These simple broccoli quinoa burgers take the classic broccoli cheddar flavor and turn them into a tasty vegan meal. Easy to make, gluten-free and freezer-friendly!
I've always loved the broccoli cheddar combination. I don't know who invented it, but dang. It's so good!
And while I used to love eating broccoli cheddar soup by the bowl-full, it's not so easy to do that now that I'm dairy-free. But the flavor combo? Still totally achievable. And today we're mixing things up and throwing it into a burger!
These broccoli quinoa burgers have a slightly “cheesy” flavor thanks to nutritional yeast. They also are so easy to make, use 10 ingredients and are great on top of salads or as a vegan main!
The Many Sides of Quinoa Burgers
I honestly love making homemade burgers. They're such a great thing to have on hand both for easy lunches or grab-and-go dinners. We basically always have a stockpile in our freezer.
And yes, I love adding quinoa to them.
Quinoa burgers are such a simple meal, but what makes them so special is that there are literally one hundred million ways we can make them. You can use:
- Beans: like this Vegan Quinoa Burger recipe
- Squash: like the Spaghetti Squash Quinoa Burgers or Butternut Squash & White Bean Burgers
- Potato: hello there, Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Burgers
- Ground meat: like my Cilantro-Quinoa Turkey Burgers or my Herbed Quinoa Turkey Burgers
- Fish: these sweet potato salmon burgers are a family favorite!
And so many more! I'm linking even more below!
Ingredients for Broccoli Quinoa Burgers
So for today's recipe, we're using the base of beans. Specifically, chickpeas since they have a mild flavor and allow the color of the broccoli to really shine. In addition to the chickpeas, here's what else we're using:
- Broccoli: we start by steaming some broccoli florets. We're using 3 whole cups in this recipe so they're packed with fiber and broccoli flavor!
- Cooked quinoa: I love using cooked quinoa as a binder in burgers. It adds protein, helps give the burgers a nice texture and it tastes really great.
- Whole grain mustard: mustard will add a nice little kick of flavor!
- Nutritional yeast: our cheesy flavor is coming from nutritional yeast which is high in protein, delicious and also often fortified with vitamin B12.
- Garlic powder: the other flavor for our broccoli quinoa burgers is garlic powder. It's such an easy way to get that garlicky flavor without the hassle of chopping garlic.
- Quinoa flour: and finally, quinoa flour! The flour absorbs some fo the moisture and helps the burgers hold together as they cook.
And of course, we're also using salt and pepper!
High Protein Veggie Burgers
Since our base is quinoa, beans, and nutritional yeast, we're packing a punch in the protein department. Each little burger (I usually eat two or three) contains 5 grams of plant-based protein. So they're filling and they're absolutely delicious!
Broccoli, I know can be a touchy subject, especially in a household of kids. Personally, I freaking love broccoli, but I think these burgers will convince even the pickiest of eaters. If broccoli is an absolute no-go for you or your fam, you can totally swap with cauliflower!
The Best Toppings for Veggie Burgers
These broccoli quinoa burgers are tender, light and make the perfect dinner or lunch. You could also make them into little balls and use them as an appetizer at your next party. They'd be delicious dipped in my vegan alfredo sauce!
I love topping them with:
- Tahini sauce
- Mashed avocado
- Sliced tomatoes & melted vegan cheese (yum!)
- Vegan queso
But no matter who you top them, I know you're going to love them! Make sure to share a photo with us on Instagram by tagging @simplyquinoa and sharing in your story!
More Easy Veggie Burgers to try:
- Curried Chickpea & Carrot Burgers
- Beet & Quinoa Veggie Burgers
- Chipotle Butternut Squash & White Bean Burgers
- Tex-Mex Quinoa Burgers
- Vegan Quinoa Burgers
Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa Burgers
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard dijon will also work
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 4 - 6 tablespoons quinoa flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking optional, see notes below
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until tender, either using a steamer basket or just in a small pan with a little water in the bottom. Drain and let cool until cool enough to handle.
