Broccoli Burgers (Baked)

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Even meat-eaters will love these tasty, baked homemade broccoli burgers made with broccoli, cheese, sweet potato, onion, garlic, Panko and seasonings.

Double the recipe and freeze half to use another time for fast meal prep.

broccoli-burger with purple coleslaw in bun

I’m usually not a fan of veggie burgers, but I am definitely a fan of these. And they might even be a big hit with your kids.

I freeze the broccoli patties for a great way to whip up an easy dinner or to have on hand when my vegetarian daughter drops in.

It’s worth paying attention to the toppings to balance and enhance the flavors and textures. I used a simple slaw of chopped purple cabbage with a squeeze of mayo and a splash of lemon and Dijon. Below are several other topping suggestions that would work equally well.

Bottom line: The veggie burgers are moist, filling and actually very yummy (says the meat eater). Not to mention on the healthier side (as burgers go), kid-friendly and a great make ahead dinner.

Ingredients – tailored to your taste

broccoli, cheese, sweet potato, egg, onion, panko, garlic seasoning — **Ingredients:** raw broccoli florets, grated cheddar cheese, sweet potato, onion, egg, garlic, panko, salt and black pepper.

Cheese options: Use any cheese or cheese combination you prefer e.g. American, gruyere, cheddar, parmesan cheese.
Add-ins: add 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained, for extra fiber and protein.
Cooking method: You can fry the broccoli burgers on medium heat in a skillet instead of baking them in the oven.
Topping suggestions:
- Coleslaw
- Tzatziki
- Garlic or Dijon aioli
- Tomato Sauce or roasted tomatoes
- Caramelized Onions or crispy fried onions
- Roasted red peppers or eggplant
- Baked beans

How to make cheesy broccoli patties

cooked broccoli florets in ice water — Pierce and microwave sweet potato, Peel. Blanch broccoli for 90 seconds in the microwave and plunge into a bowl of ice water to maintain vibrant color.

broccoli mixture in food processor — Process garlic, cooked sweet potato, onion and broccoli in food processor.

broccoli burger mixture in mixing bowl — _{In a large bowl, combine broccoli mixture, panko, Dijon and egg. Mix to combine. Form 5 broccoli patties. Bake now or freezer for later.}

broccoli burger patties on baking sheet — _{In a large bowl, combine broccoli mixture, panko, Dijon and egg. Mix to combine. Form 5 broccoli patties. Bake now or freezer for later.}

one baked broccoli-burger on parchment — To bake, brush patties with oil on both sides. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

broccoli-burger with purple coleslaw in bun cut in half on plate — Serve with your favorite toppings.

Shortcuts

Use pre-shredded/grated cheese
Buy pre-cut broccoli florets (or a combination of broccoli and cauliflower)

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Using a food processor is the easiest method for this veggie burger recipe, but you can certainly chop the onion, garlic, cooked sweet potato and cooked broccoli on a cutting board with a knife instead.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen veggies are processed soon after harvesting to maximize freshness. For frozen broccoli, use about 12 ounces/340 grams, defrosted and squeezed dry with paper towels (no need to cook).

Are veggie burgers healthy?

According to Food Network, the nutrition factor in veggie burgers depends on what’s in them and how processed they are. For healthier vegetarian burgers, it’s best to make your own so you know what’s in them. Our broccoli burgers have excellent vitamin C, vitamin A and Calcium and a lot of protein. And the patties are also baked rather than fried. They do have cheese, though, which is high in saturated fat unless you use a lower fat cheese.

Make Ahead

To store: broccoli patties can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge in an airtight container before baking.
To freeze: place unbaked patties on a tray and put in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Then wrap individually in plastic wrap or stack with parchment paper in between before placing them in a sealed bag or container. Remove as much air from the bag as possible.
To bake from frozen: follow the same instructions, adding a bit of extra time if needed.