If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting snack that sneaks in a serving of veggies without sacrificing any crunch or flavor, you are going to love this Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe. These golden, crispy little bites are packed with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of Parmesan, all coming together in a perfectly bite-sized form. They’re the ideal way to get kids and adults alike excited about broccoli, offering a cozy, cheesy twist on the classic tater tot we all know and adore. Once you try this recipe, expect these Broccoli Tater Tots to become a fast favorite for snack time, game day, or even a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple but critical for creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe. Each element adds something special—from the fresh green hue and nutrition of broccoli to the melty richness of cheddar that holds the tots together flawlessly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Choose fresh or frozen steamed broccoli for vibrant color and tender texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and helps the tots stick together.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs add necessary crunch and keep the tots from falling apart.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth to the mix.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold all ingredients tightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory undertone that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the flavor of every ingredient.
How to Make Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures your tots crisp up beautifully without any mess.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli until it’s tender and vibrant green—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once cooled, finely chop the broccoli by hand or pulse in a food processor until you get rice-sized pieces. This fine texture is key to shaping your tots and ensuring every bite is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly but gently—this is where your tots start to come to life, binding all those flavors and textures.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small oblong tots using your hands. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the charm is in their rustic look. Place each tot evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to flip the tots halfway through baking so they get beautifully crispy all around. When they’re golden and firm to the touch, you know they’re ready to come out and be devoured.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
These Broccoli Tater Tots are best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or a tangy aioli. They’re a fantastic crowd-pleaser that disappear fast, so keep that in mind before serving!
How to Serve Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tots just before serving for an inviting pop of green and freshness. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also add a savory, melty topping that makes each bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Tater Tots pair beautifully with a variety of mains and sides—they’re especially great alongside juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or a crisp garden salad. Their crispy texture offers a lovely contrast to creamy dips or saucy entrees, balancing the plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tots on a platter with different dipping sauces arranged in small bowls, creating a “tot bar” experience that your guests will love. You can even top them with a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo or melted cheese sauce for an indulgent upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Broccoli Tater Tots, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain crispy enough to enjoy as a quick snack or side without any extra prep.
Freezing
To freeze, first place the shaped but uncooked tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can bake fresh Broccoli Tater Tots anytime without any hassle, keeping them good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the leftover or frozen tots in a preheated 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that irresistible crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great as long as it’s fully thawed and well-drained before chopping to avoid soggy tots.
Do I need to steam the broccoli or can I roast it instead?
Steaming is preferred because it keeps the broccoli moist and tender without drying it out, which helps in binding the tots. Roasting might create a drier texture not ideal for shaping.
Can I make these Broccoli Tater Tots vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan cheese and an egg replacer, these tots can be made vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.
What’s the best way to get the tots extra crispy?
Turning the tots halfway through baking and using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones both help enhance crispiness.
Can I add other veggies or seasonings to the mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding finely chopped carrots, onions, or spices like smoked paprika to make the Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about homemade Broccoli Tater Tots that makes you feel cozy and proud all at once. They’re simple to make, full of deliciousness, and perfect for any occasion when you want a tasty veggie-packed snack that everyone will ask for again and again. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and share these crispy, cheesy gems with your loved ones!
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Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 to 24 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Tater Tots are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic potato tots, combining tender broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan for a crispy, cheesy bite. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re easy to make and baked to golden perfection, making them a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Broccoli Mixture
- 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender. Once cooked, finely chop them by hand or pulse in a food processor until the pieces resemble rice in size.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the tots: Using about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time, form small tot shapes with your hands. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the tots: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve warm: Remove the tots from the oven and serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or any preferred condiment.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli softens it so the tots bind well; ensure broccoli is cooled slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Flipping halfway helps achieve even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- These tots can be frozen before baking; place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before chopping.
