Broccoli Tater Tots are the ultimate way to sneak veggies into a crispy, cheesy snack that everyone absolutely loves. Imagine tender broccoli and oozy cheddar, all wrapped up in a golden, bite-sized tot that’s just begging to be dipped. These little bites are everything you want in a snack—crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor, yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer for friends or sneaking some extra greens onto a picky eater’s plate, Broccoli Tater Tots are a game-changing twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Broccoli Tater Tots is in their simplicity: each ingredient is chosen to amplify flavor, boost nutrition, and create that irresistible crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this crowd-pleasing recipe.
- Broccoli florets: The star of the show—steam and chop them finely to blend seamlessly into each tot.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar brings richness and that classic cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and helps the tots crisp up.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder, holding all the tasty bits together.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko: For that essential crunch and structure, making these tots gluten-free friendly.
- Garlic powder: Just the right hit of savory depth to complement the broccoli.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor for a more well-balanced bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that makes the tots pop.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: A light coat ensures perfectly golden, crispy tops without the need for deep frying.
How to Make Broccoli Tater Tots
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, steam your broccoli florets until they’re just tender. Once cooled slightly, finely chop the broccoli by hand or pulse it in a food processor until it looks like coarse rice. This texture is key to getting the perfect bite in every tot!
Step 2: Mix Up the Tot Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, egg, gluten-free breadcrumbs (or panko), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and starts to hold together. If it feels too loose, add a spoonful more breadcrumbs until it’s easy to mold.
Step 3: Shape the Tots
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form small cylinders—think classic tater tot shape, but greener and way more exciting! Place each one on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can crisp up nicely all around.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly spray or brush the tops of your Broccoli Tater Tots with oil. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through so they brown evenly. They’re done when the outsides are crisp and golden, and the cheese is bubbling ever so slightly.
Step 5: Serve Warm With Your Favorite Dip
Let your tots cool for a few minutes, then serve them up while they’re still warm and irresistibly cheesy. They’re fantastic with ketchup, ranch, or any dip you love—don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Broccoli Tater Tots
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over your Broccoli Tater Tots adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For an extra cheesy punch, dust the hot tots with a little extra grated Parmesan as soon as they come out of the oven.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Tater Tots are a superstar on their own, but they also shine alongside a crisp salad, creamy coleslaw, or even as a fun side for burgers and sandwiches. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce to really bring out their flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve Broccoli Tater Tots in mini paper cones or on a platter with a rainbow of dipping sauces. For parties, skewer them onto toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites, or stack them up on a serving tower for a show-stopping appetizer centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready for snack time or lunchbox duty.
Freezing
Broccoli Tater Tots freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just bake or air fry straight from the freezer when you need a quick snack.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your tots in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use cauliflower instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Cauliflower works just as well, or you can even mix cauliflower and broccoli for a more colorful, nutrient-packed batch of tots.
Are Broccoli Tater Tots kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy flavor and fun shape, and it’s a sneaky way to add more veggies to their plates. Serve with their favorite dips for extra appeal.
What’s the best way to make them extra crispy?
For extra crunch, try air frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or make sure to bake until the outsides are deep golden brown. A light spray of oil on top also helps achieve that perfect crisp.
Can I make Broccoli Tater Tots ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape the tots and keep them in the fridge up to a day in advance, or freeze them before baking and cook straight from frozen when needed.
What dips go well with Broccoli Tater Tots?
Ketchup and ranch are classics, but don’t be afraid to try honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a creamy avocado dip for a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a snack that everyone will rave about, you’ve just found it. Broccoli Tater Tots are wholesome, fun, and loaded with flavor—give them a try, and watch as even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds!
Print
Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tots
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Broccoli Tater Tots are a delicious and healthy snack option that combines steamed broccoli with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly treat, these tots are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great way to enjoy veggies in a fun form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, then finely chop them with a knife or pulse in a food processor until the texture resembles rice. This will help the mixture bind well.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Form Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll or shape it into small tot-sized cylinders. Place each tot on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the tots with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a mix of both to vary the flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, try air frying the tots at 375°F for 12–15 minutes instead of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
