Cheesy Baked Broccoli Tots are a crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed treat made with just five simple ingredients. I love making these as a healthy snack or side dish, especially when I want to add more vegetables to my meals without sacrificing flavor. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and super easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy these broccoli tots are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip them up in no time. They bake to golden perfection, and the mix of broccoli and cheddar creates a savory, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether I’m making them for a snack or as part of dinner, they’re always a hit in my house.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, I give it a quick spray with cooking spray.

2. I bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 6 to 8 minutes until they’re nice and tender. After draining, I pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

3. I transfer the broccoli to a food processor and pulse until it’s finely chopped, but not mushy.

4. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the broccoli, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. I stir everything together until fully mixed.

5. Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time, I shape the tots by hand and place them on the baking sheet.

6. I bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp. I like to serve them right away with dipping sauce.

Servings And Timing

Servings: About 18 tots
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Sometimes I swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.

• Gluten-Free: I use gluten-free breadcrumbs when needed. They work just as well in the mix.

• Extra Veggies: I like to mix in some grated carrot or cauliflower for added nutrition and color.

• Spicy Tots: A dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes gives these tots a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get that crispiness back. I also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move them to a freezer-safe bag. They last 2 to 3 months frozen and can be reheated straight from the freezer.

FAQs

1. How Do I Keep The Tots From Falling Apart?

I make sure the broccoli is well-drained and patted dry to avoid extra moisture. Mixing thoroughly and pressing the mixture firmly when shaping helps them hold together.

2. Can I Make These Without A Food Processor?

Yes, I’ve chopped the broccoli finely by hand before. It takes more time, but it still works well.

3. Are These Good For Toddlers?

Definitely. I make these often for toddlers—they’re soft, cheesy, and packed with veggies in every bite.

4. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, I’ve used frozen broccoli. I steam it first, then drain and dry it thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.

5. What Dips Go Best With These?

I usually serve them with ketchup or ranch, but honey mustard or a creamy garlic dip also work great.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Broccoli Tots are one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables in a fun and flavorful form. With their crispy texture and cheesy goodness, they always satisfy both kids and adults in my home. I love that I can make a big batch and freeze some for later, making them the perfect quick snack or side dish.

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