Introduction

Cheddar Broccoli Tots are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic snack. These bite-sized treats combine tender broccoli, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful, kid-friendly option. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a side dish.

A round silver container filled with eight greenish, crispy fried bites with some golden brown spots placed closely together, showing a rough texture with bits of red and yellow inside; behind it, there is a smaller round silver container filled with smooth, thick red sauce with a small swirl on top, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli
1 medium potato
1 egg
1/8 cup onion (minced)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Steam or boil the broccoli and potato until they are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Mash the potato thoroughly using a potato masher.
Step 4: Chop the broccoli and minced onion finely in a food processor or by hand.
Step 5: In a bowl, combine the mashed potato, chopped broccoli and onion, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and granulated garlic. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 6: Form the mixture into small tot shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 7: Lightly spray the tots with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mixture.
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Use fresh or frozen broccoli—just make sure to thaw and drain it well if using frozen.
If you prefer extra crispy tots, flip them halfway through baking.

Storage

Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several small, rectangular green pieces that look soft and moist, arranged evenly on a textured beige mat. Each piece has a speckled look with bits of white and orange mixed into the green base, giving a slightly chunky texture. The green color is bright and fresh, suggesting the presence of vegetables or herbs. The pieces are placed closely but neatly apart on the mat, which has a subtle woven pattern. The overall look is clean and fresh, with no additional plates or background visible apart from the mat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tots gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just ensure any additional seasoning or cheese you use is gluten-free.

Can I freeze the tots before baking?

Absolutely! Place the shaped tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cheddar Broccoli Tots Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

These Cheddar Broccoli Tots are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional tater tots, combining steamed broccoli, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese for a crispy, savory snack or side dish. Baked to perfection, they offer a satisfying texture and flavor that both kids and adults will love.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 tots 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli
1 medium potato
1/8 cup onion, minced

Other Ingredients

1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic (granulated)
1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Olive oil spray, for baking

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the tots.
Cook Vegetables: Steam or boil the broccoli and potato until tender but not mushy, so they hold their shape well in the mixture.
Mash Potatoes: Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes smoothly while leaving some texture.
Chop Broccoli and Onion: Finely chop the steamed broccoli and minced onion in a food processor or by hand to ensure they mix evenly.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped broccoli, onion, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic for flavor.
Form Tots: Shape the mixture into small tot-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray the tots with olive oil to encourage crispness and prevent sticking.
Bake: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Notes

Do not overcook the broccoli and potatoes; they should be tender but still firm for the best texture.
Feel free to add more seasoning such as black pepper or paprika for extra flavor.
Serving suggestion: pair these tots with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
For a crispier exterior, you can broil the tots for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
Leftover tots can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: broccoli tots, cheddar broccoli tots, healthy tater tots, baked broccoli tots, vegetable snacks, vegetarian snack