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Looking for a fun and healthy way to enjoy broccoli? This broccoli tots recipe is the perfect solution! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these tots are packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
I first discovered broccoli tots when I was looking for creative ways to incorporate more vegetables into my family’s diet. My kids were initially skeptical, but after one bite, they were hooked! Now, it’s a regular request in our household, and I love how easy and versatile this recipe is.
Get ready to cook up a batch of these delicious broccoli tots that will have everyone asking for more!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure to preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. Also, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | 2 medium |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Almond meal/flour | ¾ cup (60g) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | ¾ packed cup (75g) |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Salt, optional – do not add for baby | ½ teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 375℉/190℃ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the florets off the broccoli and break them into medium pieces. Remove the tough outer skin of the stem and cut the stem into pieces around 1-2 cm / ½-¾ inch in size.
- Steam (or boil) the stems for 1 minute and then add the florets and steam for a further 3-4 minutes, or until soft. Drain well.
- Chop the cooked broccoli and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the cheese, egg, almond meal, and garlic. Mix well to combine, mashing any bigger pieces of broccoli as you go.
- Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a tot. Place on the prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture (it should make around 23-25 tots).
- Spray with oil (optional) and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.
- Serve with a dip of your choice and enjoy!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For extra crispiness, make sure to drain the broccoli well after steaming to remove excess moisture. You can also replace the almond meal with gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, but feel free to use any good melting cheese like tasty, colby, or a mix of parmesan and cheddar. If making for a baby, reduce the cheese or use a lower sodium cheese like mozzarella to reduce sodium content.
For more delicious recipes, check out this Chicken Broccoli Bake Healthy Creamy Pasta.
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Broccoli Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 tots 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Broccoli Tots are a tasty, kid-friendly snack that transforms wholesome veggies into a crispy, crave-worthy treat. Cheesy, savory, and baked to golden perfection, they are a healthy low-carb alternative to traditional potato tots. Perfect for dipping in ketchup or ranch, they make eating your greens fun and delicious.
Ingredients
1 large head of broccoli (approx. 4 cups florets)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or superfine almond flour for low-carb)
2 green onions, finely sliced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Steam Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets. Steam them for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp (bright green but slightly soft). Do not overcook to mush.
3. Rice the Broccoli: Place the steamed broccoli in a food processor and pulse a few times until it resembles coarse rice. Do not blend into a puree.
4. Remove Moisture (Crucial): Transfer the riced broccoli to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze vigorously to remove as much liquid as possible. *If you skip this, the tots will fall apart.*
5. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dry riced broccoli, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and sticky.
6. Shape Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Press it firmly between your palms and shape it into a small cylinder (tot shape). Place on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20–24 tots.
7. Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil spray to help them crisp. Bake for 18–24 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with ketchup, ranch, or marinara sauce.
Notes
Squeezing Water: This is the most important step! Wet broccoli means soggy tots that won’t hold their shape.
Low Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make these keto-friendly.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar for melting and Parmesan for flavor works best, but you can use mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
Freezing: These freeze well *after* baking. Freeze them solid on a tray, then bag them up. Reheat in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I make broccoli tots ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze broccoli tots?
- Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
What dips go well with broccoli tots?
Some great options include ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy mayo.
Dig In & Enjoy!
These broccoli tots are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious snack or side dish. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a batch of these irresistible broccoli tots today!
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