If you’re looking for a way to make veggies cause actual squeals of excitement at the table, these Broccoli Tots deliver in every bite! Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy within, they turn humble broccoli florets into the ultimate finger food that’ll make everyone ask for seconds (and maybe even eat their greens first!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Approved Crunch: Even picky eaters are enchanted by these golden, bite-sized veggie tots with a super satisfying crispy crust.
- Easy and Quick: With less than 10 minutes of prep and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up Broccoli Tots any night of the week with zero fuss.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Get your veggies in without sacrificing any cheesy, snacky goodness—these totally satisfy that tater tot craving!
- Perfect for Dipping: Their shape and texture make them irresistible alongside your favorite dip, whether it’s ketchup, ranch, or something creative!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday staples join forces to make these Broccoli Tots shine—each one playing a starring role in delivering that irresistible texture and balanced, savory flavor!
- Broccoli florets: The star of the show—fresh or frozen both work, but make sure to chop finely for tender, tot-like bites.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar adds a rich, bold flavor and just the right amount of melt; feel free to swap in mozzarella for something milder.
- Egg: The essential binder that holds every delicious tot together.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give Broccoli Tots their signature crispy structure; gluten-free crumbs work too!
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle warmth and savory depth without overpowering the veggies.
- Onion powder: Lends an unbeatable background flavor for classic tot nostalgia.
- Salt (optional): Brings out all the other flavors—omit or reduce for little ones or low-sodium diets.
Variations
Broccoli Tots are endlessly customizable, and it’s so easy to swap in what you have or tailor them to your family’s tastes, allergies, or just a bit of culinary adventure!
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in a handful of finely chopped carrots or cauliflower for even more color and nutrition.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond meal for a perfectly crisp, wheat-free tot.
- Change Up the Cheese: Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or dairy-free shreds will each give your Broccoli Tots their own personality.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or fresh chopped herbs to customize the flavor to your mood (and spice tolerance!).
How to Make Broccoli Tots
Step 1: Steam and Chop Your Broccoli
Start by softening your broccoli florets to bring out that vibrant green hue and make them easy to incorporate. You can microwave them with a splash of water for a quick steam, or briefly boil, just until they’re fork-tender. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to prevent soggy tots, and chop the broccoli as finely as you can—think small rice-sized pieces—for the best texture in every bite.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, panko, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Use a spatula or your hands to thoroughly blend everything together until the mixture holds together when squeezed. This is where the magic happens; you’ll see (and smell!) everything coming together with cheesy, herby goodness.
Step 3: Shape Your Tots
Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of the broccoli mixture and gently shape them into classic “tot” cylinders using your hands. For the neatest results, pack the mixture just firmly enough that each tot holds together, then line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your tray of tots into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and let them bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and crisp beautifully. Give the pan a gentle shake halfway through to ensure golden, even cooking all around—they’ll smell positively irresistible when ready!
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Tots
- Chop for Uniform Texture: The finer you chop your broccoli, the easier it is to shape your tots and the more tender the final bite—small bits pack together like a dream!
- Don’t Skip Draining: Soggy broccoli will make your mixture too wet. After steaming, let the broccoli cool and pat it dry with a towel for crispier, sturdy tots.
- Shape with Damp Hands: Lightly moistening your hands before forming tots keeps the mixture from sticking and gives your Broccoli Tots a smooth finish.
- Swap the Cheese for Babies: If serving to infants, opt for low-sodium mozzarella or your favorite mild, baby-friendly cheese for a nutritious tot that’s still full of flavor.
How to Serve Broccoli Tots
Garnishes
For a pretty—and delicious—touch, sprinkle hot Broccoli Tots with a bit of flaky sea salt, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or fresh chopped parsley. A squeeze of lemon right before serving gives them a pop of brightness that balances the richness beautifully!
Side Dishes
Broccoli Tots are endlessly versatile! Serve them alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a juicy veggie burger, or make them the star next to a rainbow of crudités and your favorite dipping sauces. For brunch, they’re perfect with a fluffy omelet or crisp green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Broccoli Tots in mini muffin liners for a party-friendly “tot bar” with different sauces, or thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes for a playful appetizer. Stack them high in a bowl for family movie nights—grab and go, no forks required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Broccoli Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days—they’ll stay tasty and snackable for after-school cravings or late-night munchies.
Freezing
Broccoli Tots freeze like a dream! Just lay the baked (and cooled) tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and reheat beautifully for a quick, wholesome snack.
Reheating
To revive that perfect crisp, reheat Broccoli Tots in a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but they truly shine when reheated until the exteriors are crackling hot and golden again!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Tots?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli well before proceeding—frozen broccoli often releases extra water, so squeeze out as much moisture as possible before chopping and mixing.
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What dipping sauces go best with Broccoli Tots?
Classic ketchup is always a hit, but these tots also love a dunk in ranch, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or even Greek yogurt with a bit of lemon and dill for a fresh twist!
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Can I air fry Broccoli Tots instead of baking?
Yes! Arrange the tots in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking once midway, until crispy and golden on all sides.
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How can I make Broccoli Tots dairy-free?
Substitute your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese and double-check your breadcrumbs—there are plenty of plant-based options available that still melt and crisp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about watching a tray of fresh-from-the-oven Broccoli Tots disappear faster than you thought possible! Give them a try, share with friends, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe—they’re proof that veggies can absolutely be the life of the party.
Print
Broccoli Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 28 tots 1x
- Category: Snack/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy broccoli tots recipe that makes a perfect snack or side dish. These crispy, flavorful tots are a great way to get more veggies into your diet.
Ingredients
Broccoli Tots Ingredients:
- 12 oz broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the broccoli: Microwave or boil broccoli until fork-tender. Finely chop into small pieces.
- Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Shape the tots: Form tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into tot shapes and place on a baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly browned, shaking the pan halfway through.
Notes
- I used kitchen scissors to chop up the florets, but you can also use a food processor or blender for smaller pieces.
- Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but mozzarella is a low-sodium option for babies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tot
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
