Description
These Broccoli Croquettes are a delicious and healthy appetizer featuring finely chopped cooked broccoli mixed with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and spices, then coated with breadcrumbs and baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they offer a crispy exterior and a flavorful, cheesy center.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped cooked broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven or Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the croquettes. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-frying.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together well.
- Shape Croquettes: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture each time and shape into small oval or round croquettes, ensuring consistency in size for even cooking.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each formed croquette in the remaining 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to get a nice coating that will crisp up during cooking.
- Baking Method: Place the breadcrumb-coated croquettes on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each lightly with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispness. Remove when they are golden and crispy.
- Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the croquettes for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning carefully until they are browned and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the croquettes warm as a snack or appetizer. They pair well with dips or a light salad.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder taste.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These croquettes freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead snack option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.8 g
- Fiber: 1.1 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg