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I’ve always been on the hunt for ways to sneak more veggies into our meals, especially for my picky eaters at home. That’s how I came across the idea of Broccoli Tots – these little bites of goodness that transform plain broccoli into crispy, cheesy delights that disappear in seconds. They’re like tater tots but way healthier, packed with nutrients and flavor that even kids can’t resist. In my experience, making Broccoli Tots at home is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or snack time.
What I love most is how versatile they are; you can bake them for a lighter option or fry for extra crunch. If you’re looking for quick, family-friendly recipes, check out our broccoli pasta or the hearty ground beef and broccoli for more veggie-packed ideas. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Broccoli Tots that will have everyone asking for seconds – let’s dive in and get cooking!
Key Takeaways:
- Broccoli Tots are a nutritious twist on classic tater tots, loaded with vitamins from fresh broccoli.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick snack.
- Crispy outside, tender inside with cheesy goodness that bursts with flavor.
- Freeze extras for easy meal prep; just bake from frozen for convenience.
- Serve with dipping sauces to elevate your Broccoli Tots experience.
Why You’ll Adore This Broccoli Tots
Health Boost in Every Bite: These Broccoli Tots aren’t just tasty; they’re a smart way to amp up your veggie intake without the fuss. Packed with broccoli’s fiber and antioxidants, they support everything from digestion to immunity. I’ve noticed my family eats more greens now, all thanks to this fun format – who knew healthy could be this delicious?
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Quick and Kid-Friendly Prep: Let’s be honest, getting kids to love broccoli can be a battle, but these tots make it effortless. You can whip them up in no time, and the shaping part turns cooking into a family activity. The cheesy pull and crunch keep everyone coming back for more.
Customizable Flavor Explosion: From mild to spicy, your Broccoli Tots can adapt to any taste. Add herbs or a dash of hot sauce, and you’ve got a personalized snack that’s far better than store-bought. It’s all about that satisfying contrast of textures that makes every bite memorable.
Versatile for Any Meal: Whether as a side, appetizer, or even in lunchboxes, these tots fit seamlessly into your routine. They’re low-carb friendly too, making them ideal for watching your intake without sacrificing joy. Trust me, once you try them, Broccoli Tots will become a staple.
Essential Ingredients for Broccoli Tots
Fresh Broccoli Florets: The star of the show, broccoli provides the base for these tots with its vibrant green color and earthy flavor. Steaming it softens the texture just right, making it easy to mash and bind with other ingredients for that perfect tot shape. Without fresh broccoli, you wouldn’t get the nutrient punch that makes Broccoli Tots so appealing – it’s loaded with vitamin C and K for a real health win. I always opt for organic when possible to maximize freshness.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds the gooey, melty element that kids and adults alike crave in comfort foods. It melts beautifully during baking, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout each tot. Cheddar brings a sharp tang that balances the mild broccoli, elevating the overall taste. In my kitchen, sharp cheddar is non-negotiable for that authentic flavor profile.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crispy coating, panko is key – it’s lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. They help the tots hold their shape while absorbing seasonings for extra flavor. When mixed in and used to coat, they ensure your Broccoli Tots come out golden and firm. Don’t skip this; it’s what sets homemade apart from the frozen aisle.
How to Make Broccoli Tots
Prep and Steam the Broccoli
Start by chopping your broccoli into small florets and steaming them until tender, about 5-7 minutes – this softens them without turning to mush. Once cooled, pulse in a food processor or mash by hand for a fine texture that’s easy to work with. In my experience, this step is crucial for binding the mixture later, ensuring your Broccoli Tots don’t fall apart. Add a pinch of salt here to enhance the natural flavors right from the start.
Mix and Form the Tots
Combine the mashed broccoli with shredded cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder in a bowl. Stir until it forms a dough-like consistency; if it’s too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. Now, shape into small cylinders – about an inch long – and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The scent of cheesy broccoli filling the air is pure magic; it takes just 10 minutes, but feels like the best part of cooking.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Watch as they turn golden and crisp, releasing a delightful aroma that’ll have everyone hovering in the kitchen. These Broccoli Tots are ready when they’re firm outside but still soft inside. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burns – patience pays off with that first crunchy bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness
Yields about 24 Broccoli Tots. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes. Total: 40 minutes.
