Tired of dinnertime battles over veggies? You’re not alone. If getting your kids or picky adults to eat broccoli feels like an uphill climb, these broccoli tots are your new weeknight savior. Crispy, golden, and irresistibly snackable, they transform a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tired of Mealtime Struggles with Veggies?
We all want to feed our families better. But let’s be honest: it’s exhausting when “eat your greens” turns into a nightly negotiation. When my twins were toddlers, broccoli was their sworn enemy. I’d steam, roast, even cheese it but nothing worked. Then one evening, out of desperation and a little creative magic, I turned broccoli into something bite-sized and dippable… and just like that, peace returned to my dinner table.
These broccoli tots aren’t just another vegetable dish they’re the hidden-veg superhero that even the fussiest eaters won’t suspect.
This Snack Solves That Guilt-Free & Golden-Crisp
These broccoli tots bring together flavor, texture, and feel-good nutrition in one crispy bite. Whether it’s your toddler’s lunchbox or your own late-night craving, this recipe delivers joy without junk. The simple prep, freezer-friendly option, and adaptable ingredients make them a total weeknight win.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
Ingredient List with Suggestions
Each ingredient here plays a smart role in balancing flavor, texture, and structure for perfectly crispy broccoli tots. Let’s break it down:| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | The star of the dish fresh or thawed frozen broccoli both work well. Finely chop or pulse for better texture. |
| Cheddar cheese | Melts beautifully and adds savory richness. Mild or sharp both work. |
| Egg | Binds everything together and helps the tots stay intact while baking or frying. |
| Breadcrumbs | Gives structure and that perfect golden crust. Panko adds extra crunch if preferred. |
| Onion powder | Adds depth without overpowering. Use as a base flavor layer. |
| Garlic powder | Gives a warm, savory bite that balances the broccoli’s earthiness. |
| Salt | Essential to enhance all flavors. Don’t skip! |
| Black pepper | Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning blend. |
Prep Method with Sensory Cues
Start by finely chopping your broccoli almost like a crumbly rice texture. This ensures the mixture holds together well without being mushy. Mix it with shredded cheddar, beaten egg, and seasonings. When shaping, squeeze tightly into little ovals or cylinders; they should feel firm in your hand, not wet.
You can bake them at 400°F until golden and crisp (about 20–25 minutes), flipping halfway. For extra crunch, air-frying or lightly pan-frying in olive oil works wonders.
Don’t forget to pair this prep with something fresh like Roasted Broccoli for a double-broccoli dinner that even veggie skeptics will enjoy.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fat | 6g |
Avoid These Mistakes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
1. Using raw broccoli without prepping it
If you skip softening the broccoli first (by steaming or microwaving briefly), your tots may end up undercooked and grainy. Pre-cooked broccoli gives a tender inside and crispy shell.
2. Not draining excess moisture
Wet broccoli = soggy tots. Always squeeze out moisture with a clean towel or paper towels before mixing. This helps the tots crisp up and hold their shape.
3. Overloading with cheese or egg
While tempting, too much cheese or egg will make your mix runny or oily. Stick to balance it’s all about harmony between binders and bulk.
4. Crowding the pan
Whether baking or pan-frying, leave space between each tot. This ensures even browning and that all sides get that golden crunch.
Pro Tips to Get It Right
Shape tightly, bake confidently
Form your tots with a firm hand and give each one a uniform size. This helps them cook evenly and look beautifully consistent.
Add a broil finish
For extra crispiness, pop the tots under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
For more confidence boosters, check out Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry for stovetop finesse or the comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup to see how broccoli can be indulgent and creamy, too.
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
These broccoli tots shine as a snack, side dish, or even a lunchbox hero. Serve them warm with a creamy yogurt dip, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli. They’re a hit at potlucks and toddler playdates alike easy to hold and hard to resist.
Pair them with cozy mains like Pan-Fried Potatoes or light nibbles like Baked Sweet Potato Chips for a full family-style spread.
They also make a great after-school snack or party finger food just add toothpicks and watch them disappear.
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
Storage:
Let leftovers cool fully, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up. Freezer-friendly? Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking, and just add a few extra minutes when reheating.
Creative Variations:
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative
- Add grated carrots or cauliflower for extra veggie power
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a no-gluten version
These tots can flex with your fridge just keep the base simple, the flavor bold, and the texture crisp.
FAQ Section
How do you keep broccoli tots from falling apart?
Make sure to finely chop your broccoli, drain it well, and use enough egg and breadcrumbs to bind everything. Squeeze the mixture when shaping for firm, compact tots.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before chopping. Frozen broccoli actually works great for tots when moisture is removed.
What’s the best dipping sauce for broccoli tots?
Ranch, garlic yogurt dip, or a spicy ketchup blend are all fantastic. Even honey mustard adds a tangy twist that pairs beautifully.
Are broccoli tots healthy?
Yes, especially when baked! They’re loaded with fiber, vitamins, and a bit of protein plus they’re a great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
CONCLUSION
If your family has a love-hate relationship with veggies, these broccoli tots might just tip the scales. Crunchy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re a comforting way to get greens on the plate without a single complaint.
If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today.
Check out more cozy veggie-based recipes in our Vegetable Recipes collection.
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Print
Broccoli Tots That Kids (and Adults) Will Actually Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, cheesy broccoli tots that even picky eaters will devour. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or freezer-friendly lunchbox hero.
Ingredients
Broccoli
Cheddar cheese
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Instructions
Finely chop or pulse the broccoli until it resembles rice.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, shredded cheddar, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small, tight ovals or cylinders.
Place tots on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Optionally broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crunch.
Cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Drain broccoli well before mixing to avoid soggy tots.
Freeze after baking for quick snacks later.
Pair with yogurt dip, spicy ketchup, or ranch.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Vegetables
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 tots
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg