If you’ve been looking for a fun and tasty way to sneak some extra greens into your snacks or meals, this Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe is an absolute winner. Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, these tots bring together the perfect combination of comfort food vibes with a nutritious twist. They’re easy to make, delightful to munch on, and versatile enough to serve as a snack, side dish, or even a kid-friendly appetizer that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, broccoli will never feel boring again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a special role in creating that perfect blend of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in your Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe. From the fresh broccoli that forms the base to the cheeses that add gooey richness, every element matters to make these tots irresistible.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped to create the green, veggie-packed foundation.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and helps bind the mixture together.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Regular or panko provides crunch and structure for those perfectly crispy tots.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together while baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mild savory depth without overpowering the broccoli.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every morsel.
How to Make Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature creates the ideal environment for crispy, golden-brown tots. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the tots don’t stick as they bake to perfection.
Step 2: Steam and Chop the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but not mushy, which usually takes just a few minutes. After steaming, finely chop the broccoli by hand or pulse it in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like consistency. This fine texture helps the tots hold together and evenly distribute broccoli throughout.
Step 3: Mix Together the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until the mixture is cohesive and ready to be shaped.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Using about one tablespoon of the mixture, shape each portion into a small cylinder or tot shape using your hands. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform—the homemade charm shines through here! Place each shaped tot on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Tots to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the tots for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, flip each tot gently to help them crisp evenly on all sides. Once they have that beautiful golden color and crispy exterior, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Broccoli Tater Tots warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a tangy aioli. The contrast between the crunchy outside and melty, cheesy inside makes every bite a joy.
How to Serve Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tots for a splash of color and a hint of herbal freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan post-baking can also add an extra layer of savory delight.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, pair these tots with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a protein like grilled chicken or fish. They also make a crowd-pleasing side with burgers or sandwiches, adding a veggie-packed twist to classic comfort foods.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these tots into appetizers by serving them in mini muffin tins with a dollop of dip on top. Or stack them in a tots tower with layers of melted cheese and crispy bacon for a show-stopping snack. For kids, serve them with fun faces made out of ketchup or sour cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover broccoli tots in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To keep the crunch, avoid stacking them tightly and reheat them properly before eating.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked tots by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for an hour, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can bake fresh tots anytime you want a quick snack or side dish.
Reheating
Reheat tots in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to steam and drain it thoroughly before chopping to avoid excess moisture, which can affect how well the tots hold together.
Are these tots gluten-free?
Traditional breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can swap them out for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep this dish gluten-free.
Can I make these tots dairy-free?
Yes! Replace cheddar and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just choose ones that melt well to maintain the tasty cheesy texture.
How do I keep the tots crispy after baking?
Serving them immediately after baking is best. If you need to store leftovers, reheat them in the oven to regain that crispiness rather than using the microwave.
What dipping sauces go well with Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe?
Classic ketchup and ranch never go wrong, but don’t be afraid to try spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even a garlic yogurt sauce for a flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cozy, delicious hug on a plate. Easy to make, full of flavor, and wonderfully versatile, these tots are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or just for yourself, give this recipe a try—you might just fall in love with broccoli all over again!
Print
Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Tater Tots are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic potato tots, featuring steamed broccoli combined with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a crispy, cheesy bite-perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Broccoli Tater Tots Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli until it is tender. Once cooked, finely chop it by hand or pulse in a food processor until the broccoli pieces resemble rice-sized granules for the best texture.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to ensure the tots hold their shape.
- Shape the tots: Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture per tot, shape the mixture into small cylindrical or oval shapes with your hands. Arrange the shaped tots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the tots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through the cooking time to achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the tots from the oven and serve warm. They pair perfectly with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or side treat.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen broccoli is fine; just ensure it is well steamed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Breadcrumb type can affect crispiness; panko breadcrumbs yield a crunchier texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to finely chop or pulse broccoli well to help the tots hold together.
- Flipping the tots halfway helps them brown evenly and develop a better crisp.
- Let the tots cool slightly before serving to firm up and avoid burning your mouth.
