Cheesy Broccoli Fritters Recipe: Crispy, Savory, and Kid-Approved

Broccoli fritters are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and healthy-ish. They’re golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Packed with broccoli, cheese, and flavor, they work as a snack, side dish, or quick lunch.

Best of all, they’re super easy to make. You only need a few ingredients, one pan, and about 20 minutes. If you’re looking to sneak veggies into your day, this recipe is a winner.

Let’s make cheesy broccoli fritters that are crispy, comforting, and surprisingly addictive.

Ingredients (With Measurements)

Makes 8 to 10 fritters.

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Hot sauce or chili flakes
• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium pot (to blanch broccoli)
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Add chopped broccoli florets. Boil for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.

Chop finely if not already small.

You want small bits that hold together but still have some texture.

2. Make the Fritter Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Eggs
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir to mix.

Add the chopped broccoli. Stir until fully coated.

The mix should be thick and scoopable.

3. Heat the Pan

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Once hot, use a spoon or small scoop to drop 2-tablespoon mounds of batter into the pan.

Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.

4. Cook the Fritters

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, until golden brown.

Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add more oil as needed between batches.

Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate.

Repeat with the remaining mixture.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with sour cream or dipping sauce.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you like.

They’re great plain, but sauces take them to the next level.

Why Broccoli Fritters Are Awesome

• Crispy outside, soft inside
• Cheesy and full of flavor
• Kid-friendly and veggie-packed
• Easy to reheat or freeze
• Perfect for snacking or lunch boxes

They’re also super customizable. You can change the cheese or add more veggies.

Best Cheese for Fritters

Cheddar is classic—melty and bold.

Other great options:

• Mozzarella for stretch
• Feta for tang
• Gouda for richness
• Pepper jack for spice

Mix and match to find your favorite combo.

Tips for Crispy Fritters

• Pat the broccoli dry
• Don’t skip the oil—light frying is key
• Flatten them slightly for even cooking
• Don’t rush—medium heat gives the best crust

If you like extra crisp, cook a bit longer on each side.

Baking or Air Frying Option

Don’t want to fry? Try these methods.

Bake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Line a sheet with parchment
• Brush fritters with oil
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway

Air Fry:

• Preheat to 375°F
• Spray basket with oil
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once

You still get crispy edges with less mess.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Fritters are perfect for meal prep.

To Store:

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Pan-fry, bake, or air fry to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving—they get soft.

To Freeze:

Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheat from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are super versatile. Try them with:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• Ranch or garlic aioli
• Inside a sandwich or wrap
• On top of a salad

They also pair well with soup or eggs for breakfast.

Print

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw and pat dry before chopping. Make sure there’s no excess moisture or your fritters may fall apart.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour. You may need to adjust the amount slightly for consistency.

3. Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning. They’ll be a bit softer but still delicious.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes. Add grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Be sure to squeeze out extra water from high-moisture veggies.

5. What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar works best for flavor and melt. But you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Parmesan. Use what you have.

6. Are they good cold?

They’re best warm, but you can eat them cold or at room temp. Great for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks.

7. Can I freeze the uncooked batter?

No. It’s better to cook first, then freeze. The batter doesn’t hold up well once thawed and may separate.

8. How do I make them egg-free?

Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) for each egg. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

9. What dipping sauces go well?

Try sour cream, ranch, spicy mayo, garlic yogurt sauce, or even ketchup. Anything creamy or tangy works great.

10. Can kids eat these?

Yes! They’re mild, cheesy, and easy to hold. You can even shape them into nuggets or rounds for fun.