Broccoli Herb Cheese Fritters (Print version)
Crispy broccoli fritters with herbs and cheese—ideal for snacks, appetizers, or a light vegetarian lunch.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/3 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
→ Eggs
08 - 2 large eggs
→ Herbs & Seasoning
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ For Frying
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
# How to make it:
01 - Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and chop finely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, onion, garlic, Parmesan, ricotta if using, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until a thick, cohesive batter develops.
03 - Warm oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
04 - Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each fritter into the skillet. Flatten each portion lightly with a spatula.
05 - Cook fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.
06 - Serve fritters warm. Optionally accompany with yogurt or sour cream for dipping.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- Uses simple mostly pantry ingredients
- Ready in only thirty minutes from start to finish
- Versatile for snacking lunch or party appetizers
- Vegetarian friendly and easily adapted to be gluten free
- Kid approved and a sneaky way to eat more vegetables
02 -
- High in fiber and protein for a balanced bite
- Easy to make gluten free just swap in your favorite gluten free flour and crumbs
- Perfect for meal prep and makes a delicious freezer stash
03 -
- Letting the batter rest for ten minutes helps the flour and breadcrumbs hydrate so your fritters hold together better
- Do not rush the browning Give each fritter enough time to turn golden and develop that irresistible crispy edge
- Finely chop broccoli and onion so there are no big chunks making the patties easy to shape