How to Make Crispy Baked Broccoli Tots (Easy Recipe)
Broccoli doesn’t usually make people jump for joy, especially kids. But once you turn it into crispy, bite-sized tots, everything changes! Broccoli tots are delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make. If you’ve been searching for a fun way to sneak more veggies into your diet, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into how to make crispy baked broccoli tots in simple steps!
Why Choose Broccoli Tots?
Broccoli is a nutrition powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins like Vitamin C, fiber to keep your digestion healthy, and antioxidants that boost your immune system. When you make broccoli tots, you retain all those benefits but turn an ordinary vegetable into a fun snack or side dish. Plus, since these tots are baked instead of fried, they’re much healthier—and still super crispy.
What You’ll Need for Broccoli Tots
Before you get started, gather these ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup of shredded cheese (cheddar works great!)
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Food processor or knife for chopping
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your broccoli tots bake evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water. Next, chop it into small florets. If you have a food processor, pulse the broccoli until it’s finely minced—almost like rice. If you don’t have a food processor, just use a knife to chop as finely as possible.
Once chopped, cook the broccoli quickly. You can steam, microwave, or blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. This softens the broccoli slightly and enhances its flavor. After cooking, press the broccoli gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked, chopped broccoli with the egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. The egg and cheese help bind the tots together while adding flavor.
If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs until it holds its shape. On the other hand, if it feels too dry, you can add a tiny bit of olive oil or water.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Time to get creative! Scoop small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into oval-shaped tots—similar to store-bought potato tots. You can use your hands for this or a spoon if you prefer. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the broccoli tots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking (after 10-12 minutes), flip the tots over with a spatula so they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the tots cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They’re perfect on their own, but you can also dip them into ketchup, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
-
Don’t Skip Cooking the Broccoli: Raw broccoli is harder to shape into tots, so softening it first is essential. Plus, cooked broccoli has a milder taste.
-
Customize Your Tots: Switch things up by adding spices like paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also mix in other veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini for variety.
-
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: If you want extra-crunchy tots, panko breadcrumbs are the way to go. They’re larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, creating a better texture.
-
Freeze for Later: These tots can be made ahead and frozen. After shaping them, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love Broccoli Tots
Broccoli tots are a win-win snack for everyone. They’re healthy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a guilt-free treat, they won’t disappoint.
So the next time you’re craving something crispy and fun to eat, ditch the store-bought snacks and make these easy baked broccoli tots instead. Trust us—once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again!
Now grab a head of broccoli and get started. Happy cooking!