- Once cool, add broccoli to a food processor and pulse until chopped into very small pieces, 10 - 15 pulses. Add chickpeas, quinoa and mustard and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl, add in remaining ingredients (starting with 4 tablespoons quinoa flour) and knead by hand until dough can be formed into patties, adding more quinoa flour as needed.
- Form dough into patties and place on a parchment lined sheet / plate. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Cooking options:
- 1) Heat oil over medium high heat. To test if it's ready, sprinkle a little water on the pan. If water immediately sizzles, the pan is ready. Add burgers to pan, cooking until browned on both sides, 2 - 3 minutes per side. Place on wire rack to cool while finish cooking.
- 2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, add patties and bake on the center rack for 20 - 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until burgers are crispy.
Video
Nutrition
Mmmmm these sound yummy can’t wait to try. Broccoli is my fav veggie!
I used to love broccoli and Stilton soup till I realised dairy doesn’t like me!
So pleased I’ve discovered nutritional yeast flakes tho!!
I would definitely like the idea of the quinoa burger tutorial, I have become a big quinoa fan since finding your site!
Keep up the good work 🙂
Nikki
Thanks so much Nikki! That soup sounds seriously delicious. When I could eat dairy Stilton was one of my favorite cheeses. Mmmm!!! And glad you like the idea of a burger tutorial, I think I’ll start working on it 🙂
Hi
Just made them 🙂 yummy every mouthful tasted really healthy too. They will be great to have in freezer as with my numerous intolerances I struggle for tasty nice food!! I am so glad I found your site a few months ago, quinoa is amazing, just like you. I’m trying to get everyone into it now, might struggle with my fiancé tho ;p
Yes! Glad you enjoyed them. I just finished my last ones from the freezer on Monday and am already craving more. One of my newest favorite burgers!
Hi Alyssa ,
Thanks for sharing all of your great recipes! Is there anything I can sub for the nutritional yeast? How bout just plain old cheese? Im not dairy free, so that is a option for me. Thanks. God bless!
Yes, absolutely!! I think it would be delicious with parmesan or grated romano cheese. I’m sure you could also use cheddar, but I think because it will be more melty, you might have to change up some of the other proportions. Good luck! Let me know how they turn out 🙂
Have you ever tried Daiya cheese? It’s vegan and soy free and absolutely life changing. It tastes just like the real thing when it’s melted and I use it in my vegan, gluten-free baked mac and cheese with GF Italian Breadcrumbs. YUM!
I have, and while it’s great for melting, I have to admit, I really don’t like how processed it is 🙁 Just my personal opinion, but I’d rather have no cheesy anything than tapioca starch cheese
Great site.
Just started and really find it very useful. Thank you.
Particularly love these burgers, quinoa, broccoli, vegan really perfect for me.
These recipes are amzingly good and nutritious.
Thank you.
We eat lots of quinoa these days and I really love the idea turning them into the patties. They look healthy, nutritious and delicious.
Yay! Stay tuned, I’ve got lots more up my sleeve 🙂
Oh mine, these are my type of burgers. I have never tried them with broccoli! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 ela
Hope you like them Ela!
I’m not a broccoli fan, but I would eat this anytime.
😉 That’s what I like to hear!
These look awesome, I can’t wait to make them!
For the record have you tried raw cheese or better yet, raw goats milk cheddar? I don’t do great with dairy but adore cheese and think life’s too short, so I tried those out and the raw goat cheddar cheese gives me no problem! Someone to think about maybe 🙂
Yes! I love raw goat cheddar. I use it in grilled cheese and with pizzas. So yum!
These burgers look so delicious and so easy! Love the addition of quinoa.
Pinning!
Thanks Abbie. They’re seriously addicting!
I love your site and I am always looking for interesting recipes that include quinoa because of the health benefits. ALso I am gf/df which draws me to your site.
