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Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Bites

Golden, crispy pan-fried fritters packed with nutritious broccoli, sharp cheddar, and parmesan cheese. The perfect healthy snack or side dish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups raw broccoli florets finely chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.66 cup Panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for low carb
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Steam or microwave finely chopped broccoli for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Let cool slightly.
  2. Place cooked broccoli in a clean kitchen towel and wring tightly over the sink to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is crucial for crispy bites!
  3. In a large bowl, combine the dried broccoli, cheddar, parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture, roll into a ball, and gently flatten into a patty.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm with a creamy herb dip or ranch dressing.

Notes

Moisture is the enemy of a crispy fritter. Do not skip the step of wringing out the broccoli. These freeze beautifully; reheat them in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen to retain crispiness.