Delicious and Easy Baked Broccoli Tots: A Healthy, Kid-Friendly Side Dish for Any Meal
Transforming humble broccoli into a delectable, bite-sized treat has never been easier or more satisfying. These Easy Baked Broccoli Tots are a game-changer, offering a delightful twist on classic potato tots while packing in incredible nutritional value. Whether you’re looking for a clever way to encourage picky eaters to enjoy their greens, a healthier snack option, or a versatile side dish to complement your favorite meals, these veggie-packed tots are sure to become a new family favorite. They’re wonderfully versatile, perfect for dipping in ketchup or ranch, or serving alongside main courses like chicken tenders or pulled pork.
Table of Contents
- What’s to Love About These Broccoli Tots
- Key Ingredients for Perfect Broccoli Tots
- Dietary Swaps and Substitutions
- How to Make Baked Broccoli Tots: Step-by-Step Guide
- Essential Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Irresistible Dipping Sauces
- Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Convenience
- Common Questions About Broccoli Tots
- More Veggie Tot Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Baked Broccoli Tots Recipe
Move over, tater tots! There’s a new, healthier champion in the world of crispy, satisfying side dishes, and it’s making a grand entrance: Baked Broccoli Tots. These aren’t just a potato-free alternative; they’re a vibrant, nutrient-dense, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy your vegetables. Lean, green, and packed with goodness, these broccoli tots are designed to be enjoyed guilt-free, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious families and anyone looking to boost their veggie intake without sacrificing flavor.
The secret to transforming this cruciferous powerhouse into irresistible, dippable bites lies in a crucial step: the blanching of the broccoli. This simple technique is more than just a preliminary cook; it’s fundamental to achieving the perfect tot, contributing two key elements that elevate these healthy snacks from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Firstly, blanching intensifies the broccoli’s natural bright green hue. This ensures your finished tots emerge from the oven looking as appealing as they taste, with a vibrant color that’s far more appetizing than a dull, brownish shade.
- Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, blanching tenderizes the broccoli just enough to achieve that desired pillowy texture once baked. This gentle cooking process ensures your tots will be delightfully soft on the inside while still achieving a satisfying crispness on the outside, a perfect contrast that raw or undercooked broccoli simply can’t deliver.
Imagine: perfectly green, tender veggie pillows with a golden, crispy exterior! That’s exactly what you get with these baked broccoli tots. Skipping the deep fryer not only makes them a much healthier option but also simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy these delicious bites more often and with less fuss. They are truly excellent as a standalone snack, but if you’re looking for pairing suggestions, I highly recommend serving them with savory main dishes like Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders or the rich and tender Slow Cooker Balsamic Honey Pulled Pork.
What’s to Love About These Broccoli Tots
These baked broccoli tots offer a multitude of reasons to adore them, making them a staple in many kitchens:
- Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: One of the biggest challenges for parents is getting children to eat their vegetables. These tots are a creative and genuinely fun solution. Their familiar shape and delicious flavor make them an instant hit, masking the fact that they’re packed with healthy greens. Adults, too, will appreciate their delicious taste and satisfying texture, making them a win-win for the whole family. For more ideas, check out my guide on creative food ideas for kids.
- Can Be Made Gluten-Free: With simple ingredient swaps, these broccoli tots can easily accommodate a gluten-free diet, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy them. This makes them an inclusive option for gatherings or daily meals.
- Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse: Broccoli is renowned for its impressive nutritional profile. By transforming it into tots, you’re sneaking in a generous dose of essential vitamins (C and K), dietary fiber, and powerful antioxidants. It’s a flavorful and appealing way to incorporate more vital nutrients into your family’s diet without them even realizing it.
- Baked, Not Fried: Unlike traditional tater tots or many store-bought options, these broccoli tots are baked to crispy perfection. This significantly reduces the fat content, making them a much healthier alternative that you can enjoy regularly without any guilt.
- Freezer-Friendly for Easy Meal Prep: Life gets busy, and having healthy, ready-to-go snacks or sides can be a lifesaver. These tots are excellent for meal prepping as they freeze beautifully. Prepare a big batch, freeze them, and you’ll have delicious, nutritious options available whenever you need them, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected cravings.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Broccoli Tots
Crafting these delectable broccoli tots requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavor and texture:
- Broccoli: The star of the show! You’ll need two medium heads of fresh broccoli, cut into florets. The blanching process is key here; it not only brightens the color but also tenderizes the broccoli, making it easier to process and ensuring a soft, yielding interior for your tots. Once blanched, it’s pulsed in a food processor to the perfect consistency – finely ground but not overly wet.
- Onion: A small amount of finely diced onion adds a subtle aromatic depth and savory note to the tots. It’s important to dice it very finely to ensure it disperses evenly throughout the mixture, contributing flavor without creating chunky bits that could disrupt the tot’s texture.
