Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: (About 1 pound) – The star of the show, providing the base and healthy goodness for our tots.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup) – Adds that irresistible cheesy flavor and helps bind the tots together. You can use sharp, mild, or a blend depending on your preference.
- Breadcrumbs: (1/2 cup) – Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. They provide structure and texture.
- Egg: (1 large) – Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding moisture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: (1/4 cup) – Adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor to the tots.
- Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the savory flavors and adds a subtle aromatic note.
- Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Complements the garlic powder and adds a mild, sweet oniony flavor.
- Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste) – Adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall taste profile.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: – For baking or air frying, to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Start by washing and chopping your broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will be to incorporate into the tots and ensure even cooking. You can steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Steaming is recommended as it retains more nutrients and prevents the broccoli from becoming waterlogged. If boiling, be sure not to overcook it. Once cooked, drain the broccoli thoroughly and let it cool slightly. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy tots!
- Finely Chop the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is cool enough to handle, you need to chop it even finer. You can use a knife and cutting board, or for a quicker method, use a food processor. Pulse the broccoli in the food processor until it’s finely chopped but not mushy. You want a texture that will hold together in a tot, not a puree. If you don’t have a food processor, simply chop it as finely as you can with a knife.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the cheese and breadcrumbs. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not too wet. If it seems too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs.
- Form the Tots: Now it’s time to shape the broccoli mixture into tots. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small, cylindrical tot shape. You can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference. Place the formed tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Repeat this process until all the broccoli mixture is used.
- Bake or Air Fry the Tots: You have two main cooking options: baking or air frying.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the prepared baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the broccoli tots in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the broccoli tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket or flipping the tots halfway through. Air frying generally results in crispier tots in less time than baking.
- Cool and Serve: Once the cheesy broccoli tots are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven or air fryer. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet or a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to crisp up further and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g