Now to my question…. Could I use a can of white beans/northern beans instead of the chickpeas. I love the white beans and keep those on hand at all times.
Next question is if I don’t have the toasted quinoa flour on hand could I use maybe a buckwheat or almond flour.
I usually keep cooked quinoa in the fridge for smoothies or I eat it like oatmeal with raisins and a dash of cinnamon sugar.
Thanks for you site and am always searching the recipe bins for new and exciting things to try.
Hi Lori! Thanks for stopping by, glad you’re enjoying the recipes we have here 🙂
To answer your questions: I do think white beans would work, but I think you might have to adjust the other ingredients a little bit. I find that white beans don’t have as strong of a structure to them, so you might want to add some more quinoa or flour. And number two, yes you can absolutely sub whatever flour you have on hand. It’s really to just help soak up some moisture and give the patties a little more bind. Enjoy them!! xo
Would you cook them before freezing for future use?
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Hi I was wondering how many cups of uncooked quinoa that is? Also is the nutritional yeast powder or flakes?
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so do i need to cook the quinoa first? also, can i leave them in the fridge all day or overnight even?
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I’m so excited about and looking forward to trying these, only thing I’d like to know is can I use chickpea flour instead of quinoa flour? Not sure if the protein flours are interchangeable or not, or if you think it would mess with the flavor too much. The chickpea flour was bought for one disasterous recipe months ago and has been sitting in the cabinet ever since with no hope for parole, so figured if I could use it, might as well. Thanks!
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This would be a great for the kiddos! My kids would love them and not even know they have broccoli in them. 😉
I really need to get my hands on some nutritional yeast. Sounds like a tasty burger addition! Especially with the garlic powder.
This looks great! What a great way to add quinoa and make it a burger 🙂
Love the idea simple yet very nutritional. I’m thinking that I can add lettuce and what ever other veggies. Who said eating healthy has to be boaring.
love what you do!
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Is there something I could substitute for the mustard, or do you think it would still turn out if I just left it out? I wish I liked mustard because these sound delicious otherwise!
Made these for dinner today. I didn’t have nutritional yeast, so used goats cheese. I substituted the quinoa flour for 2 tablespoons of coconut flour. I also divided the mixture into four and froze two portions and have the other quarter for tomorrow. How’s that for organisation? They were so delicious. Thanks for the recipes and please keep them coming!
Sounds interesting, what is this yeast, will brewers yeast do?
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Love your recipes. I have a question about the cheeszy broccoli quinoa burgers which I’ve made using recipe on your site. On you tube you used flax egg instead of the 1 tbsp of mustard and I was curious about the change. Great recipe. My 19 year old granddaughter loveso them also.
You can do either 🙂
Made the broccoli quinoa burgers tonight for dinner they were amazing! Thank you for your recipe it will be one of my favorites 🙂
So glad you liked them 🙂
These were so good! I made them tonight. I stared them too late in the day to be able to chill them as long as I wanted, but I stuck them in the freezer for about 20 minutes and that worked pretty well. I’ll have to search for a good gluten free bun for next time–tonight I made it work as a lettuce wrap since heading to the store right now to search for gluten free buns (with a low ingredient list…) isn’t really an option.
Thanks for the great recipe!
These are SO good! On top I put hummus and it was perfect. THANK YOU!!
I love these things!! And they heat up so well in the microwave, perfect for food prep!
Hi! These look so yummy, can’t wait to try! Quick question: can I cook them in the air fryer instead of the oven or on the stove? Thanks!
I think that should work!
WHERE’S THE CHEESE?
Kept it vegan but you can add cheese if you’d like 🙂
Not a good texture. They’re like baby food. Would not make again
I’m so sorry you had that experience with these burgers. I appreciate the honest review!
Hey,
Looking forward to making these later. Is it best to freeze them cooked or uncooked do you know?
Thanks!
Either way! You can either freeze them after you cook them and then pop them in the microwave or freeze beforehand and defrost and cook normally.