Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 1 cup (90g) oatmeal – Oatmeal serves as the base for the patties, providing fiber and a wholesome texture.
• 100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded – Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and gooey texture to the patties when cooked.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness.
• 2 large eggs – The eggs help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the patties hold their shape while cooking.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the patties.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild spice and balances the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon dry garlic (or garlic powder) – Garlic powder gives the patties a rich savory taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by measuring and preparing all of your ingredients. Shred the mozzarella cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, and chop the fresh parsley finely. If you’re using garlic powder instead of dry garlic, you can measure that as well.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine them evenly. Add in the eggs, salt, black pepper, and dry garlic (or garlic powder). Stir everything together until the mixture is uniform. You should have a sticky dough-like consistency at this point, with the oats and cheese binding together thanks to the eggs.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions of the dough and shape them into round or oval patties. You can make them as thick or thin as you like, but aim for about 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness for even cooking. Use your hands to press them together, making sure they are compact.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil, butter, or cooking spray to the pan. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese will melt inside, creating a deliciously gooey center.

If you’re cooking a larger batch, you can cook the patties in batches, adding more oil or butter to the pan as necessary.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the patties are golden brown on both sides, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them immediately, or allow them to cool slightly. These patties can be enjoyed as they are or paired with a dipping sauce like sour cream, tzatziki, or even a tomato-based salsa.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 4 servings (1 patty per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Yes, these patties can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be contaminated with gluten during processing, so look for brands labeled as gluten-free.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to these patties?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, grated carrots, or zucchini to the mixture. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.

Q3: Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the patties in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Q4: How do I store leftover patties?
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in a frying pan over low heat, in the oven, or in the microwave.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Oatmeal Patties

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella tends to melt better and gives the patties a creamier texture. If you’re using pre-shredded mozzarella, you can still get good results, but fresh will yield the best flavor and texture.
2. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Add more garlic powder for an extra punch, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
3. Add More Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, try adding other herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the mixture. These herbs will complement the mozzarella and parsley beautifully.
4. Make Mini Patties: If you’re serving these as appetizers or snacks, make smaller mini patties. They cook faster and are perfect for dipping!

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store the patties longer, freeze them. Place the patties on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in a pan or the oven.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Oatmeal Patties are a fun, easy, and healthy way to enjoy oatmeal in a savory form. Packed with protein from the eggs and cheese, fiber from the oats, and fresh flavor from the parsley, they are as nutritious as they are delicious. Whether you eat them on their own, serve them as a side dish, or add them to a salad or sandwich, these patties are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re also versatile, so feel free to experiment with other add-ins and seasonings to make them your own. Enjoy them fresh and hot, or store them for a quick snack later – either way, these Cheesy Oatmeal Patties are a winning dish!