There’s something about tater tots that takes me right back to my childhood. I remember sliding across the kitchen floor in my socks while my mom pulled out a pan filled with golden, crispy bites that made the house smell like heaven. The crunch, the flavors, and that bit of gooey cheese made every bite a small moment of joy. Now, as an adult, I cherish cooking and experimenting, especially with ingredients that keep our old favorites healthy. That’s how I stumbled upon this gem: Irresistible Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots. This recipe takes those nostalgic crispy bites and fills them with broccoli goodness — making them perfect for snacks or a fun side dish. Trust me, these aren’t just good for kids; you’ll want to have them in your kitchen, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick to prepare, ideal for those busy weeknights.
• Kid-approved! Even the picky eaters in your life will adore these.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Enjoy a comforting and hearty flavor, packed with cheesy goodness.
• Perfect for meal prep! Make a batch and pop them in the freezer.
• Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious tater tots:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, but fresh gives a better texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
• 1 medium potato, peeled and grated (about 1 cup; Russet works best!)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko adds a delightful crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray (to give them that perfect crispiness!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your cheesy broccoli tater tots:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
2. If using fresh broccoli, bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. If you’re using frozen, pop them in the microwave just until thawed. Drain and cool.
3. Once your broccoli is cool enough to handle, use a clean kitchen towel or your hands to squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial — you don’t want soggy tots!
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained broccoli, grated potato, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined, but don’t overmix — we want those textures to shine!
5. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small tots, about the size of a golf ball, and then roll them to form a nice shape. Place the formed tater tots on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Give those tots a light spray of olive oil. This will help them get golden and crispy while baking. Everyone loves a crispy tater!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and crisp on the outside!
8. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These little bites of joy are best enjoyed warm.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got your basic recipe down, let’s have some fun with it! Here are some playful twists on your cheesy broccoli tater tots:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little heat.
• Herb It Up: Toss in some chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a pop of flavor.
• Cheesy Combinations: Try swapping out cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or even crumbled feta for a tangy flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these cheesy broccoli tater tots is part of the fun! They make a fantastic appetizer, perfect for dipping in some homemade ranch or spicy sriracha mayo. Pair them with a fresh green salad for a light lunch or serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner. You can even slide a few into a taco or serve them as a fun snack while watching your favorite movie. Whichever way you choose, these tots add so much joy to your table!

Storage Tips

Want to make these tater tots ahead of time? You can! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerating: Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, they taste pretty great cold, too!
• Freezing: To freeze, place the uncooked shaped tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months! You can pop them directly into the oven from frozen.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the tots on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. The oven brings back that crunch!

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Although fresh broccoli has a better texture, frozen will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

How do I make these tots gluten-free?

Swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or even crushed corn chips for that crispiness. It’s an easy fix and just as delicious!

What can I dip these tots in?

The options are endless! Some popular dips include ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even just a bit of ketchup if you’re feeling nostalgic. Experiment to find your favorite!

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes! Prepare them as per the recipe, then freeze before baking. You can pop them right into the oven from the freezer when you’re ready for a tasty snack!

What should I do if the mixture is too wet?

If your mixture seems too wet, simply mix in a bit more breadcrumbs until you reach a moldable consistency. A little trial and error can go a long way!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! Irresistible Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots that are not only easy to make but also a delightful twist on a childhood favorite. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with those you love — after all, food is best enjoyed together. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, or any fun variations you come up with! So, roll up your sleeves and let the aroma of these cheesy delights fill your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots Healthy Snack Delight

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these cheesy broccoli tater tots A healthy snack bursting with flavor perfect for kids adults alike Easy to make irresistibly tasty

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 medium potato, peeled and grated

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

If using fresh broccoli, bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes. If using frozen, microwave just until thawed.

Drain and cool the broccoli, then squeeze out excess moisture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, grated potato, cheddar, breadcrumbs, parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Shape the mixture into small tots and place them on the lined baking sheet.

Spray the tots lightly with olive oil.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

These Irresistible Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are a healthy twist on a childhood favorite, packed with broccoli goodness, cheesy flavor, and a satisfying crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g