- Breadcrumbs: These are crucial for providing structure and binding the broccoli mixture together. Use fine breadcrumbs, not panko, as their smaller size helps create a more uniform and compact tot that holds its shape well during baking, contributing to that desirable crispy exterior.
- Egg: A single large egg acts as the primary binder in this recipe. It helps to hold all the ingredients together, preventing the veggie bites from crumbling and ensuring they maintain their tot shape both before and during baking.
- Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of savory flavor and that irresistible “oomph,” finely grated Parmesan cheese is added. It lends a salty, umami note that complements the broccoli beautifully and often helps make these veggie tots even more appealing, especially to those who might be hesitant about eating plain vegetables.
For detailed measurements and quantities, please refer to the complete recipe card below.
Dietary Swaps and Substitutions
Making these delicious broccoli tots accessible to everyone in your family, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions, is simple with these easy substitutions:
- Dairy-Free Option: If you or a family member avoids dairy, you can easily make these tots dairy-free. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese entirely, or for a similar savory kick, replace it with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Many plant-based Parmesan-style shreds or nutritional yeast can work wonderfully here.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the breadcrumbs can be easily swapped out. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, consider using finely crushed gluten-free pretzels, gluten-free rice cereal, or even dried and finely ground gluten-free bread. Ensure whatever you choose is finely ground to maintain the tot’s structure and texture.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Tots: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful baked broccoli tots is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy and tender veggie bites:
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly coat a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray. If you don’t have a nonstick sheet, lining a standard baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent sticking.
- Blanch and process the broccoli. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook them for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This crucial blanching step tenderizes the broccoli and preserves its vibrant green color. Once cooked, thoroughly drain the florets using a colander, making sure to remove as much excess water as possible. Then, transfer the drained broccoli to the bowl of a food processor and pulse just until the broccoli breaks down into small, uniform pieces. Be careful not to overprocess, as this can result in a mushy mixture that’s difficult to shape.
- Combine all the tot ingredients. Measure out three packed cups of the processed broccoli and place it into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely diced onion, breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the tots. Using your hands, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the broccoli mixture. Gently mold it into the classic cylindrical tater tot shape. Place each shaped tot onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is about an inch of space between each one to allow for even cooking and crisping. Repeat this process until all of the mixture has been used.
- Bake until crispy. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the broccoli tots for an initial 20 minutes. After this time, carefully flip each tot to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tots are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove them from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Essential Cooking Tips and Tricks
Achieving perfectly crispy and delicious baked broccoli tots every time is easy with a few key considerations:
- Finely Dice the Onion: The texture of your tots is important. Ensure that the onion is very finely diced, almost minced. Larger pieces of onion can make the mixture chunky and harder to bind, potentially causing the tots to fall apart or have an uneven texture. A consistent, small dice allows the onion to blend seamlessly into the broccoli mixture, distributing flavor without being overtly noticeable.
- Thoroughly Drain Excess Water from Broccoli: This is arguably the most critical step. After blanching the broccoli, it’s imperative to drain it exceptionally well. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness and will result in soggy, rather than crunchy, tots. You can press the drained broccoli against the sides of the colander or even use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out extra water. The drier the broccoli, the crispier your tots will be.
- Pulse, Don’t Puree the Broccoli: When using the food processor, aim for a finely chopped, almost rice-like consistency, but stop before it becomes a wet paste or puree. Pulsing in short bursts allows you to control the texture. If the broccoli becomes too wet and over-processed, it will be incredibly difficult to shape into stable tots, and they will likely lack the desired texture.
- Use a Nonstick Baking Sheet or Parchment Paper: To prevent your tots from sticking to the baking sheet and breaking apart when you try to flip them, always use a reliable nonstick baking sheet. If you don’t have one, lining a standard baking sheet with parchment paper is an excellent alternative that ensures easy release and minimal cleanup.
- Flip Tots Halfway for Even Browning: For uniformly golden-brown and crispy tots, make sure to flip them halfway through the baking time. This exposes all sides to the direct heat of the oven, ensuring they crisp up beautifully and cook evenly.
Irresistible Dipping Sauces
While these baked broccoli tots are incredibly flavorful on their own, pairing them with a delicious dipping sauce takes them to the next level. The options for dipping are truly endless, allowing you to customize your tot experience to your taste:
Classic choices like humble **ketchup** and creamy **Ranch dressing** are always popular, especially with kids. Their familiar flavors provide a comforting contrast to the savory broccoli. For a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired option, creamy **hummus** is an excellent choice, adding a nutty and earthy dimension. But don’t stop there! Feel free to elevate your dipping game with gourmet touches:
- Basil Pesto: Swirl a dollop of vibrant basil pesto into plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a fresh, herbaceous dip. Its rich, aromatic notes perfectly complement the broccoli.
