Broccoli Tots: The Ultimate Guide to Making Crunchy, Cheesy, and Delicious Bites

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Are you looking for a fun and easy snack to make for your next party or gathering? Look no further than broccoli tots, a delicious and healthy twist on the classic tater tot.

Made with broccoli, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about broccoli tots is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even as a fun appetizer for your next party.

They’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. And, as an added bonus, they’re a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in a fun and tasty way.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and explore the world of broccoli tots.

From the basic ingredients to the various ways you can customize and serve them, we’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 cups broccoli florets , fresh or frozen, this is the star of the show and the main ingredient in our broccoli tots.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese , this adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the tots together.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese , this adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps balance out the richness of the cheddar.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour , this helps bind the tots together and adds a bit of structure.

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs , these add a crunchy texture and help the tots brown in the oven.

1 egg , this helps bind the tots together and adds a bit of moisture.

1/4 cup chopped onion , this adds a bit of flavor and texture to the tots.

2 cloves garlic, minced , this adds a bit of flavor and aroma to the tots.

1/2 teaspoon salt , this enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and helps bring everything together.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper , this adds a bit of spice and flavor to the tots.

Why These Ingredients

Broccoli Florets

Broccoli is the star of the show in this recipe, and for good reason. It’s a nutritious and delicious vegetable that’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

When choosing broccoli, look for fresh, firm florets with a deep green color. You can also use frozen broccoli if you prefer, just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture.

One of the best things about broccoli is its versatility. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to casseroles and stir-fries.

And, as we’re using it here, it makes a great base for our broccoli tots.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a rich, creamy cheese that’s perfect for adding flavor and moisture to our broccoli tots. It’s also a great binding agent, helping to hold the tots together and give them a bit of structure.

When choosing cheddar, look for a high-quality, sharp cheddar that’s packed with flavor.

One of the best things about cheddar is its melted texture. When it’s melted, it becomes smooth and creamy, making it perfect for binding our tots together.

And, as an added bonus, it adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s talk about how to make our broccoli tots. This is a relatively simple process that requires just a few basic steps.

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli , Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prep your broccoli by rinsing it under cold water and chopping it into small florets.

You can also use a food processor to chop the broccoli if you prefer.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients , In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, panko breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the broccoli is evenly coated with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Form the Tots , Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tots, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 tots, depending on the size.

Step 4: Bake the Tots , Place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each tot to allow for even cooking. Drizzle with a bit of oil and toss to coat.

Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy , Once the tots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

You can also store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat them.

How To Serve

One of the best things about broccoli tots is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even as a fun appetizer for your next party.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

As a side dish, broccoli tots are a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Simply serve them hot, garnished with a bit of parsley or chives if desired.

As a snack, broccoli tots are perfect for munching on the go. You can serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, for added flavor.

As an appetizer, broccoli tots are a fun and easy way to add some excitement to your next party. Simply serve them hot, garnished with a bit of parsley or chives, and watch as your guests devour them.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

If you’re not planning to eat your broccoli tots right away, you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them away from direct sunlight.

When storing broccoli tots at room temperature, it’s a good idea to keep them in a single layer, rather than stacking them on top of each other. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or developing off-flavors.

Refrigerator

Broccoli tots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

When reheating broccoli tots from the refrigerator, you can simply place them in the oven or microwave until they’re hot and crispy. You can also reheat them in a pan on the stovetop, adding a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking.

Freezer

Broccoli tots can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When reheating frozen broccoli tots, you can simply place them in the oven or microwave until they’re hot and crispy. You can also reheat them in a pan on the stovetop, adding a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Broccoli

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making broccoli tots is to use fresh broccoli. This will ensure that your tots have the best flavor and texture possible.

When choosing broccoli, look for fresh, firm florets with a deep green color. You can also use frozen broccoli if you prefer, just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture.

Don’t Overmix

Another important thing to keep in mind when making broccoli tots is to not overmix the ingredients. This can cause the tots to become dense and heavy, rather than light and crispy.

When mixing the ingredients, simply combine them until they’re just combined. Then, use your hands to shape the mixture into small tots.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli tots are a fun and easy snack or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

So why not give them a try today and see what you think?