Broccoli Cheese Patties: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious & Healthy Eating

Broccoli cheese patties: Prepare to meet your new favorite way to sneak extra veggies into your diet! These aren’t your average, bland vegetable fritters. Imagine crispy, golden-brown exteriors giving way to a soft, cheesy, and subtly broccoli-flavored interior. It’s a delightful textural and flavor experience that even the most ardent broccoli skeptics will find hard to resist.

While the exact origins of broccoli cheese patties are a bit hazy, the concept of combining vegetables with cheese and binding agents to create savory patties has been around for centuries across various cultures. Think of the potato latkes of Eastern European Jewish cuisine or the vegetable pakoras of India. These patties represent a global love for transforming humble ingredients into something truly special.

But what makes these particular patties so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The mild earthiness of the broccoli is beautifully complemented by the sharp, creamy cheddar cheese. The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains tender and moist. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a vegetarian burger alternative. They’re quick, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get cooking and discover the magic of these delicious broccoli cheese patties!

Ingredients:

• For the Broccoli:
• 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• For the Patties:
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparing the Broccoli

Okay, let’s start with the broccoli. We want it nice and tender, but not mushy. Roasting it brings out the best flavor, in my opinion.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the broccoli caramelize and get those delicious crispy edges.
2. Prep the broccoli: Make sure your broccoli florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If some are much larger than others, cut them in half or quarters.
3. Toss with oil and seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure every floret is coated lightly. This helps the broccoli roast properly and prevents it from drying out.
4. Roast the broccoli: Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the broccoli instead of roasting it. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it – you want it tender-crisp, not burnt.
5. Let it cool slightly: Once the broccoli is roasted, let it cool for a few minutes before moving on to the next step. This will make it easier to handle.
6. Chop the broccoli: Roughly chop the roasted broccoli. You don’t want it to be a fine puree, but you also don’t want huge chunks in your patties. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch in size. This will help the patties hold together and give them a nice texture.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Now, for the star of the show – the cheese sauce! A good cheese sauce is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful. This recipe is my go-to, and it never fails.

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter is completely melted before moving on.
2. Whisk in the flour: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the base of our cheese sauce. Cook the roux until it’s smooth and slightly golden. This step is important because it cooks out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the milk in a steady stream, whisking vigorously. If you do get a few lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, and they should eventually disappear.
4. Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add the seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Melt the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure all the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Combining and Forming the Patties

Alright, we’ve got our roasted broccoli and our luscious cheese sauce. Now it’s time to bring them together and form those delicious patties!

1. Combine broccoli and cheese sauce: In a large bowl, combine the chopped roasted broccoli and the cheese sauce. Stir well to make sure the broccoli is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley: Add the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten eggs, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. The breadcrumbs will help bind the patties together, the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor, the eggs act as a binder, and the parsley adds a touch of freshness.
3. Mix well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
4. Form the patties: Using your hands or a 1/4-cup measuring cup, form the mixture into patties. Each patty should be about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill the patties (optional but recommended): Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

Cooking the Broccoli Cheese Patties

Almost there! Now it’s time to cook those patties to golden-brown perfection. You can either pan-fry them or bake them, depending on your preference.

Pan-Frying (My Preferred Method)

1. Heat the oil: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop a small piece of the patty mixture into it.
2. Cook the patties: Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and heated through.
3. Drain on paper towels: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Baking (A Healthier Option)

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Bake the patties: Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Your broccoli cheese patties are ready to be devoured! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As a side dish: Serve them alongside your favorite main course, such as grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• As a vegetarian main course: Serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying vegetarian meal.
• In a sandwich or burger: Use them as a patty in a sandwich or burger. Top with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and a sauce of your choice.
• As an appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy mayo.

Enjoy! These broccoli cheese patties are a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and toppings to create your own unique version.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Broccoli Cheese Patties are so much more than just a way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet; they’re a delicious, versatile, and surprisingly easy meal that the whole family will love. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or even a healthy snack. The combination of tender broccoli, melty cheese, and a crispy exterior is simply irresistible.

But what makes these patties truly special is their adaptability. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Want to make them even healthier? Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for the regular ones. Or, for a richer flavor, experiment with different types of cheese – sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda would be fantastic!

These patties are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions, too. They’re perfect as a main course, served alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Imagine them nestled in a toasted bun with a dollop of creamy coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich. Or, cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. My personal favorite is to crumble them over a baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and chives – pure comfort food!

For a complete meal, consider pairing these Broccoli Cheese Patties with a simple side dish. A light and refreshing cucumber salad would be a great contrast to the richness of the patties. Alternatively, a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also complement the flavors perfectly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!

I’ve made these patties countless times, and each time I tweak the recipe slightly to suit my mood and the ingredients I have on hand. That’s the beauty of this recipe – it’s forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to create your own unique version.

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Broccoli Cheese Patties that I urge you to give them a try. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making patties from scratch; the process is surprisingly simple and straightforward. And the reward – a plate of golden-brown, cheesy, and delicious patties – is well worth the effort.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these amazing Broccoli Cheese Patties. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!

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