Broccoli Tots
on Mar 07, 2023, Updated Jan 26, 2024
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If you have a little one who isn’t a fan of broccoli, these broccoli tots are a fun, new way to serve them up! They come together with just a few simple ingredients and a a great way of incorporating more veggies into your little one’s meals!
I’ve never seen my boys enjoy broccoli more than they do with these tots. They are great served with a dip, but they’re amazing served on their own. They are slightly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside with cheesy goodness in every bite. I don’t hide the fact that there are veggies in them and let them know that they contain broccoli so that they can learn to appreciate just how amazing the veggies can be!
If you’re on the hunt for other recipes that incorporate veggies, be sure to try out these air fryer cauliflower tots, baked zucchini carrot tots, and these moist chicken nuggets with veggies!
Table of Contents
Watch Recipe Video
What You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need to make these broccoli tots:
- Broccoli: The main ingredient for these tots. I steamed the broccoli in the microwave, but you can also steam it on the stove or boil it.
- Breadcrumbs: I like to use plain flavored panko breadcrumbs.
- Egg: Used as a binder to help the tots hold their shape.
- Shredded Cheese: Used to add flavor to these veggie tots. I used cheddar cheese, but you may use any type of cheese.
- Garlic/Onion Powder: For added flavor.
- Salt: Optional ingredient for a little added flavor. You can make a batch without salt for a younger baby and add salt to the rest for everyone else!
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Substitutions & Additions
- Broccoli: The broccoli may be replaced with cauliflower. Check out this recipe for air-fryer cauliflower tots!
- Eggs: For an egg-free version, substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to set and thicken.
- Breadcrumbs: I use panko breadcrumbs in this recipe, but for a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Cheese: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese for dairy-free shredded cheese.
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
STEP 2: Add broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft and fork-tender (Image 1). You may also boil the broccoli in a small pot of boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and finely chop into small pieces (Image 2). I used kitchen scissors to finely chop the florets, but you may also use a food processor.
STEP 3: Add the breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl with the broccoli (Image 3). Mix until well combined (Image 4).
STEP 4: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into a tot shape. Place the tots on a parchment paper-lined baking pan (Image 5).
STEP 5: Bake the tots for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to slightly brown. Shake the pan halfway through for even browning (Image 6).
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store the broccoli tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake the tots at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. To freeze, place the cooled tots in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before reheating, or quickly reheat on high in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, adding 10-second increments as needed. You may also reheat these tots in the air fryer using your air fryer’s reheat function.
Tips For Success
- I used kitchen scissors to chop up the florets, but you can also use a food processor or blender to get smaller pieces. You may keep a few small chunks in for some added texture, but feel free to chop them up smaller for a more “tot-like” texture.
- I used cheddar cheese in this recipe for added flavor. Mozzarella cheese is a good low-sodium alternative if you are preparing these tots for a baby.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! To make these broccoli tots in the air fryer, spray the tots with a light layer of oil to help them obtain a golden brown color. Air fry the tots at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown, shaking the pan halfway through.
These tots are soft and pillow-like with little bits of texture from the broccoli. If you prefer smoothie textured tots, use a food processor to finely blitz up the broccoli before mixing in the other ingredients.
Other Veggie Recipes You’ll Love
Broccoli And Cheese Pinwheels
Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Carrot Fritters
If you tried these Broccoli Tots please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Add broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft and fork-tender. You may also boil the broccoli in a small pot of boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and finely chop into small pieces. I used kitchen scissors to finely chop the florets, but you may also use a food processor.
- Add the breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl with the broccoli. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into a tot shape. Place the tots on a parchment paper-lined baking pan.
- Bake the tots for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to slightly brown. Shake the pan halfway through for even browning.
Notes
- I used kitchen scissors to chop up the florets, but you can also use a food processor or blender to get smaller pieces. I left some chunks in for some added texture, but feel free to chop them up smaller for a more “tot-like” texture.
- I used cheddar cheese in this recipe for added flavor. Mozzarella cheese is a good low-sodium alternative if you are preparing these tots for a baby.
Can you freeze them? If so, for how long?
Yes you can! They can be frozen for up to 3 months😊
These turned out delicious! Both me and my baby approve. Thanks Lily!
I’m so glad you both enjoyed these tots, Katie!😊
Phenomenal recipe. My 13 MO loved it as did the rest of the family! I made it w frozen broccoli and was in a rush so I cooked it stovetop on a skillet w ghee, like fritters. Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed them, Monica!😊
I can’t wait to try them! They sound easy, healthy & tasty!
I plan to use them for appetizers when hosting a happy hour since I don’t have children.
I especially appreciate the organization & user-ease of your website!
I hope that you enjoy them, Sandy!😊
I’ve made these a few times now. I always double or triple the batches then freeze them.
My baby loves them and I think it’s a nice clean recipe 🙂