Weight Watchers-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Patties: A Delicious Low-Point Recipe

Welcome to our recipe collection! Today, we’re excited to share a wonderfully nutritious and low-Weight Watchers (WW) Points recipe that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal: Broccoli Cheese Patties. These patties are an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while keeping your WW points in check. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these delectable patties, complete with measurements, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or use panko for a crunchier texture)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (for a zesty touch)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking the patties evenly.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

  • Rinse the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also use a food processor to pulse the broccoli into finer pieces for a more uniform texture.

3. Blanch the Broccoli:

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli and blanch for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green.
  • Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4. Mix the Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Add 1 large egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. The egg acts as a binder, helping the patties hold together.

5. Form the Patties:

  • Shape the mixture into 8-10 patties, depending on your preferred size. Press down firmly to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

6. Cook the Patties:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them.
  • Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even bake.

7. Garnish and Serve:

  • Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

8. Store and Reheat:

  • Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (2 patties):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 10g

Weight Watchers Points

For the Entire Recipe:

  • SmartPoints® (per serving, 2 patties): 4 points

Note: Points may vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. For the most accurate WW points, calculate based on your personal WW plan using the WW app or website.

Useful Information

  1. Health Benefits: These broccoli cheese patties are a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals, while reduced-fat cheddar cheese provides protein without excessive fat.
  2. Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add extra spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  3. Serving Suggestions: These patties make an excellent side dish or a main course when paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables. They’re also great as a snack or a light lunch.
  4. Meal Prep Tips: These patties can be made in advance and frozen for future meals. Simply cook them, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage.
  5. Cooking Tips: For a healthier version, you can bake the patties instead of pan-frying. To achieve a crispy texture when baking, lightly spray the patties with cooking spray before baking.
  6. Serving Variations: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of salsa for added flavor without significantly increasing the points. These patties also go well with a light dipping sauce made from low-fat ingredients.

Enjoy these Weight Watchers-friendly broccoli cheese patties as a delicious and satisfying addition to your meal plan. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while staying within your WW points. Share this recipe with friends and family, and keep exploring our website for more healthy and delicious meal ideas!