Oh my goodness, if you are looking for something savory, cheesy, and utterly addictive to serve up in about thirty minutes, I have totally cracked the code! Forget those boring vegetable sides; we are diving headfirst into rich flavor territory. I’m talking about the most incredible **Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters** I’ve ever managed to whip up. Seriously, my kitchen smells amazing right now. I’ve made my fair share of appetizers over the years—it’s kind of my specialty when folks drop by unexpectedly—and these fritters win every single time. They are crispy on the outside, ridiculously soft inside, and that hit of fresh garlic with the melted cheddar? Perfection. Trust me, you’re going to want to double the recipe because they disappear fast!

Why You Will Love These Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Honestly, there’s so much to rave about here. You get that amazing crispy edge that everyone fights over, but the middle is soft, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness. They come together so fast—seriously, under thirty minutes total! Plus, they’re super versatile; serve them up at your next party, or just make them for a sneaky after-school snack. They’re a crowd-pleaser, I promise. See more of my easy appetizer recipes that come together quickly!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Okay, I want you to grab everything and lay it out because this recipe is fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling mid-mix! We’re keeping the ingredient list tight and punchy, letting those core flavors shine through. Don’t skimp on the cheese here; it’s what holds everything together beautifully when they hit that hot oil. If you’re looking for other simple, cheesy magic, check out how I make my cheddar bay biscuits!

Here is exactly what you need on hand:

2 cups broccoli florets, diced super finely—I mean tiny!
1 cup of everyday all-purpose flour—nothing fancy needed.
1 teaspoon baking powder, just enough lift for them.
1/2 teaspoon salt and just a little dash (1/4 teaspoon) of black pepper.
2 large eggs, just lightly beaten together.
1/2 cup milk—whole milk works best for richness.
1 full cup of shredded cheddar cheese—sharp or mild, your call!
2 glorious cloves of garlic, minced really, really small.
Plenty of vegetable oil for frying—you’ll need about half an inch in the pan.

That’s it! See? No random spices or obscure ingredients standing in your way. Just good, honest flavor makers ready to go.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Cooking these requires a little finesse, but nothing scary! First, when you microwave that chopped broccoli—just two minutes softens it up without cooking it to mush. You have to drain every single drop of water after that, otherwise, hello soggy fritter! That old note about crispiness? It’s all about that oil temperature. If it’s not simmering properly when the batter hits the pan, they won’t brown nicely. I always wait until a little drop of batter sizzles immediately before I start spooning mine in. For more crispy goodness across all veggie fritters, you should check out my zucchini fritter recipe for comparison!

Cheese Substitutions for Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Okay, Cheddar is my go-to because that sharpness cuts through the richness beautifully, but never feel locked in! If you want a different vibe, I highly recommend swapping it out. Monterey Jack melts like a dream and gives you that gorgeous cheese pull. Or, if you are feeling a little fancy, some nutty Gruyère is absolutely heavenly in this mix. It’s all about what cheese you happen to have looking happy in the fridge!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Alright, let’s get cooking! Since these are quick, you need to have your ingredients prepped and sitting nearby. First things first, soften up that broccoli—just two minutes in the microwave does the trick, but you must, I repeat, *must* drain off every bit of that water afterward. Nobody wants a wet batter here!

Next, let’s build the base. Whisk your dry stuff—flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper—in one big bowl. In a separate, small bowl, just lightly mix those eggs and the milk together. When you combine them, only mix until you see the flour disappear. That is crucial: do not overmix! Overmixing gives you tough fritters instead of tender ones.

Now, fold in all the good stuff: broccoli, that gorgeous cheese, and the minced garlic. Make sure it’s all evenly scattered through the batter. Next up is frying! You want about a half-inch of vegetable oil heated over medium. Take spoonfuls of the batter and drop them gently into the pan. Remember to work in batches—don’t crowd the skillet, or the oil temperature drops instantly, and they turn greasy instead of golden. Fry them for about three to four minutes per side until they look perfectly browned, remove them, and let them drain out on paper towels. If you’re looking for serving inspiration later, these go great alongside some homemade garlic breadsticks!

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

These savory little rounds are fantastic all by themselves, especially when they are piping hot and the cheese is still stretching, but why stop at just good when you can have great?

The creamy cheddar and sharp garlic really sing when paired with something tangy or herbaceous. My favorite thing to whip up alongside these, especially when I’m feeling a little adventurous, is a bright, zesty sauce. Something that cuts right through that lovely fried batter!

You absolutely need a dollop of homemade ranch; everybody loves ranch! But if you want to wow people, try dipping these into a vibrant chimichurri sauce. I know, I know, it sounds wild, but that fresh parsley, oregano, and vinegar really wake up the cheese flavor. You can find my favorite simple chimichurri recipe here; it takes five minutes!

