Easy, crispy broccoli fritters made with steamed broccoli, Parmesan, eggs, and garlic. A perfect snack, appetizer, or veggie-packed side dish!
I’ve gotta be honest—broccoli used to be one of those “eat it because it’s good for you” veggies in my house. You know, steamed, maybe a little salt, but nothing exciting. Then one day, after staring at a lonely head of broccoli in my fridge (on the verge of becoming compost), I decided it needed a glow-up. Enter these broccoli fritters.
The first time I made them, it was pure experimentation. I had no real plan—just some Parmesan, eggs, and a why not? attitude. And oh my goodness, when they hit the pan and started sizzling, I knew I was onto something. By the time they were crispy and golden, I couldn’t wait for plates or forks. I just ate one standing over the stove, and let me tell you, I didn’t feel a single ounce of regret.
Now these fritters have become a staple. They’re the snack I whip up when I want to feel like I’m indulging and being healthy (because balance, right?). Whether you’re a broccoli fan or a reluctant veggie eater, I promise these fritters are a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Fritters Recipe?
Here’s why broccoli fritters might just become your new favorite:
- Quick and Easy: They come together in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days or lazy evenings.
- Crispy and Delicious: The golden crust and tender center are chef’s kiss.
- Packed with Flavor: Parmesan and garlic make these fritters anything but boring.
- Veggie-Packed: They’re a sneaky way to get more greens into your meals.
- Versatile: Snack? Side dish? Appetizer? Yep, they do it all.
Ingredient Notes:
These fritters are simple, but every ingredient pulls its weight:
- Broccoli: Steamed to just-tender perfection, then chopped finely. This is the star of the show, so don’t skimp!
- Eggs: These bind everything together. Jumbo eggs work best, but regular ones are fine too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy punch that takes these fritters to another level.
- Flour: Just a little to hold everything together and keep them from falling apart.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other ingredients shine.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower so the fritters crisp up nicely without overpowering the flavor.
Pro Tip: After steaming the broccoli, pat it dry with a paper towel. Too much moisture in the batter can make the fritters harder to fry.
How To Make Broccoli Fritters?
Step 1. Steam the Broccoli
Start by steaming the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy—think al dente, like pasta. Let them cool a bit, then chop them finely. Don’t stress about making it perfect; little chunks of broccoli add texture.
Step 2. Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with eggs, Parmesan, flour, and garlic. Add a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir it all up until you’ve got a thick, slightly sticky batter. (It might look messy, but trust me, it’ll fry up beautifully.)
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 3. Heat the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is hot—it should shimmer a bit—before adding the batter.
Step 4. Fry the Fritters
Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter and drop it into the pan. Use a spatula to gently flatten them into small patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush the flip—let them get that crust first!
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Serve them warm with your favorite dip, like sour cream, yogurt, or even a garlicky aioli. Warning: they’re dangerously good straight from the pan.
Storage Options:
Leftovers? Lucky you. Store these fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to bring back their crispiness, or pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. You can also freeze them—just layer them with parchment paper in a container. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here’s how you can make these fritters your own:
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, feta, or even mozzarella.
- Flour: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend if you’re gluten-sensitive.
- Add Veggies: Toss in grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
What to Serve with Broccoli Fritters?
These fritters are versatile, but they really shine with the right pairings:
- Dips: Sour cream, tzatziki, or a tangy yogurt sauce are all winners.
- Salads: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Soups: These fritters are amazing alongside a bowl of creamy tomato or butternut squash soup.
- Grains: Serve with quinoa or couscous for a hearty, veggie-packed dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why are my fritters falling apart?
If your batter feels too wet, add a little more flour. And make sure to chop the broccoli finely so everything binds together.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan cheese substitute.
Broccoli Fritters are proof that veggies can be exciting, delicious, and totally snack-worthy. Whether you’re making them as a side dish, an appetizer, or a fun way to sneak greens into your meals, they’re always a hit. So, what do you think? Ready to give them a try? If you do, let me know how they turn out—and if you added your own twist, I’d love to hear about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Broccoli Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 pound steamed broccoli florets
- 2 jumbo eggs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- To make the broccoli florets tender steam them for 5 minutes. Once done, finely chop them.
- In a bowl combine the chopped broccoli with eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour and minced garlic. Season the mixture, with salt and pepper. Mix it well.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little vegetable oil. Allow it to become hot. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the broccoli mixture onto the pan flattening them slightly with a spatula. Make sure to space them about an inch apart.
- Cook the fritters for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn brown and are cooked through.
- Enjoy these fritters, with yogurt or sour cream as a delicious dip.
- As an alternative, you can also bake these fritters in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through baking.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!