Are you looking for a snack that your kids will actually love? These healthy baked broccoli tots are the perfect answer. They are crispy, cheesy, and so much fun to eat. Your family will ask for these every single week!
It can be hard to find nutritious sides that feel like a treat. This recipe is perfect for a healthy reset. You get all the comfort of a tater tot with extra greens. Let’s get started on this simple and delicious recipe today.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
These tots are a winner for any busy weeknight dinner. They help you get more vegetables onto the table effortlessly. Your kids will love the fun shape and the melted cheddar cheese inside. They are much lighter than traditional deep-fried potato tots.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make them. Most of these items are likely in your pantry right now. They are budget-friendly and easy to scale up for a crowd. You will love how golden and crispy they get in the oven.
Simple Method
Making these tots is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply steam the broccoli until it is nice and tender. Then, you mix everything together in one large bowl. Shaping them is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this.
Simple Ingredients
We use fresh produce and basic staples for the best flavor. These ingredients work together to create a perfectly seasoned bite every time.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Steam broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove all excess moisture.
- Finely chop the broccoli or pulse in a food processor.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, egg, onion, and breadcrumbs.
- Add the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until the mixture can be easily shaped.
- Form 1 tablespoon of mixture into a small cylinder shape.
- Place tots on the baking sheet 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove when they are golden brown and crispy.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm right out of the oven for the best crunch. They pair beautifully with a side of creamy ranch dressing. You can also try dipping them in spicy ketchup or honey mustard. These make a great side for grilled chicken or burgers. Set them out on a platter and watch them disappear fast!
Keep It Fresh
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that golden texture. You can also freeze them for an easy future snack. Just bake them from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze the steamed broccoli with a paper towel to remove water.
- Dry broccoli ensures your tots stay firm and not soggy.
- Dice the onion very finely so it blends into the mixture.
- Use a cookie scoop to make perfectly even sizes every time.
- Do not skip the egg as it holds everything together.
- For extra crunch, spray the tops with a little olive oil.
- Flip them carefully halfway through to brown both sides evenly.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this a gluten-free snack.
- Add finely grated carrots for even more hidden vegetables.
- Try using panko breadcrumbs for an extra light and airy crunch.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it very well. Excess water is the enemy of a crispy broccoli tot.
How do I know when they are done?
The tots should feel firm to the touch. The edges will be a beautiful golden brown color. They usually take about 20 minutes in a hot oven.
Will my picky eaters really eat these?
Most kids love these because of the cheese and the shape. They feel like a treat rather than a vegetable. Serve them with a favorite dipping sauce for success.
I hope these cheesy tots bring a smile to your family table. They are such a fun way to enjoy fresh greens together. Give them a try tonight and enjoy every crispy bite!
— Lidia
Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 large eg g
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 2/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Steam broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Finely chop the steamed broccoli or pulse in a food processor until it resembles small crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture can be easily shaped.
- Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a small cylinder or tot shape using your hands.
- Place the tots onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
