Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
These easy broccoli cheddar fritters are made with quinoa and cheese for a healthy snack or appetizer. Get tips for crispy perfection every time!
Table of contents
These broccoli cheddar fritters started as a substitution when I ran out of cauliflower for my go-to quinoa fritter recipe. One of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a new favorite. The combination of tender broccoli, nutty quinoa, and sharp cheddar cheese is simple but so satisfying. My kids gave them two thumbs up, which is always a win.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
- They make a healthy quinoa snack with protein from quinoa and eggs and plenty of veggies.
- The broccoli and cheddar flavor is a classic pairing that even picky eaters enjoy.
- You can cook them three ways: bake, fry, or air-fry, so they fit any kitchen setup.
Key Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
- Quinoa: Cooked and cooled. Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness. Any color quinoa works.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets, finely chopped. You can use frozen, but thaw and squeeze dry.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor. Shred it yourself for better melt.
- Panko breadcrumbs: They add light crunch. Substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
Kitchen Tools for Making Fritters
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet for frying, or baking sheet with wire rack, or air fryer
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil
- Paper towels for draining fried fritters
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes firms it up so the fritters hold together better. When forming, press firmly into 3-inch patties about 3/4 inch thick. For the crispiest results, use the air fryer or shallow fry, but baking on a wire rack also works well. If frying, maintain medium-high heat and don't overcrowd the pan.
Expert Advice for Crispy Fritters
Make sure your quinoa is fully cooked and cooled before mixing. Warm quinoa can make the mixture too sticky. Drain broccoli well after steaming or blanching to avoid excess moisture. Sharp cheddar gives more flavor than mild. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
Broccoli Cheddar Fritter Variations
Swap the broccoli for cauliflower to make cauliflower cheddar fritters instead. Add crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham for a meatier version. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheddar shreds or omit cheese and add extra herbs. Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Serve these fritters warm with your favorite dip. I like marinara for a classic pairing, but ranch or avocado ranch is great for a creamy contrast. Plain Greek yogurt works if you want something lighter. They also make a fun addition to a bowl of tomato basil soup for dunking.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. They lose some crispness, so reheating is recommended.
How to Freeze Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
To freeze, arrange uncooked fritters on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Cooked fritters can also be frozen and reheated in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy.
Best Ways to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Fritters
Reheat fritters in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy. If you must, use a toaster oven on a wire rack.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 10 servings
- Cuisine
- American
- Course
- Appetizer
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, broccoli, and beaten eggs. Add the breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and moistened.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This will make it easier to form the fritters.
- Form the mixture into fritters, pressing and flattening with your hands. The fritters should be about 3-inches wide and 3/4-inches thick.
- You can bake, fry, or air-fry the fritters.
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the fritters on the greased rack. Spray the tops of the fritters with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until fritters are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- For Frying: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Fry the fritters for 5 minutes and then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the fritters are crispy. If you need to add additional olive oil while you are frying, you can. Place the fritters on a large plate that has been lined with paper towels and cover with aluminum foil while you finish cooking all of the fritters.
- For Air-Frying: Spray the fritters with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer fritters to the air fryer, placing them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook at 400 degrees F until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. You might have to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Serve the broccoli cheddar quinoa fritters with marinara sauce, ranch, avocado ranch, plain Greek yogurt for dipping. You can also dip the fritters in tomato basil soup.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories
- 110 kcal6% DV
- Protein
- 5 g10% DV
- Fat
- 4 g5% DV
- Carbs
- 14 g5% DV
- Fiber
- 2 g7% DV
- Sugar
- 1 g
- Sodium
- 330 mg14% DV
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA). Values are estimates — see our nutrition data sources.
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Written by
Emma Rose — Recipe developer & food photographer
Hi, I'm Emma! I cook, bake and photograph everything you see here from my little home kitchen. My recipes are simple, reliable and made for real life.
