Basic Broccoli Fritters Recipe
Introduction
These basic broccoli fritters are a simple, tasty way to enjoy your greens. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal. Plus, they come together quickly with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients
- 1 lb. steamed broccoli florets
- 2 jumbo eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp. flour
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them just until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to chop the broccoli into very small pieces.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Step 3: Heat a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium heat until hot. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. (Use less oil if using non-stick.)
- Step 4: Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoon mounds of the broccoli mixture into the pan. Flatten each mound slightly with a spatula and space them about one inch apart.
- Step 5: Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them once. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve warm with yogurt or sour cream for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
- If you prefer baking, place the fritters on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crisp, or microwave briefly. Avoid storing at room temperature to maintain freshness and safety.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for these fritters?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping and mixing to prevent soggy fritters.
Can I add other vegetables to the batter?
Absolutely! Finely chopped cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini work well and add more flavor and texture to the fritters.
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Basic Broccoli Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Basic Broccoli Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish featuring tender steamed broccoli combined with Parmesan cheese and garlic, pan-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a tasty appetizer served with yogurt or sour cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. steamed broccoli florets
- 2 jumbo eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Steam and chop broccoli: Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them just until they are fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli well and transfer them to a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut them into very small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
- Preheat the pan: Place a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium heat until hot. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan’s surface. Note that a non-stick pan requires less oil than cast iron.
- Form and cook fritters: Scoop 2 to 3-tablespoon mounds of the broccoli mixture into the hot pan, spacing them about one inch apart. Flatten each mound slightly with a spatula to shape the fritters.
- Fry until golden: Cook the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip carefully. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the fritters are cooked through and golden on both sides.
- Serve warm: Remove the fritters from the pan and serve them warm with your choice of yogurt or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, these fritters can be baked at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
- Make sure the broccoli is well-drained and chopped finely to help the fritters bind better.
- You can add herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor if desired.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, especially if your Parmesan cheese is salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli fritters, vegetable fritters, appetizer, snack, vegetarian, Parmesan, pan-fried

