Broccoli Fritters

Getting kids to eat their greens isn't always easy but these Broccoli Fritters are a great way to do just that. Each fritter is packed full of broccoli and they are perfect for lunch, a snack or part of a main meal.

Exposure is a key component to getting our kids to accept and eat different vegetables but sometimes steaming, boiling or roasting just doesn't cut it. We often need to try a little harder.

That's where our delicious recipe for cheesy broccoli fritters comes in! They're a fun and flavourful addition to our other family-favourite fritter recipes, including veggie fritters, zucchini fritters, corn fritters, carrot and parsnip fritters and pea fritters.

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Reasons to Love these Fritters
Ingredient Information (with Alternative Suggestions)
Step by Step Instructions (with images)
Storage Instructions
Recipe FAQs
More Broccoli Recipes
Full Recipe

Reasons to Love these Fritters

Family Friendly: The delicious flavour, crispy exterior and soft inside make them a hit with both adults and kid alike.
Green Goodness: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, these broccoli patties are a quick and tasty way to enjoy broccoli, ensuring your family gets their daily dose of green goodness.
Versatile: Serve with a variety of dips, topped with a fried or poached egg, sliced up in a salad, as a side dish, or in a bun as a broccoli burger.
Meal Prep Suitable: Make a batch and freeze for those busy weekday evenings when you need a quick and nutritious meal option.

Ingredient Information (with Alternative Suggestions)

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This section gives information on each ingredient and suggests alternatives if required.

Flat Lay of Ingredients Needed to Make Broccoli Fritters.

Broccoli: One full head of broccoli, including the stem. You can substitute with cauliflower for variation.
Egg: Used as a binding agent. If you are looking for an egg free alternative, a chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon warm water) can be used instead. You may find the batter a little dry, I needed to add 2 tablespoons of milk (or water for a dairy-free option).
Cheese: Provides flavour. Opt for mature cheddar cheese for maximum taste with less cheese, or try parmesan cheese or feta for different flavour profiles.
Flour: All purpose flour (plain flour) is used for the batter. Chickpea flour works well as a 1:1 gluten free alternative.
Mustard: Optional, added for flavour. Skip if preferred.
Avocado oil: For frying, vegetable oil can be used as an alternative.

Step by Step Instructions (with images)

This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Collage of 4 Images Showing How to Make Broccoli Fritters. 1) Prepare Broccoli for Steaming 2) Mashed Steamed Broccoli on Board 3)Ingredients Mixed Together in Bowl 4) Fritters in Pan.

Prepare the Broccoli - Separate the broccoli florets from the stems and cut the florets into smaller pieces. Don't throw away the stems (they are nutritious too), peel the thicker part and then dice into 1cm / ⅓ inch pieces. Alternatively, save the stems to make these broccoli fries.
Steam & Chop - Steam the broccoli for 4-5 mins, until it is tender but not mushy. I pop the stocks on the bottom of the steamer basket and the florets on the top. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Place the steamed broccoli on a cutting board and cut into small pieces using a sharp knife. Once chopped, use a masher to lightly squash the broccoli. This will give the fritters a smoother surface.
Whisk the egg in a large mixing bowl and then add the flour, cheese, mustard and chopped broccoli. Season with salt and black pepper (optional, skip the salt for babies/young children). Mix until combined - At the start, it will seem very dry but it does eventually come together. See the above picture for what it should look like. If you believe that it is too try you can always add 1 - 2 tablespoons of milk.
Fry - Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop a ¼ cup of the mixture, form into a pattie shape around 1cm (⅓ inch) thick, place fritters in pan and fry until cooked through and golden brown, around 2-3 minutes on each side.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate - Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Freeze - Freeze on a baking tray until frozen, once frozen transfer to a freezable container/ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw then gently heat them through in a dry frying pan.

Recipe FAQs

Are broccoli fritters suitable for babies?

Yes, broccoli fritters are suitable for babies once they have comfortably started solids, 6 months plus. However, this recipe contains common food allergens such as egg, dairy, and wheat, which should be introduced separately and safely before offering these fritters to your baby.

To ensure safety, steam the broccoli thoroughly to avoid any undercooked pieces, and finely chop it before mixing with other ingredients. While broccoli is highly nutritious, it can also cause gas, so monitor your baby's reaction accordingly.

As with all new foods, ensure a safe eating environment and supervise your baby closely during mealtimes.

Not personalised advice - for Informational purposes only. Consult with your pediatrician regarding the introduction of solid foods and any potential allergy risks for your baby.

Do you need to add the cheese?

I have tested this recipe replacing the cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. The cheese does add good flavour to the fritters and I don't think they tasted so good without the cheese. However both my boys were more than happy to eat them made with the nutritional yeast. If I was to try it again I would maybe up the mustard and add some freshly chopped parsley.

What dip do you serve these with?

I love these with a simple lemon yogurt dip. Mix ¼ cup Greek yogurt with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

You could also try serving it with smoked paprika dip, spicy mayo or your favourite/child's favourite dipping sauce.

Top Down View of Broccoli Fritters on Kids Plates with a Bowl Of Yogurt Dip.

More Broccoli Recipes

Full Recipe

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4.92 from 23 votes

Author: Amy