- Roasted Garlic Aioli: For a more sophisticated flavor, consider a homemade garlic aioli. The creamy texture and pungent garlic kick add a layer of indulgence that makes these tots feel gourmet.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: If you love a little heat, mix Sriracha sauce into mayonnaise for a zesty, spicy dip that provides a wonderful kick.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce offers a delightful balance of flavors that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Sour Cream and Chive: A simple mix of sour cream, fresh chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper creates a fresh and creamy dip.
Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect pairing!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Convenience
These baked broccoli tots are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, especially if you’re into meal prepping or need quick, healthy snacks on hand. Their freezer-friendly nature makes them an ideal candidate for preparing in advance:
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover baked broccoli tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat them, you have a few excellent options: a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven will bring them back to crispy perfection, or you can use an air fryer for an even faster reheat and crunchier result. Reheating ensures they retain their texture and flavor, making them fantastic make-ahead snacks or quick additions to meals.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Kid-friendly vegetable dishes that can be frozen are a true culinary gem. You can, and absolutely should, make a double or triple batch of these tots and freeze a portion for later. This foresight will save you time and effort on busy days.
To freeze the tots effectively:
- After shaping the raw tots, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the entire baking sheet into the freezer and allow the tots to freeze completely until solid. This “flash-freezing” step prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen solid (this usually takes a couple of hours), transfer the tots to a heavy-duty zipper-lock freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container.
- Label the bag or container with the date. The tots can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising quality.
Cooking from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen broccoli tots, there’s no need to thaw them! You can cook them directly from frozen. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until they are thoroughly heated through and deliciously crispy, which typically takes a bit longer than cooking from fresh. This makes healthy eating incredibly convenient, even on the busiest days.
Common Questions About Broccoli Tots
While it might seem convenient, I generally do not recommend using frozen broccoli for this recipe. Frozen broccoli tends to retain a significant amount of water, even after thawing and draining. This excess moisture can make the tot mixture too mushy and wet, making it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to shape into firm, cohesive tots. The resulting tots would also likely turn out soggy rather than crispy. For the best texture and results, fresh broccoli is always the preferred choice.
Absolutely! There are many ways to elevate the flavor of these broccoli tots. Beyond the Parmesan, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend for a cheesier bite. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red chile flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. A packet of ranch seasoning mixed into the broccoli mixture can provide a familiar, zesty flavor profile. Fresh, minced herbs like parsley, chives, or basil will brighten the taste, while a touch of garlic powder or onion powder can deepen the savory notes. Feel free to customize based on your family’s preferences!
Yes, these broccoli tots can be successfully made in an air fryer, and they often achieve an even crispier exterior! When air frying, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which is essential for even air circulation and crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than fried, results. Air fryers generally cook more efficiently and at a higher intensity than a standard oven, so the tots may be ready faster. Start checking for crispness and doneness a few minutes earlier than the oven instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes total, flipping halfway through, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
More Veggie Tot Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with these delicious and healthy baked broccoli tots, you’re in for a treat! The world of veggie tots is vast and full of flavorful possibilities. Expanding your repertoire with other vegetable-based tot recipes is a fantastic way to introduce more greens and vibrant flavors into your diet. Here are a few more irresistible veggie tot recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots: Sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy, these sweet potato tots are a delightful alternative, especially when cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots: Light, fresh, and packed with gooey cheese, these zucchini tots are a wonderful way to use up summer’s bounty.
- Baked Butternut Squash Tots: Embrace the flavors of autumn with these naturally sweet and vibrant butternut squash tots, baked until golden and tender.
- 5-Ingredient Baked Cauliflower Tots: For simplicity and speed, these cauliflower tots require just five ingredients and offer a mild, versatile flavor that pairs well with anything.
Each of these recipes offers a unique flavor and nutritional profile, providing endless options for healthy snacks, appetizers, or side dishes that are both kid-friendly and adult-approved. Dive in and discover your next favorite veggie tot!
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Easy Baked Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 2 medium heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup small diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Ranch dressing or ketchup, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the water and cook them just until fork tender, about 5 minutes. Thoroughly drain the florets and transfer them to a food processor. Pulse the broccoli for a few seconds just until the it breaks down into small pieces. (Do not overmix the broccoli or the mixture will be too wet to form into tots.)
- Measure out 3 packed cups of the broccoli and add it to a large bowl. Add the diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg and Parmesan cheese and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Using your hands, portion out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and mold it into a tater tot shape. Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the tots for about 20 minutes then flip them once and bake them an additional 10 to 15 minutes until crisped. Remove the tots from the oven and serve them with ketchup, Ranch dressing or hummus for dipping.
Kelly’s Notes
- The onion should be cut small enough so that it’s not too chunky and can be easily mixed into the broccoli mixture.
- Pulse the broccoli until it breaks down into tiny pieces, but don’t overprocess it! If you do, the broccoli will be too wet and you won’t be able to shape the tots.
- If you don’t have a nonstick baking sheet, use a standard baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
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