Who says eating your vegetables has to be boring? These Delicious Broccoli Feta Fritters are here to change your mind! They’re a fantastic way to transform simple broccoli into a crispy, savory, and incredibly flavorful dish that works perfectly as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a side dish. Packed with vibrant green broccoli, salty feta cheese, and aromatic garlic, these fritters are quick to make and disappear even faster.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to incorporate more vegetables into my meals, especially in a way that feels indulgent rather than like a chore. That’s why I absolutely adore these Broccoli Feta Fritters. The combination of finely chopped broccoli and tangy feta cheese is a match made in heaven, offering both freshness and a wonderful savory depth. Plus, the quick pan-frying gives them an irresistible golden-brown crispness on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. They’re incredibly versatile, satisfying, and a great way to use up that broccoli in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness is a great choice)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Olive oil for frying
Swaps and Notes
- Broccoli: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli (if frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water very well). For other veggie options, cauliflower, zucchini (grated and squeezed dry), or even finely chopped carrots could work.
- Feta Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese could be interesting substitutes, though the flavor profile will change.
- Breadcrumbs: While regular breadcrumbs are fine, Panko breadcrumbs will give you a notably crispier exterior. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Green Onions: Chives or finely minced red onion could be used as alternatives.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference. A pinch of dried dill or oreganocould also complement the feta and broccoli.
- Binding Agents: If your mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour or breadcrumbs. If too dry, a tiny splash more of beaten egg or milk.
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped broccoli florets, crumbled feta cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and holds together.
- Form the Patties: Take portions of the mixture and form them into small, flattened patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and roughly ½ inch thick. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the fritters into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the Fritters: Fry the fritters in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The broccoli should be tender-crisp.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the golden fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess olive oil. This helps keep them crispy.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm. For an extra flourish, you can garnish them with a little more crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Kcal: 150 per serving
- Servings: 4
Tips for Success
- Finely Chop Broccoli: This is key! Smaller pieces of broccoli cook more evenly and integrate better into the fritter, preventing them from falling apart. You can pulse them in a food processor if you prefer, but be careful not to make a paste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy, less crispy fritters.
- Firm Patties: Ensure your patties are well-formed and firm before frying. This helps them hold their shape. If they seem too loose, add a tiny bit more flour or breadcrumbs.
- Taste Test Mixture: Before frying all of them, try cooking one small test fritter. This allows you to adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) to your liking before committing to the whole batch.
- Serve Warm: Fritters are always best enjoyed warm when they are at their crispiest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Broccoli Feta Fritters are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic appetizer served with a simple Greek yogurt dip mixed with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of garlic powder. For a light lunch, pair them with a fresh green salad. As a side dish, they complement grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty soup beautifully.
Looking for other quick and easy dishes? You might enjoy:
- My A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight!) for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Broccoli Feta Fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best way to regain their crispiness is to warm them in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a dry skillet over medium heat until heated through. Microwaving is an option, but they will be softer.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these fritters, you’ll love exploring these other easy and satisfying recipes:
- For a super quick breakfast or brunch, check out my This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip.
- If you’re into trendy and healthy breakfast options, give The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyones a try.
- And for a truly minimal effort start to your day, my This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap Is Taking Over Busy is a lifesaver.
- For an effortless appetizer that always impresses, try This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Broccoli Feta Fritters are a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish. They’re flavorful, satisfying, and a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a fun and crispy form. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a creative side, these fritters are sure to be a hit. Give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!
What are your favorite ways to use up leftover vegetables? Share your tips and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes!
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