Meet your new favorite snack: Broccoli Tater Tots. These irresistible veggie-packed bites are everything you love about classic tater tots, but with a nutritious upgrade thanks to tender broccoli, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crisp coating. Whether you’re looking for a way to sneak more veggies into your menu or searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tots hit all the right notes in both flavor and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Broccoli Tater Tots lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays an important role, from taste and texture to that golden, crave-worthy color when they come out of the oven. Here’s what you need—and why it matters:
- Broccoli florets: Steamed and finely chopped, they bring bright color, nutrients, and subtle earthy notes.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the tots, adding richness and a delightful pull.
- Parmesan cheese: A bit of parmesan gives depth, savoriness, and an irresistible punch of umami.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These keep the tots beautifully light and crisp, crucial for the perfect outside crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together for sturdy, scoopable tots that don’t fall apart.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your tots hold their iconic shape.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle to wake up the flavors with gentle garlicky warmth.
- Onion powder: Enhances all savory notes with a fantastic background sweetness.
- Salt: Vital for bringing out all those wonderful cheesy, vegetal flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of peppery zing.
- Olive oil spray: A quick mist ensures the tots bake up golden and extra crisp without the need for deep frying.
How to Make Broccoli Tater Tots
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet
First things first: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and make life easier by lining it with parchment paper for a truly non-stick experience. A quick prep now means a stress-free cleanup later!
Step 2: Steam and Chop the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli florets until just fork-tender (not mushy). Once cooled slightly, finely chop them with a knife or pulse in a food processor until you have small, rice-sized bits. This ensures the broccoli blends right in and gives your Broccoli Tater Tots the perfect tot texture.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, cheddar, parmesan, panko, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take a minute to really mix well—use a fork or your hands! The mixture should gently hold together when pressed. If it feels too loose, add a pinch more panko; if it’s dry, a tiny splash of water helps.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Using about a tablespoon per tot, scoop out the mixture and shape each portion into a little cylinder—think classic tater tot shape. Place each Broccoli Tater Tot on your prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly for even crisping.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Give your tots a light spray with olive oil, which helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping each one halfway through so every side is gorgeously golden and crisp. Let the aroma fill your kitchen—it’s the anticipation that makes them taste even better!
How to Serve Broccoli Tater Tots
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a dusting of fresh chopped parsley elevates these little bites, adding a pop of color and savory finish. For heat-lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes is always a tasty option!
Side Dishes
Broccoli Tater Tots shine with almost any plate-mate. Pair them alongside a big salad, a steaming bowl of tomato soup, or serve as a not-so-secret weapon at any appetizer spread. They’re also fantastic with grilled proteins or tucked into a lunchbox for an extra veggie punch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer a few tots on sticks for party-ready finger food, or build Broccoli Tater Tot “sliders” by sandwiching them with a slice of cheese between mini buns. Set up a DIY dipping bar with ketchup, ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard to let everyone customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they go fast!), pop any cooled Broccoli Tater Tots into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They hold up beautifully and are easy to grab for a quick snack or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
Broccoli Tater Tots are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or those last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked crunch, reheat your Broccoli Tater Tots in a 400°F oven or air fryer for about 5–7 minutes. Skipping the microwave keeps them from turning soggy, so your tots emerge crisp and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Tater Tots gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The tots still crisp up wonderfully and you won’t sacrifice flavor.
Can these be pan-fried instead of baked?
Yes, if you prefer a deeper golden crust, you can pan-fry Broccoli Tater Tots in a little oil over medium heat. Rotate all sides for even browning and enjoy those extra crisp edges.
Are these a good make-ahead party snack?
They’re ideal! Prepare your Broccoli Tater Tots up to the shaping stage, then freeze on a tray. When party time arrives, pop them straight into the oven and bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven deliciousness.
What dips go well with Broccoli Tater Tots?
Classic ketchup is always a win, but garlic aioli, ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy honey mustard are all fantastic accompaniments. Mix and match based on your mood!
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Definitely. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli well, then chop it finely before using. It works just as well as fresh and is a great time-saver for busy days.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Tater Tots are the ultimate blend of wholesome and nostalgic—perfect for parties, quick lunches, or anytime you want a comforting treat that’s also packed with veggies. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
Print
Broccoli Tater Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 tots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and flavorful broccoli tater tots are a fun twist on the classic potato version. Packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome broccoli, they make a delicious appetizer or side dish that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed and finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until tender, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor until rice-sized.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, panko, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together.
- Form Tater Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into small tot shapes. Place them on the baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- These tots freeze well—just reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack or side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 tots
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
