Get ready for your new favorite way to eat vegetables! These crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious baked Broccoli Tots are a snack-time game-changer.
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Perfect for kids and adults alike, this easy recipe transforms a healthy green vegetable into an irresistible, dippable treat.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up a batch of these flavorful tots from scratch.
I’m always on a mission to find fun ways to get more veggies onto the dinner table. Traditional tater tots are always a hit, which got me thinking: why not make a green version?
The first time I served these Broccoli Tots, my family devoured them. They had no idea they were happily snacking on a big helping of broccoli!
This recipe is proof that healthy food can also be the most fun and delicious food.
Get Ready to Cook!
This simple process will turn humble broccoli into the most amazing, crave-worthy Broccoli Tots you’ve ever had. Let’s go over the key steps to success.
What to Expect
Time: About 40 minutes from start to finish.
Difficulty: Super easy! A little chopping, mixing, and baking is all it takes.
Before You Begin
The number one secret to crispy Broccoli Tots is to drain your steamed broccoli extremely well. Squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or press it in a strainer to remove as much moisture as possible. Water is the enemy of a crispy tot!
Chopping the broccoli finely is also key. A food processor makes this step super fast, but you can also get great results by chopping it finely with a knife.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make these cheesy and delicious Broccoli Tots.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Fresh or Frozen Broccoli Florets | 3 cups |
| Large Eggs | 2 |
| Grated Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup |
| Almond or Oat Flour | ⅔ cup |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 Tablespoon |
| Onion Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sea Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple instructions for the perfect batch of crispy Broccoli Tots.
1. Prep Your Oven and Broccoli:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently steam your broccoli for about 5 minutes, then immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain it extremely well.
2. Finely Chop the Broccoli:
Once drained, place the broccoli in a food processor and pulse until it’s finely chopped into tiny pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, you can do this by hand with a sharp knife.
3. Mix Your Tot Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli with the eggs, cheese, almond flour, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined.
4. Shape and Arrange the Tots:
Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Gently roll and press each portion into a classic tot shape. Place the formed Broccoli Tots on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, making sure to flip the tots halfway through the cooking time. They’re done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve your Broccoli Tots hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
Here are a few final secrets for making flawless Broccoli Tots every time.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving your tots space on the baking sheet allows the hot air to circulate, which is essential for getting them brown and crispy on all sides. Use two baking sheets if you need to.
Storage: Store any leftover Broccoli Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat them in an air fryer or in the oven at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
Looking for another gluten-free meal idea? These other recipes are the perfect place to get inspired: Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel or Gluten Free Stuffing and Gluten Free Protein balls.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are some common questions about making homemade Broccoli Tots.
1. How do I get my Broccoli Tots extra crispy?
The key to crispy tots is removing moisture. After steaming, press the broccoli between paper towels or in a clean dish towel to squeeze out as much water as possible. This is the single most important step for achieving a crispy, not soggy, tot.
2. Can I make these Broccoli Tots in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for this. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
3. Can I make these without an egg?
To make this recipe egg-free, you can use a “flax egg.” For the two eggs in this recipe, mix two tablespoons of ground flaxseed with six tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken into a gel, then add it to your mixture just as you would the eggs.
Dig In & Enjoy!
Now you can whip up a batch of healthy, cheesy, and delicious Broccoli Tots whenever a craving strikes.
They are the perfect appetizer, side dish, or healthy snack that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
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The Best Crispy Baked Broccoli Tots (gluten-Fee & Kid-Friendly!)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 25 tots 1x
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and healthy baked Broccoli Tots! This easy recipe is the perfect way to get your family to love their veggies. An ideal kid-friendly snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
2 large eggs
½ cup grated cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese
⅔ cup almond or oat flour
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam broccoli for 5 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Drain the broccoli extremely well, squeezing out excess moisture.
3. Use a food processor or a knife to finely chop the broccoli.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with the eggs, cheese, flour, and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
5. Use a tablespoon to portion the mixture. Gently form each portion into a tot shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Get Them Crispy: The secret to crispy tots is removing as much moisture as possible from the steamed broccoli. Squeeze it well!
Air Fryer Instructions: Cook in a single layer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 tots
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 805mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 96mg