Broccoli Cheese Patties

For the patties:

3 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped or grated

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for binding)

For frying:

2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the broccoli:
Begin by finely chopping or grating the fresh broccoli florets. You can either use a sharp knife or a food processor to make the process quicker. Place the chopped broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

Mix the ingredients:
To the broccoli, add the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and eggs. Stir well to combine. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to help bind everything together.

Form the patties:
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form evenly-sized patties.

Cook the patties:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning.

Drain and serve:
Once the patties are cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.