Description: A delightful and nutritious way to enjoy broccoli, these Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Patties are packed with flavor and offer a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, these patties combine the goodness of broccoli with the creamy, comforting taste of cheddar cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and coarsely chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- ½ cup low-carb breadcrumbs (almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or coconut flour for gluten-free options)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil for cooking
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, wash and chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Steam, boil, or microwave until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook, as soggy broccoli will result in mushy patties. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Finely chop the cooked broccoli and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the bowl with the chopped broccoli. Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melting properties. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the broccoli. This step is crucial for the patties to bind properly and have a consistent cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Add Binding Agents: Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the broccoli and cheese mixture. The eggs act as a binder, holding the patties together. Add the low-carb breadcrumbs. If you’re using almond flour, start with ¼ cup and add more as needed until the mixture reaches the right consistency. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. If using crushed pork rinds, grind them finely for a less noticeable texture.
Step 4: Season and Flavor: Now is the time to add your seasonings. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! Taste a small portion of the mixture to ensure it is adequately seasoned. If desired, add the minced garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
Step 5: Shape the Patties: Using your hands or a large spoon, scoop out portions of the broccoli mixture and gently form them into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. Gently press the patties to flatten them slightly. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the patties tough. Place the shaped patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Chill the Patties (Optional): For firmer patties that hold their shape better during cooking, cover the plate or baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. This allows the patties to firm up and reduces the chances of them falling apart in the pan.
Instructions:
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil or coconut oil and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle when the patties are added.
- Cook the Patties: Carefully place the broccoli patties into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the pan temperature. Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese is melted and gooey on the inside.
- Check for Doneness: Use a spatula to gently flip the patties. If they are sticking to the pan, they are not ready to be flipped. Continue cooking until they release easily. Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Once the patties are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow the patties to cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making these patties a nutritious choice for a snack or side dish.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy these cheesy broccoli patties. The combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese is a winner for kids of all ages.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, these patties are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: These patties can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal. They are also great for meal prepping.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- Enjoy as a light lunch with a side salad.
- Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, sour cream, or sriracha mayo.
- Serve on a bun as a veggie burger.
- Pack in lunchboxes as a healthy and delicious snack.
Tips:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the cooked broccoli to prevent the patties from being soggy.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the patties. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispy patties, add a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the patties in the oven, skillet, or microwave.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per patty based on 6 patties)
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: Varies based on cheese used
Conclusion:
Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Patties are a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. These patties are quick, easy, and versatile, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or anytime you need a healthy snack. With their cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before chopping and adding it to the mixture. Excess moisture can make the patties soggy and difficult to bind.
Q2: I don’t have low-carb breadcrumbs. What else can I use?
A: No problem! There are several substitutes you can use for low-carb breadcrumbs. Almond flour, coconut flour, or crushed pork rinds are all excellent alternatives. If you don’t need a low-carb option, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. You may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the consistency of the mixture.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to these patties?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the mix. Finely chopped onions, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions. Just make sure to chop the vegetables finely and cook them slightly before adding them to the patty mixture to ensure they are tender.
Q4: How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while cooking?
A: Several factors can contribute to patties falling apart. Make sure you are squeezing out any excess moisture from the broccoli. Also, ensure you are using enough binding agents (eggs and breadcrumbs). Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape better. Finally, don’t flip the patties until they are golden brown and firm on the bottom.
Q5: Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can definitely bake these patties. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Baking is a healthier option as it requires less oil.
