Cheesy Broccoli Tots Recipe

It’s a constant battle in our house to get those extra veggies into our diets, especially with the little ones. Sneaking vegetables into familiar and fun formats is always a win, and these Cheesy Broccoli Tots have become an absolute champion in our kitchen. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and packed with hidden broccoli goodness, they disappear in minutes! Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, devours these without a second thought. They’re perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even a fun appetizer. Honestly, if you’re looking for a way to make broccoli irresistible, look no further. This recipe is a game-changer and has earned a permanent spot in our family’s meal rotation. Get ready to transform broccoli from “yuck” to “yum” with these incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make cheesy broccoli tots!

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Tots

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: (About 1 pound) The star of the show! Fresh broccoli provides the base for our tots and is packed with nutrients.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup, packed) Adds that irresistible cheesy flavor and helps bind the tots together. Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup) Brings a salty, nutty depth of flavor and enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: (1 cup) These Japanese breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a delightful texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: (1/4 cup) Helps to absorb moisture and further bind the ingredients, ensuring the tots hold their shape.
• Eggs: (2 large) Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness.
• Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese.
• Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the savory notes and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
• Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) Seasoning is key! Salt enhances all the flavors in the tots.
• Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste) Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For baking or air frying, to prevent sticking and encourage crisping.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Tots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh broccoli florets. To ensure they are tender and easy to mash, we need to cook them. The best method for this recipe is steaming or boiling.

• Steaming: Place a steamer basket in a pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and easily pierced with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as mushy broccoli will make the tots soggy.
• Boiling: Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. Again, be careful not to overcook.

Once cooked, immediately drain the broccoli well and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color. This step is crucial for preventing the broccoli from becoming overcooked and losing its texture. After a few minutes in the ice bath, drain the broccoli thoroughly again.

Step 2: Chop and Mash the Broccoli

Now that the broccoli is cooked and cooled, it’s time to prepare it for the tots. Finely chop the broccoli florets into very small pieces. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step. If using a food processor, pulse it in short bursts to avoid turning the broccoli into a puree. We want small pieces, not a paste.

After chopping, it’s important to remove excess moisture from the broccoli. Place the chopped broccoli in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is vital for preventing soggy tots. The drier the broccoli, the crispier your tots will be.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined and a cohesive mixture forms. Ensure the cheese and spices are distributed throughout the broccoli mixture. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not overly wet. If it seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two more of panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Shape the Broccoli Tots

Take approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the broccoli mixture and shape it into a small tot or nugget shape. You can make them cylindrical, oval, or round, depending on your preference. Repeat this process until all the broccoli mixture is used.

For uniform tots, you can use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, even shape.

Step 5: Cook the Cheesy Broccoli Tots

You have a few options for cooking your cheesy broccoli tots: baking, air frying, or pan-frying. Baking and air frying are healthier options as they require less oil.

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray the baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the broccoli tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the broccoli tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
• Pan-Frying (Optional): Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the broccoli tots in the skillet in a single layer, again avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tots from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Pan-frying will result in the crispiest tots but is the least healthy option.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove the cheesy broccoli tots from the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy these veggie-packed delights!

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Broccoli Tots (per serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 tots
• Servings per Recipe: About 6-8 servings (depending on tot size)
• Calories per Serving: 150-200 kcal
• Fat: 8-12g

(These values are approximate and should be considered as a general guideline. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and quantities.)

Preparation Time for Cheesy Broccoli Tots

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (includes broccoli cooking, chopping, and mixing)
• Cook Time: 12-25 minutes (depending on cooking method – air frying is fastest, baking slightly longer)
• Total Time: Approximately 35-50 minutes

These Cheesy Broccoli Tots are relatively quick to prepare, making them a great option for a weeknight snack or side dish. The majority of the time is spent preparing the broccoli and shaping the tots.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Tots

These versatile tots can be served in various ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Pair them with your favorite protein dishes like grilled chicken, baked fish, or vegetarian burgers.
  • Serve alongside a hearty salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Complement them with other vegetable sides for a veggie-centric feast.
• As a Snack or Appetizer:
  • Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive snack.
  • Serve them warm at parties or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes as a healthy and tasty snack option for kids and adults alike.
• Dipping Sauce Ideas:
  • Classic Ketchup: A timeless favorite that pairs well with the cheesy flavor.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing is a popular choice for tots.
  • Honey Mustard: Sweet and savory, honey mustard adds a delightful flavor contrast.
  • Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who like a kick, sriracha mayo offers a creamy and spicy dip.
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian sauce that complements the cheesy and savory notes.
  • Cheese Sauce: Double down on the cheese with a warm cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Avocado Crema: A cool and refreshing avocado crema provides a healthy and flavorful dip.
  • Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, aioli adds a sophisticated touch to the tots.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cheesy Broccoli Tots

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Slightly undercooked broccoli is better than overcooked. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and make the tots watery and less flavorful. Aim for tender-crisp broccoli.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: This is arguably the most crucial step for crispy tots. Thoroughly squeezing out the water from the cooked and chopped broccoli is essential. Don’t skip this step!
3. Finely Chop the Broccoli: Ensure the broccoli is finely chopped into small pieces. Larger chunks will make it harder for the tots to bind together and cook evenly.
4. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the broccoli mixture before shaping the tots and adjust the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your preference. You can also add other spices like paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
5. Chill the Mixture (Optional): If you have time, chilling the broccoli mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping can help it firm up and make it easier to handle. This is especially helpful if your mixture seems a bit too soft.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet or Air Fryer Basket: Overcrowding will steam the tots instead of allowing them to crisp up. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they have enough space to brown properly.
7. Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Whether baking or air frying, flipping the tots halfway through ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
8. Experiment with Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, or pepper jack for different flavor combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Make sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before chopping and using them in the recipe. Frozen broccoli tends to retain more water than fresh, so squeezing is even more critical.

Q2: Can I make these tots ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the broccoli mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape and cook the tots just before serving for the best texture. Cooked tots are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated.

Q3: How do I reheat leftover broccoli tots?

A: To reheat leftover broccoli tots and maintain their crispiness, it’s best to use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tots for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as they will become soggy.

Q4: Can I make these tots gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily make these tots gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour for the breadcrumbs. Double-check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to these tots?

A: Absolutely! You can customize these tots by adding other finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, or spinach. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the added vegetables as well.

Q6: Are these broccoli tots kid-friendly?

A: Yes, these cheesy broccoli tots are very kid-friendly! They are a great way to sneak in vegetables in a fun and familiar format. The cheesy flavor and crispy texture are usually a hit with children, even picky eaters.

Q7: Can I freeze uncooked broccoli tots?

A: Yes, you can freeze uncooked broccoli tots. Shape the tots and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake or air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q8: What if my broccoli tot mixture is too wet?

A: If your broccoli mixture seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two more of panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs to help absorb the excess moisture. Ensure you squeezed out as much water as possible from the cooked broccoli initially. If it’s still too wet, consider adding a bit more flour.

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