Quick and easy baked cheddar Broccoli Tots are an amazingly tasty way to enjoy your vegetables! The whole family loves this healthy tater tot side or snack that's perfect when dipped in ketchup, ranch, or your favorite condiments!
Easy, healthy baked broccoli tots are a wonderful side dish or snack food to enjoy!
Broccoli Tots Recipe {Baked Cheddar Broccoli Tater Tots}
My easy to make broccoli tots are a surprise family favorite! While everyone in the household loves ( most ) veggies, especially when topped with cheddar cheese, these tasty tots have won our hearts over with their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and flavorful taste!!
How To Make Broccoli Tots
Start with preheating your oven to 400ºF ( 204ºC ) and wash the broccoli. You can blanch the fresh broccoli crowns or florets in boiling water, or place them into a microwave safe bowl and heat on high heat, covered with a damp paper towel, for 2 minutes.
If you are using frozen broccoli, allow the broccoli to completely thaw then heat in the microwave as directed above. Steamable bags can be heated in the microwave as directed on the packaging, you will just need to allow the broccoli to cool before handling.
Finely chop your broccoli, by hand or using a food processor with the 's' blade attachment, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, cheddar cheese, Panko Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder ( or minced cloves, optional ) and both salt and pepper for seasoning.
Combine the ingredients thoroughly, and then scoop into a non-stick spray coated mini muffin pan. Press each broccoli tater tot bite down into the pan and fill them until even with the top of the muffin tray.
Bake for about 25 minutes at 400ºF ( 204ºC ) or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove from the oven when done and allow your broccoli tots to cool slightly before serving.
These broccoli tater tots can be hand-shaped, but I prefer the ease of using a mini muffin pan for them. If you want to shape them to resemble the packaged tater tots, chill the broccoli mixture for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Scoop the broccoli mix in heaping tablespoonful portions and squeeze it in your palm. Then use the fingers of your free hand to smooth edges. That's the best method I've gotten to work...rolling them was a joke!
To bake hand shaped tots, place the tots on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at the same temperature. Roll the tots after 8 minutes, then continue to cook for an additional 8 - 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the tots to cool slightly before serving.
*For a Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Keto or Atkins friendly version omit breadcrumbs and/or cheddar cheese.
Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 3 crowns broccoli (3 cups thawed frozen broccoli works too!)
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup Panko Italian breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (1-2 cloves minced fresh garlic, optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the broccoli and transfer into a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder (or minced garlic cloves). Stir and combine thoroughly, then spoon into greased or buttered mini muffin pan, pressing down on each broccoli tater tot bite until full and even with the top of the muffin tray.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
Birgit says
By change I was looking for side dishes for our Burger-Party with our Kids and friends. I found your fabolous page, thx so much for inspiration.
Greetings form Bavaria