Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Just ensure your other ingredients (like baking powder) are also certified gluten-free.

My mixture seems too wet. What should I do?

If your mixture is too wet to form into patties, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. The moisture content of broccoli can vary, so don't worry if you need to adjust.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

Yes! Place the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush with olive oil, and bake at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes per side until golden and crispy. They won't be quite as crispy as the pan-fried version but still delicious.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

These fritters are excellent for meal prep. Make a double batch, freeze them individually, and you'll have quick meals or snacks ready whenever you need them. They're perfect for busy weekdays!

Broccoli Feta Fritters Recipe

Name: Broccoli Feta Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 small crowns broccoli; 3 eggs, lightly beaten; 5 tbs all purpose flour *; 1/3 cup mozzarella, shredded; 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbs dill, chopped; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Lazy Tzatziki

These Broccoli Feta Fritters are a game-changer for weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers that come together in just 30 minutes. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the perfect combination of broccoli and feta cheese. They’re an excellent way to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 Minutes: From prepping to plating, these fritters are ready to enjoy in half an hour – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even as the star of your meal with a simple salad on the side.
Veggie-Packed: A delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Crispy Texture: That golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful center that’s irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli: The star of the show, providing texture, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Eggs: Acts as the binding agent that holds everything together while adding richness.
All-purpose flour: Creates structure and helps achieve that perfect golden crust. Feel free to substitute with oat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour based on your preference.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds a melty, stretchy texture that complements the feta perfectly.
Feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty punch that elevates these fritters to another level. If you’re not a feta fan, parmesan works wonderfully too.
Garlic: Infuses the fritters with aromatic flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
Dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Onion powder: Provides savory depth without the texture of fresh onions.
Chili pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize these fritters? Here are some delicious ideas:

Mediterranean: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Herb Lover’s: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, and chives in addition to (or instead of) the dill.
Different Veggies: Try cauliflower or a mix of broccoli and cauliflower for a different flavor profile.
Protein Boost: Add 1/4 cup of hemp seeds or chopped walnuts for extra protein and texture.

How to Make Broccoli Feta Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam your broccoli crowns in about 1 inch of water for 7 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Remove to paper towels and allow to cool slightly. Pat dry thoroughly, then chop into very small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better your fritters will hold together.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, beaten eggs, flour, mozzarella, crumbled feta, minced garlic, dill, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated. The mixture should be thick enough to form into balls that hold their shape.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Fritters

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet until hot. Form the mixture into large balls, then place them in the hot oil. Immediately flatten them slightly with the back of your spatula. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

Step 4: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip the fritters over and flatten them again with your spatula. Cook for another 6 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Broccoli Completely: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fritters. Make sure to pat the steamed broccoli very dry before chopping.
Don’t Overwork the Mixture: Mix just until combined to keep the fritters light and not dense.
Test the Oil: Drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, your oil is ready for cooking.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each fritter has space to cook properly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked fritters warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

How to Serve

These versatile fritters can be enjoyed in so many ways:

Dipping Options

The classic pairing is with tzatziki sauce, which complements the fritters perfectly with its cool, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Other great options include:

Garlic aioli
Sriracha mayo
Hummus
Greek yogurt with lemon and herbs

Meal Ideas

Serve as a vegetarian main course with a Mediterranean salad
Offer as an appetizer at your next gathering
Pack in lunchboxes (they’re great at room temperature!)
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain most of their flavor, though they won’t be quite as crispy as when freshly made.

Freezing

These fritters freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating:

From refrigerated: Heat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up.
From frozen: No need to thaw! Bake in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Just ensure your other ingredients (like baking powder) are also certified gluten-free.
My mixture seems too wet. What should I do?

If your mixture is too wet to form into patties, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. The moisture content of broccoli can vary, so don’t worry if you need to adjust.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

Yes! Place the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush with olive oil, and bake at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes per side until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as the pan-fried version but still delicious.
Are these suitable for meal prep?

These fritters are excellent for meal prep. Make a double batch, freeze them individually, and you’ll have quick meals or snacks ready whenever you need them. They’re perfect for busy weekdays!

Final Thoughts

These Broccoli Feta Fritters transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, they’re perfect for showcasing vegetables in a way that everyone will love. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!