Broccoli Cheddar Fritters

Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, broccoli cheddar fritters are a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack, appetizer, or light meal. They combine the bright, earthy flavor of broccoli with the comforting richness of cheddar, bound together with a batter that fries to golden perfection. Below is an approachable, flexible recipe plus tips and variations to make these fritters your own.

Why these fritters work

• Broccoli provides texture and nutrition while grated cheddar adds melt and savory depth.
• A light binder (egg and a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs) holds everything together without becoming heavy.
• Shallow-frying or pan-frying gives a crisp exterior and a tender interior; for a lighter option, they can be baked or air-fried.

Ingredients (makes about 12–16 fritters)

• 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head), finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3–1/2 cup all-purpose flour or panko breadcrumbs (see notes)
• 1 small shallot or 1/4 small onion, finely minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional, for warmth)
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil for frying

Optional add-ins: cooked corn kernels, diced ham or bacon, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Method

1. Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then shock in cold water and drain well. Alternatively, use raw broccoli finely pulsed in a food processor—if using raw, squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, grated cheddar, minced shallot and garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Stir to combine.
3. Add flour or breadcrumbs a little at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed. The mixture should be moist but not runny.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of oil. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter and shape into patties.
5. Fry the fritters in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
6. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. Serve warm.

Baking/air-fryer option: Spray the fritters lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until crisp and golden.

Serving suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer with tangy yogurt-dill sauce, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Make a sandwich or slider with whole-grain buns, lettuce, and tomato.
• Pair with a simple salad and roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Tips for success

• Remove as much moisture as possible from the broccoli to prevent soggy fritters.
• Use a sharp cheddar for better flavor; a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives extra melt.
• Keep a low-to-medium heat when frying so the exterior crisps without overcooking the interior.
• If the batter seems loose, chill it for 10 minutes to firm up before shaping.

Variations

• Gluten-free: substitute a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Vegan: use a flax or chickpea egg substitute and vegan cheese; bind with a bit more flour or mashed chickpeas.
• Mediterranean: add crumbled feta, chopped olives, and oregano for a tangy twist.
• Spicy: fold in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition (approximate per fritter)

Calories: 80–110 | Protein: 4–6 g | Fat: 6–8 g | Carbs: 4–8 g
(Values vary by ingredients and cooking method.)

Frequently asked questions

• Can I freeze these fritters? Yes — flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven or air-fryer until crisp.
• How do I prevent them from falling apart? Make sure the broccoli mixture is well-drained and the binder proportion (eggs + flour) is adequate. Chill the mixture if it’s too soft.
• Can I make them ahead? Prepare the mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; fry just before serving.

Conclusion

If you want a reliable, tasty recipe that highlights broccoli in a fun way, these fritters are an excellent place to start — and you can adapt them to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. For additional inspiration and variations, see a tested version from The Healthy Maven’s Broccoli Cheddar Fritters (easy + delicious) and another take from Cozy Peach Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Fritters.