Broccoli Tots March 25, 2025March 24, 2025 by Mary Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review Broccoli tots are my favorite way to turn veggies into a fun, crispy, and totally snackable treat. These bite-sized nuggets are packed with broccoli, cheese, and simple seasonings, baked until golden brown and delicious. Whether I’m serving them as a side, appetizer, or healthy snack, they’re always a hit—even with picky eaters. Why You’ll Love This Recipe I love how these broccoli tots let me sneak more veggies into any meal in a way that tastes amazing. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of cheesy flavor. I can bake them or air-fry them, and they freeze beautifully for make-ahead convenience. Plus, they’re a fun alternative to traditional tater tots or fries. Ingredients (Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) Fresh or frozen broccoli (finely chopped) Eggs Shredded cheddar cheese Breadcrumbs or panko Onion (grated or finely chopped) Garlic powder Salt Pepper Optional: parmesan cheese, herbs, or red pepper flakes Directions I start by steaming or blanching the broccoli until tender, then chopping it very finely or pulsing it in a food processor. In a large bowl, I mix the chopped broccoli with eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, and seasonings. I scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and shape it into small tots with my hands. I place the tots on a lined baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. For extra crispiness, I sometimes spray them with a little oil before baking. Once golden and firm, I let them cool slightly before serving with my favorite dipping sauce. Servings and timing This recipe makes around 20–24 tots, depending on size. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake—ready in about 35 minutes total. Variations Cheese swap: I switch out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or parmesan depending on what I’m craving. Gluten-free: I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Low-carb: I swap breadcrumbs with crushed beef rinds or coconut flour. Extra veggies: I mix in finely shredded carrot, zucchini, or spinach for more variety. Spicy: I add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to give the tots a kick. Storage/Reheating I store leftover broccoli tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, I lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry them for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy again. FAQs Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, I use frozen broccoli often. I just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping and mixing. Do I need a food processor? Not necessarily. I chop the broccoli finely by hand or use a box grater if I don’t have a food processor. Can I air fry these? Absolutely. I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crunch. What dips go well with broccoli tots? I like dipping them in ranch, ketchup, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for something different. Are these good for kids? Definitely. They’re bite-sized, cheesy, and flavorful—perfect for toddlers and kids who might not love plain broccoli. Conclusion Broccoli tots are a fun, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy more vegetables. I love how easy they are to make and how customizable they can be. Whether I’m making them as a snack, side dish, or freezer-friendly meal prep item, they’re always a win in my kitchen. Print clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon Broccoli Tots 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews Author: Mary Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 20–24 tots Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish Method: Baked or Air Fried Cuisine: American Diet: Vegetarian Print Recipe Pin Recipe Description These crispy, cheesy broccoli tots are a fun and healthy way to enjoy veggies! Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer—and a hit with both kids and adults. Ingredients 2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen broccoli (steamed and drained) 2 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko 1/4 cup grated or finely chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan, herbs, red pepper flakes for added flavor Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender. Chop finely or pulse in a food processor. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, eggs, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and form into small tots using your hands. Place tots on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce. Notes For extra crunch, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Squeeze out moisture from broccoli to avoid soggy tots. Add other veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini for variety. Freeze uncooked or cooked tots for easy meal prep.
Broccoli tots are my favorite way to turn veggies into a fun, crispy, and totally snackable treat. These bite-sized nuggets are packed with broccoli, cheese, and simple seasonings, baked until golden brown and delicious. Whether I’m serving them as a side, appetizer, or healthy snack, they’re always a hit—even with picky eaters. Why You’ll Love This Recipe I love how these broccoli tots let me sneak more veggies into any meal in a way that tastes amazing. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of cheesy flavor. I can bake them or air-fry them, and they freeze beautifully for make-ahead convenience. Plus, they’re a fun alternative to traditional tater tots or fries. Ingredients (Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) Fresh or frozen broccoli (finely chopped) Eggs Shredded cheddar cheese Breadcrumbs or panko Onion (grated or finely chopped) Garlic powder Salt Pepper Optional: parmesan cheese, herbs, or red pepper flakes Directions I start by steaming or blanching the broccoli until tender, then chopping it very finely or pulsing it in a food processor. In a large bowl, I mix the chopped broccoli with eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, and seasonings. I scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and shape it into small tots with my hands. I place the tots on a lined baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. For extra crispiness, I sometimes spray them with a little oil before baking. Once golden and firm, I let them cool slightly before serving with my favorite dipping sauce. Servings and timing This recipe makes around 20–24 tots, depending on size. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake—ready in about 35 minutes total. Variations Cheese swap: I switch out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or parmesan depending on what I’m craving. Gluten-free: I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Low-carb: I swap breadcrumbs with crushed beef rinds or coconut flour. Extra veggies: I mix in finely shredded carrot, zucchini, or spinach for more variety. Spicy: I add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to give the tots a kick. Storage/Reheating I store leftover broccoli tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, I lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry them for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy again. FAQs Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, I use frozen broccoli often. I just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before chopping and mixing. Do I need a food processor? Not necessarily. I chop the broccoli finely by hand or use a box grater if I don’t have a food processor. Can I air fry these? Absolutely. I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crunch. What dips go well with broccoli tots? I like dipping them in ranch, ketchup, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for something different. Are these good for kids? Definitely. They’re bite-sized, cheesy, and flavorful—perfect for toddlers and kids who might not love plain broccoli. Conclusion Broccoli tots are a fun, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy more vegetables. I love how easy they are to make and how customizable they can be. Whether I’m making them as a snack, side dish, or freezer-friendly meal prep item, they’re always a win in my kitchen. Print clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon Broccoli Tots 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews Author: Mary Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 20–24 tots Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish Method: Baked or Air Fried Cuisine: American Diet: Vegetarian Print Recipe Pin Recipe Description These crispy, cheesy broccoli tots are a fun and healthy way to enjoy veggies! Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer—and a hit with both kids and adults. Ingredients 2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen broccoli (steamed and drained) 2 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko 1/4 cup grated or finely chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan, herbs, red pepper flakes for added flavor Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender. Chop finely or pulse in a food processor. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, eggs, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and form into small tots using your hands. Place tots on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce. Notes For extra crunch, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Squeeze out moisture from broccoli to avoid soggy tots. Add other veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini for variety. Freeze uncooked or cooked tots for easy meal prep.
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