Cheddar Broccoli Fritters
If you’re looking for a freezer-friendly recipe that’s tasty, easy to reheat, and a creative way to get more vegetables on the table, you need to try these Cheddar Broccoli Fritters! Crisp on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they’re a fun way to enjoy broccoli (especially for picky eaters). These also make great appetizers and after-school snacks (for more family-friendly recipe inspiration, our blog post The Best Freezer Meals for Picky Eaters is a great resource)!
What Makes This Recipe a Heathy Choice?
I know the word “fritter” makes these sound indulgent, but these are a really great way to incorporate protein and veggies into your diet. This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly!
1. Let’s Hear it For Broccoli!
Broccoli is the star ingredient, contributing fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C, K, and folate), minerals, and antioxidants. Using vegetables as a substantial portion of the fritter gives you vegetable servings baked into a fun form.
2. Plenty of Protein
Eggs (or egg whites in some variants) provide protein and help bind the mixture. Cheese (cheddar or mix-ins) adds calcium, flavor, and more protein. The balance helps the fritters be more satisfying and less of a “just carbs” snack.
3. Baking vs Frying
Because you can reheat these in the oven, you cut down on oil absorption compared to deep-fry methods. This reduces unnecessary saturated fat and calories. Flipping halfway ensures crispness without over-oiling. When stovetop reheating is done with just a light coating of oil, you get crispiness without soaking the fritters.
4. Healthy Fats
The fat primarily comes from cheese, eggs, and avocado oil, which are more nutrient-dense sources (vs excess frying oil).
What Can I Serve with Cheddar Broccoli Fritters?
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Grains or starches – Serve alongside quinoa, brown rice, or even roasted sweet potatoes. These provide extra fiber and substance if you want a more filling plate.
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Sauces & dips – A tangy yogurt or sour cream dip, tzatziki, ranch, marinara, or even a garlicky aioli make great dipping partners.
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Eggs – For brunch or a lighter meal, top with a poached or fried egg.
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Bread or wraps – You can tuck a fritter or two into a pita, flatbread, or wrap as a sandwich, along with greens and sauce.
- Proteins – Herb-seasoned chicken or fish is a great entree to serve alongside these fritters.
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Tips, Variations, & Troubleshooting
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Moisture control is key — If broccoli is too wet, the fritters may fall apart. After cooking or steaming, drain thoroughly and pat dry.
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Finely chop or pulse — Smaller broccoli pieces (or processing lightly) help the fritter hold together well.
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Don’t overmix — Combine ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
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Use a good spatula — For flipping, use a thin, flexible spatula to carefully turn fritters.
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Crispiness bonus — After reheating, broil for 1 minute (watching closely) to revive crisp edges.
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Freezing tips — Flash freeze fritters on a tray before bagging them so they don’t stick together.
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Flavor tweaks — Add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or fresh herbs (parsley, chives) to elevate flavor.
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Cheese swap — Try mixing cheddar with a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
If you’re new to making freezer meals, be sure to check out our blog posts How to Make Freezer Meals and What Makes a Good Freezer Meal for helpful tips and tricks!
How Do I Reheat These in the Oven?
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place the patties on a large, lined baking sheet.
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From thawed:
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Transfer the baking sheet to the oven.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges.
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From frozen:
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Transfer the baking sheet to the oven.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges.
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How do I Reheat These on the Stovetop?
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pan (about 2–4 tablespoons).
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From thawed:
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Carefully add a couple of fritters to the pan once the oil is hot.
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Fry for 3–4 minutes or until golden.
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Flip and fry for another 3–4 minutes.
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Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining fritters.
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From frozen:
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Carefully add a couple of fritters to the pan once the oil is hot.
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Fry for 5–6 minutes or until golden.
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Flip and fry for another 5–6 minutes.
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Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining fritters.
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What Ingredients do I Need for Cheddar Broccoli Fritters?
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4 ½ cups broccoli florets
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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3 eggs, whisked
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¾ cup almond flour
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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¾ tsp salt
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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2-4 tbsp avocado oil (added on the day of cooking, for frying)
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Broccoli Fritters are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Whether you bake them straight from the freezer or crisp them up on the stovetop, they’re a delicious, veggie-packed option that fits into any meal. Keep a batch ready in your freezer, and you’ll always have a quick, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
1) Label your 1 gallon-sized plastic freezer bag. Make sure to include name, instructions, and a use-by date (I recommend 90 days after prep date). Separately line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 2) Add the broccoli to a food processor and pulse 3-4 times, until broken into small, rice-sized pieces. Add remaining ingredients to the food processor and pulse another 3-4 times, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed, until just combined. Form the mixture into patties of your desired size and place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap, then place the sheet in the freezer for about 40-50 minutes or until patties are solid enough to retain their shape. 3) Transfer patties to your freezer bag. Remove air, seal and freeze. Oven Instructions: -Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place patties on a large lined baking sheet. -From thawed, transfer baking sheet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges. -From frozen, transfer baking sheet to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges. Stovetop Instructions: -Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pan, about 2-4 tablespoons. -From thawed, carefully add a couple fritters to the pan once the oil is hot. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden, then flip and fry for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining fritters. -From frozen, carefully add a couple fritters to the pan once the oil is hot. Fry for 5-6 minutes or until golden, then flip and fry for another 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining fritters. TIP: Serve this appetizer warm or cold with tzatziki sauce or sour cream and chives! We have tested this recipe for a serving size of 6. If you are cooking for less than 6 people, decrease the amount of liquid and the cook time. If you are cooking for more than 6 people, increase the amount of liquid and the cook time. Do this and your meals will NEVER turn out dry or mushy. Happy Cooking!Cheddar Broccoli Fritters
Susana Ojeda West
FreezerFit Head Chef
Susana Ojeda West
FreezerFit Head Chef
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