These crispy, cheesy Broccoli Tots are a fun way to get kids (and adults) to eat more vegetables. They're golden and crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and so much better than anything you'd buy frozen at the store. I started making these when Lillian decided she didn't like broccoli anymore, and I needed a way to sneak it back into her diet without a fight. The mixture of broccoli, cheese, and panko breadcrumbs bakes up into these little bites that look like tater tots but are packed with vegetables.
If you love easy, dinner recipes, you'll also want to try my Smash Burger Recipe, Moroccan Lentil Soup, and for something indulgent, my Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
Why You'll Love These Broccoli Tots
Kid-friendly. They look like tater tots and taste cheesy and delicious, so even picky eaters will try them.
Ready in 35 minutes. From start to finish, these tots come together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with vegetables. Each tot is loaded with broccoli, which means you're sneaking in extra nutrition without anyone noticing.
Freezer-friendly. Make a big batch and freeze them for quick snacks, lunchbox additions, or easy side dishes.
Customizable. Add different cheeses, spices, or mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.
Jump to:
Broccoli Tots ingrediants
Here's everything you need to make these crispy, cheesy Broccoli Tots.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works. The broccoli gets cooked until tender, then chopped into small pieces and mixed with the other ingredients.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar adds more flavor, while mozzarella is milder and lower in sodium. Either one melts beautifully and holds the tots together.
- Egg: Binds all the ingredients together so the tots hold their shape while baking.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They give the tots that crispy, golden exterior.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt: Optional, but it enhances all the other flavors. If you're making these for young children, you can skip it or use less.
How to Make Broccoli Tots
Here's how to make these crispy, cheesy Broccoli Tots from start to finish.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the tots don't stick.
- Cook broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender. Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli in a small pot of water for 3 minutes. Drain the broccoli well and let it cool slightly.
- Chop broccoli: Use a knife, kitchen scissors, or a food processor to finely chop the broccoli into small pieces. The finer you chop it, the smoother the tots will be. If you leave some small chunks, the tots will have more texture.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt if you're using it. Mix everything together until it's fully combined and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it.
- Shape tots: Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Shape each portion into a tot form, like a small cylinder or oval. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the tots for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the pan gently halfway through to help them brown evenly. The tots are done when the edges are slightly golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the tots cool slightly before serving. They'll be hot inside, so give them a few minutes. Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Different vegetables: Mix in finely chopped cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini along with the broccoli.
Different cheese: Try Swiss, Colby Jack, or Parmesan for different flavors.
Add bacon: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon for extra savory flavor.
Make them spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
Add herbs: Stir in some fresh or dried parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Equipment
Microwave-safe bowl or small pot: For cooking the broccoli until it's tender.
Knife or kitchen scissors (or food processor): For chopping the broccoli into small pieces. A food processor makes this step faster.
Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Parchment paper-lined baking sheet: Prevents the tots from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning the mixture into evenly-sized tots.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store cooked broccoli tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Let the baked tots cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated tots in the oven at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. For frozen tots, bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won't be as crispy.
Make ahead: You can shape the uncooked tots and freeze them before baking. When you're ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
With ketchup or ranch: Classic dipping sauces that kids love. Ranch dressing is especially popular.
With marinara sauce: A warm marinara dipping sauce makes these feel like mozzarella sticks.
As a side dish: Serve alongside burgers, chicken tenders, or my Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a fun meal.
In a lunchbox: Pack them in a lunchbox with a small container of dipping sauce for a fun, healthy lunch.
Expert Tips
Drain the broccoli well. Excess water will make the mixture too wet and the tots won't hold together. Squeeze the cooked broccoli gently in a clean kitchen towel if needed.
Chop the broccoli finely. Smaller pieces make the tots smoother and easier to shape. If you leave bigger chunks, the tots will be more textured.
Don't skip the panko. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They're what give the tots that golden, crispy exterior.
Shape them tightly. Pack the mixture firmly when shaping the tots so they hold together while baking.
Shake the pan halfway through. This helps the tots brown evenly on all sides.
Let them cool slightly. The tots are very hot when they first come out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, especially for kids.
FAQ
Broccoli tots are bite-sized snacks made from finely chopped broccoli mixed with cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg, then shaped into small cylinders and baked until crispy. They're similar to tater tots in shape and texture, but they're made with broccoli instead of potatoes. They're a fun, kid-friendly way to eat more vegetables and are often served with ketchup or ranch dressing.
In the UK, tater Broccoli Totsare often called "potato puffs" or "potato croquettes." They're not as common in the UK as they are in the US, but you can find similar products in the frozen food section of some supermarkets. Hash browns are more popular in the UK and are sometimes used as a substitute.
Broccoli tots are healthier than regular tater tots because they're made with vegetables instead of just potatoes. They're packed with broccoli, which is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They do contain cheese and breadcrumbs, so they're not super low in calories or fat, but they're a great way to get kids to eat more vegetables. You can make them even healthier by using less cheese or baking them instead of frying.
Veggie tots are still available in many grocery stores, usually in the frozen food section. Brands like Green Giant and Ore-Ida make vegetable-based tots with broccoli, cauliflower, or mixed vegetables. They've become more popular as people look for healthier alternatives to traditional tater tots. If you can't find them in your local store, homemade broccoli tots like this recipe are easy to make and taste even better.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Broccoli Tots
Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoon water and microwave 3–5 minutes until soft, or boil in a small pot for 3 minutes. Drain and finely chop.
- Add chopped broccoli to a bowl with panko, shredded cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape into tot-like forms. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until edges are golden brown, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Leave a Reply