Ready to transform these simple ingredients into delicious broccoli tots? Follow these easy step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a batch of cheesy goodness in no time!

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the fresh broccoli florets thoroughly. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent soggy tots. Overly wet broccoli will make the mixture too loose.
2. Cook the Broccoli: There are a few ways to cook the broccoli. You can steam it until tender-crisp, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can blanch it by briefly boiling it for 2-3 minutes and then immediately plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color. Another method is to roast the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp with slightly browned edges, which adds a deeper flavor. Whichever method you choose, ensure the broccoli is cooked until it is tender enough to mash easily but not mushy.
3. Finely Chop or Pulse the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is cooked and slightly cooled, you need to break it down into small pieces. You can finely chop it with a knife, ensuring all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking and texture in the tots. For a quicker method, you can pulse the cooked broccoli in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process it into a puree; you want small pieces, not a paste. Pulse in short bursts until the broccoli is finely chopped but still has some texture.
4. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped or pulsed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or your hands to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet and should hold together when pressed. If the mixture seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk at a time until it comes together.
6. Shape into Tots: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. Take about a tablespoon of the broccoli mixture and shape it into a small tot or nugget shape using your hands. You can make them cylindrical, oval, or round – whatever shape you prefer. Place the shaped tots onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each tot to allow for even browning.
7. Bake the Tots: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through. Flip the tots halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary. They should be firm to the touch and have a nice golden color.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the broccoli tots from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to firm up slightly and make them easier to handle. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, ketchup, or a creamy cheese dip.