Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Fritters are a delicious and crispy way to enjoy vegetables, combining steamed broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese and aromatic spices. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these fritters can be pan-fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter version.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces finely chopped broccoli florets (equal to 4 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 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 pan-frying (such as canola or olive oil)
Instructions
- Steam the Broccoli: Add one inch of water to a medium saucepot and bring it to a simmer. Place the finely chopped broccoli florets into a medium sieve and fit this into the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Cover tightly with the pot lid and steam for 3 minutes or until the broccoli is a vivid green and fork tender.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, eggs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined into a uniform mixture.
- Form the Fritters: Using clean hands, form the mixture into 6 large fritters. Each fritter should be approximately 3 inches wide and about 3/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Pan-Fry the Fritters: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, add 3-4 fritters at a time. Cook each side for 3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping once. Remove the cooked fritters and place them on a towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Bake the Fritters (Alternative): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and evenly space the formed fritters on the pan. Bake for a total of 30 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through cooking to ensure they brown on both sides.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or ranch dressing for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Make sure to steam the broccoli just until tender and bright green for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
- For a lower-fat option, baking the fritters is recommended instead of pan-frying.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (pan-fry) or 30 minutes (bake)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli cheddar fritters, vegetable fritters, cheese fritters, appetizer, easy snack, pan-fried fritters, baked fritters, vegetarian snack
