When it comes to family dinners, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and packed with veggies. Enter Broccoli Cheddar Fritters. These little golden bites are a fantastic way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens. I first came across this recipe during a summer visit to my cousin’s house. We were planning a big family barbecue, and she whipped up a batch of these fritters as a side dish. They were an instant hit!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, the fritters come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I often find myself tweaking the ingredients based on what I have on hand. For instance, if I’m feeling a bit adventurous, I’ll add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or swap the cheddar for a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Another great thing about these fritters is how they can be served. They’re perfect as an appetizer with a tangy dip like ranch or Greek yogurt, or as a side dish paired with grilled chicken or fish. I’ve even made mini versions to serve at parties, and they disappear within minutes!
If you’re looking for a way to sneak some veggies into your meals or just want a tasty new side dish, give these Broccoli Cheddar Fritters a try. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a staple in your household just like they did in mine.
How to Prepare Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, large
- 1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- neutral frying oil (like olive or canola oil)
- 4 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
Directions
- Begin by steaming the chopped broccoli until tender. Fill a medium saucepan with one inch of water and bring to a simmer. Place a medium sieve over the pot, add the broccoli, cover with a lid, and steam for approximately 3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and fork-tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, eggs, shredded cheddar, flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into 6 fritters, each about 3 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick.
- To fry: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, adding enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, cook 3-4 fritters at a time, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- To bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the fritters on it. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve the fritters with sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or ranch dressing.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for the fritters?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before chopping and using in the recipe.
What other types of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can also use other cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different taste.
How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart while frying?
To ensure the fritters hold together, make sure the broccoli is finely chopped and well-mixed with the other ingredients. Additionally, pressing the mixture firmly into patties will help them stay intact during cooking.
Can these fritters be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with broccoli cheddar fritters?
These fritters pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
How should I store leftover fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- neutral oil for frying like canola or olive oil
- 12 ounces of broccoli florets chopped finely (equals 4 cups)
Instructions
- Start by steaming the broccoli until it's tender. Pour one inch of water into a medium saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Place a medium sieve in the pot and add the broccoli. Cover tightly with the lid and steam for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli turns bright green and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- In a large bowl, mix together the steamed broccoli, eggs, cheddar, flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- With clean hands, shape the mixture into 6 large fritters, each about 3 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick.
- For frying: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, place 3-4 fritters in the pan. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- For baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the fritters evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve the fritters with a dollop of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or ranch dressing.
