These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are a fun and nutritious twist on the classic snack. Packed with broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, they’re a tasty way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your snack cravings. Baked to golden perfection, these tots are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and the perfect guilt-free treat for both kids and adults!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are not only incredibly delicious but also healthy and easy to make. With the goodness of broccoli, the gooeyness of cheddar cheese, and a crispy exterior, they’re a fun way to get your daily servings of vegetables without compromising on flavor. The whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice texture, while the eggs help bind everything together. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
For the Tots:
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds a gooey flavor)
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1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (helps bind the mixture)
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2 large eggs (acts as a binder)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (offers a depth of flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon salt (essential for flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adds subtle warmth)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Cook the Broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain any excess water.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the broccoli is finely chopped and well-combined with the other ingredients.
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Form the Tater Tots: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into little balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Serve: Allow the tots to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, sriracha mayo, or tzatziki.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 36 tater tots
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add More Veggies: Sneak in some additional vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to boost the nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture for some heat.
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Cheese Swap: Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a unique twist.
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Make Them Vegan: Swap the eggs for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Can I bake these without parchment paper?
Yes, you can bake them directly on the baking sheet, but parchment paper helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tots ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze them after forming them into balls, then bake from frozen when needed.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if preferred, though whole wheat breadcrumbs add a little more fiber to the dish.
What can I serve these with?
These cheesy broccoli tater tots pair wonderfully with dips like ketchup, ranch, or a creamy sriracha mayo. They also make a great side dish to a light salad or sandwich.
Conclusion
Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are the perfect combination of fun, healthy, and flavorful. These guilt-free snacks are a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and a tender, veggie-packed interior, they make for an irresistible snack or side dish. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and dips. Enjoy them hot and fresh for the best experience!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 tater tots
Description
These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are the perfect healthy snack or side dish! Made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and whole wheat breadcrumbs, they’re crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. These tots are a fun, nutritious way to sneak in veggies while satisfying your cravings for a crispy, savory treat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these tots are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
For the Tots:
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and any excess water is drained.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the broccoli is finely chopped and the ingredients are well-combined.
- Form the Tater Tots: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Allow the tots to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding grated carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower to the mix.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture for some heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try using mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a different twist.
- Make Them Vegan: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
