Easy Broccoli Cheese Tater Tots
With a simple trick, you’ll get the crispy, dippable shape in this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots recipe without spending a ton of time rolling and forming them. Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, and few other common spices give the chopped broccoli so much flavor. They’re a fun way to get your veggies in on a busy weeknight, even the kiddos will be going back for seconds.
Whether traditional potato tots or a healthier broccoli tater tots recipe, they’re always a HUGE hit with kids and adults alike.
For years I have strayed away from making these a staple in our house for one key reason…
It takes SO much time to roll and shape the tater tot mixture into those cute little shapes!
But then recently I was at a local Austin restaurant and noticed their tots were a little different.
They weren’t perfectly round on the edges, more of a rectangular shape than a cylindrical shape.
And it hit me… there is a much EASIER way to shape tater tots! By first pre-making the mixture in a baking dish, slicing them into tot shapes, and then returning them to the oven to continue crisping up!
That’s the exact method we’ll use below, so now you can enjoy this kid favorite side dish any night of the week! Your kiddos will be begging for these simple ingredients that are perfectly seasoned and easily prepared. Who knew cheesy broccoli tots could be so good and simple to make?!?
Ingredients in Broccoli Cheese Tots
- Broccoli. You’ll need about 1 medium to large head of broccoli for this recipe. Make sure you measure AFTER boiling and chopping the florets.
- Cheese. Both grated or shredded Parmesan and Cheddar cheese add so much flavor to this dish. You can sub in another type of cheese if you prefer. Whatever you do, make sure it’s finely grated so it incorporates easily into the mixture.
- Breadcrumbs. This recipe was tested with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. Steer clear of Panko bread crumbs, as that will affect the texture.
- Seasonings. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika round out this recipe.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Tots
Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.
1. Steam the Broccoli Florets
Fill a large pot until it is 2 inches full of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the fresh broccoli florets to a steamer basket, and then into the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and steam for 4 to 5 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green.
2. Finely Chop the Broccoli
Be sure to let the steamed broccoli cool for a few minutes to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Pulse broccoli 20 to 30 times. Be sure to scrape down the edges halfway through so everything is chopped. You’ll want 4 cups of broccoli after chopping.
You will end up with a fine crumb with pieces that are no bigger than ¼-inch.
3. Make Broccoli Cheese Tot Mixture
Add the broccoli to a large bowl. Then, stir in the whisked eggs, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir until everything is completely combined.
4. Bake Mixture in Dish
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with a piece of parchment paper. This is important so the tots are easy to remove and slice in the next step. Spray any areas still exposed with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread the broccoli tot mixture across the bottom of the pan. Lightly press it down until it’s compacted into the dish.
Bake the tot mixture in a preheated 400℉ oven for 20 minutes.
Alternatively, use a small cookie scoop to get about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons-sized balls and shape in your hands. Then, adjust the baking time to 25 to 30 minutes and cook as individual pieces.
5. Cut into Tots, Bake, and Serve
After the mixture is partially baked, it’s time to cut it into “tots.” Leave it in the pan, and slice it into squares or rectangles. The best option is 6×6 for squares or 7×5 for that classic rectangular shape.
Add the sliced tots to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with the original bottom of the tot now facing up. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven. The cooked broccoli tots should be golden brown.
Serve the tots with some fresh chopped parsley and your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Are broccoli tots healthier than tater tots?
Yes! Broccoli tots are much healthier than regular tater tots. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and calories while broccoli is full of good-for-you nutrients and way fewer calories. While they are baked (and not fried), there is still cheese and breadcrumbs, so enjoy in moderation.
Can I freeze broccoli tots?
Yes, you can definitely freeze broccoli tots. For the best results, flash freeze them in a single layer first then transfer the homemade broccoli tots to a freezer bag and keep for up to 6 months.
FAQs
Broccoli tots are similar to the potato variety but made with steamed broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs instead of grated potatoes.
If you have leftovers, store broccoli tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
The best way to reheat broccoli tots is to pop them back in the oven or toaster oven or add them to a skillet with butter. You can also use the air fryer. Avoid the microwave as they will get soggy and lose their appeal.
Recipe Tips
- Go fresh. Avoid frozen broccoli as there is too much liquid in them.
- Make it yours. You can use whatever seasonings you prefer in these easy baked broccoli tots.
- Dip away. Choose your favorite sauce when you’re ready to dig in.
- You choose. Save time by baking these slightly and then cutting them into squares. Or, roll them into traditional tot shapes at the start.
- Double up. If you have a ton of broccoli, make a big batch of homemade tots and freeze some for an easy side another night.
What to Serve with Broccoli Tots
The entire family will LOVE these broccoli tots as a tasty snack or side, especially alongside these main dishes.
Whip up Apricot Chicken, Baked BBQ Chicken, or Baked Honey Mustard Chicken.
The kiddos might also enjoy other sides, like Air Fryer Yukon Gold Potatoes, Instant Pot Glazed Carrots, or Air Fryer Zucchini Chips.
More Broccoli Recipes
Don’t miss out on these easy and healthy broccoli recipes next.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Bring a large pot with 2-inches of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a steamer basket full of the broccoli into the pot. Cover pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium. Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes or until broccoli is bright green.
4 cups broccoli
Let broccoli sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding to a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Pulse broccoli 20-30 times, scraping down the side halfway through, or until a fine crumb forms and there are no pieces bigger than ¼”.
Add broccoli to a large bowl and along with the whisked eggs, breadcrumbs, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix with a spatula until well combined.
2 large eggs, ¾ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ½ cup Cheddar cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ¼ tsp. garlic powder, ¼ tsp. paprika
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with a piece of parchment paper. Spritz any exposed areas of the dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add the broccoli tot mixture to the baking dish. Press it down until it is fully compacted with a spatula. Bake the broccoli mixture in the oven for 20 minutes. (Refer to notes if you’d like to make tots the traditional way.)
Once partially baked, keep the mixture in the baking dish and cut into “tots”- either 6×6 for squares, or 7×5 for a more classic rectangular shape. Add the tots to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with the side of the tot that was originally on the bottom of the baking dish now facing up. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
Serve tots with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a side of ketchup. Enjoy!
Calories: 26kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Trans Fat: 0.001g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 115mg, Potassium: 44mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 117IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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