Yes — we’re doing it: broccoli cheddar burgers.

If you’d told me a decade ago that I’d be sharing broccoli cheddar burgers on my blog, I would have laughed. Even five years ago I might have. But here we are — making these broccoli cheddar burgers and absolutely loving them.

I based this recipe on a veggie burger I developed previously — a textured, flavorful burger that surprised me by how much I craved it. These broccoli cheddar versions are a little more involved, with ingredients like cashews and oats to build texture and prevent a mushy patty. The extra steps are worth it: the result has structure, bite and great flavor without trying to mimic beef.

Anyway.
These burgers were inspired by Emilia — my toddler who loves nearly everything she eats. One of her favorites are broccoli-and-cheese bites I make when I’m pressed for time, and that broccoli-plus-cheese combo is irresistible. Since Emilia already likes broccoli and it took me years to enjoy it, I’m committed to keeping that love alive by making as many broccoli dishes as I can, usually with a little cheese tucked in.

These patties work beautifully on a bun topped with chipotle honey mayo (recipe below), or served without a bun — crumbled over a salad they’re delicious, too. You can make them ahead, refrigerate briefly to firm up, and then pan-fry when you’re ready.

Now, maybe if I’d eaten broccoli like this when I was little…

Broccoli Cheddar Burgers
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Burgers
4
to 6 people
1 hr
15 mins
1 hr 15 mins
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Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 14 ounce can chickpeas or cannellini beans, drained
- 16 ounces broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chopped unsalted cashews
- 1 tablespoon old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- sliced sharp cheddar or your favorite cheese for serving
- 4 to 6 buns for serving
Chipotle Honey Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line two baking sheets with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Spread the drained beans on one sheet and the chopped broccoli on the other in single layers. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper. Roast both for 12–15 minutes, until the beans split and the broccoli is tender.
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While roasting, heat a skillet over medium-low. Add the olive oil, diced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
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Pulse the cashews and oats in a food processor until finely chopped. Keep the processor available to use again.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg yolk, smoked paprika and honey. Stir in the sautéed onion mixture, quinoa, roasted beans and broccoli. Add the oats and cashews. Use a potato masher or fork to break the mixture up until partially combined. Transfer about one-third of the mixture to the food processor, pulse until very finely chopped, and return it to the bowl. Stir in the cheddar, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly — using your hands works well since the mixture will be sticky.
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Form the mixture into 4–6 patties (or smaller sliders). You can refrigerate the patties for 20 minutes to firm them up, or cook right away.
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To cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium and add a high-heat oil (canola, grapeseed or coconut). When the oil is hot, cook patties 5–6 minutes per side, flipping gently so they don’t fall apart. Add a slice of cheddar a minute before they’re done so it can melt.
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Serve on buns with chipotle honey mayo and tomato. Note: these patties are not suited to a direct charcoal or gas grill; they will fall apart. You can cook them outdoors by heating a cast-iron skillet on the grill.
Chipotle Honey Mayo
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Whisk the mayonnaise, honey, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce together until smooth and combined.
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So much serious flavor.