
  11. Pesto Broccoli Cheese Patties: Swirl pesto sauce into the mixture for a burst of herby freshness.
  12. Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli Patties: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture for a tangy and cheesy variation.
  13. Sriracha Broccoli Cheese Patties: Drizzle sriracha sauce into the mixture for a spicy and bold flavor.
  14. Jalapeno Broccoli Patties: Add diced jalapenos and shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture for a fiery kick.
  15. Everything Bagel Broccoli Cheese Patties: Coat the patties in everything bagel seasoning before frying for a savory and crunchy crust.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before chopping and using in the recipe.
  2. Can I make these patties gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs to make the patties gluten-free.
  3. Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version? Yes, you can omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the patties dairy-free.
  4. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before frying or baking.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to the patties? Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, or any other vegetables of your choice to the mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
  7. Can I freeze the cooked patties? Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven until heated through before serving.
  8. Can I serve these patties as a vegetarian main dish? Yes, you can serve the patties as a vegetarian main dish alongside a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  9. Can I adjust the seasonings to my taste preferences? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings and spices in the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences.
  10. Can I make mini patties for appetizers? Yes, you can shape the mixture into smaller patties to serve as appetizers or finger food for parties and gatherings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Indulge in the irresistible combination of broccoli and cheese with these crispy and flavorful broccoli cheese patties. Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these patties are sure to impress. Try them today and elevate your broccoli game to a whole new level of deliciousness!