If you’re serving them as a side dish alongside dinner, a simple dollop of plain Greek yogurt seasoned with a little lemon zest and salt works wonders too. It keeps things light but still gives you that creamy contrast you are craving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Okay, if you somehow managed to have leftovers of these Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters—which, let’s be honest, is a miracle—you absolutely want to store them correctly so they stay crispy the next day. Don’t just toss them in the fridge in a regular plastic container! That traps all the steam, and they get soft and floppy, which is a total tragedy.

The best way to store them is to let them cool completely first—warm food creates condensation, and we are fighting condensation every step of the way! Once they’re totally cool, put them in an airtight container lined with a few paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any lingering moisture. They should keep nicely in the fridge for about three days.

Now, reheating is key because nobody wants a chewy fritter. Toss those babies in the microwave? Absolutely not. That is the fastest way to ruin their texture. If you want that satisfying crunch back, you have two choices:

The Oven Method: Pop them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This gentle heat warms them through and helps dry out the exterior again.
The Air Fryer MVP: If you have an air fryer, you are golden! Set it to about 375°F and fry them for just 4 minutes. They come out tasting restaurant-perfect.

Trust me on the oven or air fryer trick. It brings back that golden, crispy edge that makes these cheesy bites so irresistible the first time around!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

It’s so common to have questions when trying a new fry recipe, but don’t stress! I’ve rounded up the most common things folks ask me when they are trying to get their own batch of incredible broccoli fritters perfect. If you want to see how another veggie fritter staple uses similar flavors, check out my recipe for quinoa zucchini fritters!

Can I bake these Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters instead of frying?

You absolutely can! Look, frying is what gets you that immediate, unmistakable crisp, especially with these cheesy fritters, but baking is a great lighter option. If you go this route, you have to get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and I really recommend giving the tops a good spritz of oil spray. Bake them at 400°F (about 200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are nicely golden brown on both sides. They won’t be quite the same texture, but they are still delicious!

What is the best way to ensure my Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters are crispy?

This is the million-dollar question for any fritter maker, isn’t it? Trust me, the single biggest key is the oil temperature. You need that medium heat to be right—hot enough to sizzle instantly but not so hot that the outside burns before the cheese melts inside. Always work in small batches so you don’t drop the oil temperature down too steeply! And after they come out, make sure you drain them thoroughly on a stack of paper towels. Patting them lightly on top helps wick away that surface oil, which helps maintain the crunch as they cool slightly.

Estimated Nutritional Snapshot for Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

I always like to give you guys a little peek at what you’re eating, even though these are pure comfort food and not meant to be counted too closely! Since we are lightly pan-frying them, they do have a bit more fat than something baked, but look at all that protein from the eggs and cheese!

Please remember, these numbers are just an educated guess based on the standard ingredients listed in the recipe. Home cooking always varies a little bit based on exactly how much oil your fritters soak up or the exact brand of cheddar you use, so think of this as a smart ballpark estimate.

Here is the general breakdown, assuming a serving size of two fritters:

Serving Size is about 2 fritters
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10g (with 5g of that being saturated fat)
Sodium: Around 350mg
Carbohydrates: 15g (plenty of fiber coming from that broccoli—2g!)
Protein: A solid 8g per serving
Cholesterol: Approximately 50mg

I’m happy to report zero trans fats, which is a win in my book! Enjoy these knowing you’re getting a hearty dose of vegetables alongside all that glorious cheese and garlic.

Share Your Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters Creations

Okay, now that you have tried your hand at these incredible, savory bites, I absolutely need to hear all about it! Cooking is a conversation, and I live for seeing what you all manage to create in your own kitchens.

Did you stick with the classic cheddar, or did you try that fancy Gruyère I mentioned? Did you find the perfect dipping sauce that took your appetizer game to the next level? Don’t keep all that magic to yourself!

I really want you to leave a star rating right here on the recipe card—it helps other people feel confident about tackling these fantastic Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters. And if you have any tweaks or your own secret tips, drop them in the comments below. I read every single one!

If you ever have questions about the process or want to share a picture of your golden-brown stack (seriously, I want pics!), feel free to reach out through my contact page. Happy cooking, everyone, and thanks for sharing this kitchen adventure with me!

Garlicky Cheesy Broccoli Fritters

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: About 10 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Simple recipe for savory fritters made with broccoli, cheese, and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Place the chopped broccoli in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes until slightly tender. Drain any excess water completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Stir in the drained broccoli, shredded cheese, and minced garlic until evenly distributed.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a different flavor.
For crispier fritters, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the batter.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pan Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 fritters
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 350
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 15
Fiber: 2
Protein: 8
Cholesterol: 50

Keywords: broccoli fritters, cheesy fritters, garlic broccoli, vegetable fritters, easy appetizer