Broccoli Tots Instructions
- Steam broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender; cool and finely chop or pulse in a food processor.
- In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli with cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form into small tot shapes and roll lightly in extra breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Tots
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After steaming, press the broccoli with a towel to remove water – this prevents soggy tots and ensures they hold together beautifully.
Experiment with Cheese Blends: Mix in some mozzarella for extra pull or pepper jack for a spicy kick; it amps up the flavor without much effort.
Air Fry for Extra Crisp: If you have an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes – it’s quicker and gives that restaurant-style crunch every time.
You Must Know
- Broccoli Tots are naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs, making them accessible for more diets.
- They’re high in fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer than traditional snacks.
- Freezing the shaped tots before baking helps maintain shape for perfect results.
- These tots pair well with proteins like chicken for a balanced, veggie-forward meal.
How to Store Broccoli Tots
Once cooled, store your Broccoli Tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days – they’re great for quick reheats. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness; microwave works but softens the texture a bit. This way, you always have homemade Broccoli Tots ready to go.
Customizing Your Broccoli Tots
Swap cheddar for vegan cheese to make dairy-free Broccoli Tots that are just as tasty. Add chopped bacon bits or nutritional yeast for a smoky twist – it’s endless fun experimenting. If you’re watching carbs, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb version, as in our air fryer low-carb tuna melts. These tweaks keep your Broccoli Tots fresh and suited to your needs without losing that beloved crunch.
What to Serve with Broccoli Tots
Pair these tots with a simple burger or grilled chicken for a hearty meal; their veggie punch balances richer proteins nicely. A fresh side salad with ranch dressing complements the cheesiness, or try dipping in ketchup or aioli for fun. For drinks, go with iced tea or lemonade to cut through the savoriness. Don’t forget roasted veggies or air fryer baked potatoes as another side for a full spread.
Broccoli Tots
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these broccoli tots are sure to be enjoyed by all ages.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 medium broccoli (550g / 19.5 oz)
- 02 2 eggs
- 03 ¾ cup almond meal/flour (60g)
- 04 ¾ packed cup sharp cheddar cheese (75g)
- 05 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 06 ½ tsp salt (optional - do not add for baby)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375℉/190℃ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the florets off the broccoli and break them up into medium pieces. Remove the tough outer skin of the stem and then cut the stem into pieces around 1-2 cm / ½-¾ inch in size.
Steam (or boil) the stems for 1 minute and then add the florets and steam for a further 3-4 minutes, or until soft. Drain well
Chop the cooked broccoli up and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cheese, egg, almond meal and garlic and mix well to combine. Mash any bigger pieces of broccoli up as you mix.
Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a tot. Place on prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture (It should make around 23 -25 tots).
Spray with oil (optional) then bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.
Serve with a dip of choice.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Tots
Can I make Broccoli Tots ahead of time?
Absolutely, shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – just add a few extra minutes to cook time. Freezing uncooked tots works too for meal prep. It’s a huge time-saver for busy days.
How long does Broccoli Tots last in the fridge?
They keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. Beyond that, freeze for freshness.
Are Broccoli Tots freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked tots for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Perfect for stocking up.
Can I air fry Broccoli Tots?
Definitely – preheat to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway. Your Broccoli Tots come out extra crispy without oil. It’s my favorite method for guilt-free snacking.
What if my Broccoli Tots fall apart?
Ensure you’ve squeezed out moisture after steaming and use enough binders like egg and breadcrumbs. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping. This fixes most issues.
Are Broccoli Tots keto-friendly?
They can be with almond flour and no breadcrumbs; swap cheese for full-fat options. These adapted Broccoli Tots fit low-carb diets easily. Check our easy low-carb high-protein meals for more ideas.
How do I make vegan Broccoli Tots?
Use flax egg instead of regular and dairy-free cheese shreds. Panko works fine, or go gluten-free. The result is still deliciously crunchy.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Broccoli Tots?
Ranch or garlic aioli enhances the cheese, while sriracha mayo adds heat. Experiment to find your favorite. See our chips and dip platter for sauce inspirations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Broccoli Tots – they bring joy to the table while sneaking in those essential veggies we all need. From the easy prep to the crowd-pleasing taste, this recipe has become a favorite in my home, and I know it’ll be in yours too. Give these Broccoli Tots a try this week, and let me know how they turn out – tag us or share your twists!