Veggie Cakes

I am SO excited to share this Veggie Cakes recipe with you! I bet even the kids will like this one! These little veggie patties are filled with all sorts of goodness and flavor.

Why you'll love this vegetarian recipe

If you enjoy veggie burgers, broccoli fritters, or zucchini fritters you will love these veggie patties. I really don't know what makes something like this a fritter vs a cake (like a crab cake). These are not flat like some I have seen, more like a crab cake (however you can certainly make them more flat like a pancake if you wish).

These vegetable patties are so tasty, you get vegetables and cheese bite after bite. They are meant to be enjoyed nice and warm just after you make them for that cheese pull, yum!

I modeled these little veggie cakes after my Zucchini Cakes (everyone in my circle of life loves those) as well as after a vegetable casserole my Aunt Bernie and Uncle Roy used to make (which we all loved).

Ingredients

• broccoli
• carrots
• garlic paste (or minced garlic)
• cheddar cheese
• mozzarella cheese
• salt and pepper
• red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 egg + 1 yolk
• fresh lemon juice
• breadcrumbs or Panko
• scallions
• oil for cooking

Veggie Cakes Variations

• You can add in cauliflower if you like (If you buy a medley bag of broccoli, carrots and cauliflower you can use that)
• Carrots can be omitted
• Grated onion can be used in place of scallions
• You can swap cheeses. Instead of cheddar, use Parmesan or another melty cheese you have on hand
• Make these more spicy by adding in minced jalapeno or more red pepper flakes
• Play around with vegetable ingredients until you land on what you enjoy most
• I did successfully make these without panko / breadcrumbs however its not as easy, if you aren't experienced (and use a quality nonstick pan) you may end up with a goopy mess.
• Remove most of the stems from the broccoli and break into florets
• Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes
• I do not steam the carrots since I don't like the taste of cooked carrot (you totally can though), I pulse them small in food processor so that they do partially cook in the pan PLUS it gives nice texture to the cakes in my opinion
• Pulse carrots in food processor first, then add in slightly cooled steamed broccoli and pulse a few times
• Place carrot broccoli mixture into a work bowl and add the remaining ingredients
• I suggest you cook off a small "test" cake to taste for seasoning before forming all into cakes. That way you can add more salt/cheese/pepper or whatever you desire if necessary for your preference
• Make sure oil is hot before adding cakes, once cakes are in and the crust begins to form on the first side, lower heat so they don't cook on the outside and not the center
• Make these smaller or larger like a crab cake, your call. Made smaller they will make 10 cakes
• You can choose to make these as straight up Broccoli Fritters / cakes
• Be sure to get them right out of the pan after they finish cooking or they may absorb any excess oil
• Best enjoyed just after cooking

Can I make Vegetable Cakes in an air fryer?

• I am so excited to say YES!!! I knew people would ask so I tested that out and it worked perfectly! I could not believe it!
• To make Veggie Patties in the air fryer all you need to do differently is after you form them into small cakes, lightly spray both sides of the cakes with oil as well as spray air fryer pan. I will do a separate post on the tips and full instructions for that soon.
• Air fry for 10-11 minutes at 390 degrees, flipping gently after 7 (don't crowd).

Tips

• Remove most of the stems from the broccoli and break into florets
• Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes
• I do not steam the carrots since I don't like the taste of cooked carrot (you totally can though), I pulse them small in food processor so that they do partially cook in the pan PLUS it gives nice texture to the cakes in my opinion
• Pulse carrots in food processor first, then add in slightly cooled steamed broccoli and pulse a few times
• Place carrot broccoli mixture into a work bowl and add the remaining ingredients
• I suggest you cook off a small "test" cake to taste for seasoning before forming all into cakes. That way you can add more salt/cheese/pepper or whatever you desire if necessary for your preference
• Make sure oil is hot before adding cakes, once cakes are in and the crust begins to form on the first side, lower heat so they don't cook on the outside and not the center
• Make these smaller or larger like a crab cake, your call. Made smaller they will make 10 cakes
• You can choose to make these as straight up Broccoli Fritters / cakes
• Be sure to get them right out of the pan after they finish cooking or they may absorb any excess oil
• Best enjoyed just after cooking

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with any meat or fish entrée as a side dish or enjoy as the main course alongside a light soup or salad.

Hope you enjoy this vegetarian vegetable side dish recipe! XO - Colleen

Originally posted April 2022. Updated October 2023.

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