The Perfect Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Recipe For Crispy Bites

Broccoli-cheese tater tots pack a delightful punch of flavor and nutrition into every crispy bite.

Imagine a snack that reinvents mundane vegetables into an exciting culinary experience.

These golden-brown morsels blend wholesome ingredients with irresistible cheesy goodness, creating a mouthwatering treat that defies expectations.

Kids and adults alike fall in love with their crunchy exterior and creamy interior, where vegetables hide in delicious disguise.

Nutritious broccoli mingles with melted cheese, forming a perfect harmony of taste and texture that makes healthy eating feel like an indulgence.

The compact size makes them ideal for gatherings, lunch boxes, or spontaneous snacking moments.

You’ll find these tots disappearing faster than you can plate them.

Why Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Are a Must-Try

• Revolutionize Veggie Snacking: These broccoli-cheese tater tots transform boring vegetables into an irresistible, crispy treat that makes healthy eating feel like an indulgence.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: The simple preparation method allows anyone to create restaurant-style appetizers at home in just 30 minutes, with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutrition-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with protein, low in calories, and combining the goodness of broccoli and cheese, these tots deliver a nutritious punch without sacrificing taste or texture.

Key Ingredients for Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrition and texture to the tater tots.
• Shallot: Mild onion-like ingredient that adds subtle, sweet flavor to the mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that gives richness and helps bind the tots together.
• Eggs: Natural binder that helps hold the ingredients and provides structure to the tater tots.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style bread crumbs that create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the tater tots.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick and depth to the recipe.

How to Make Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets for 2 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and chop into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create the Mixing Base

• Chopped broccoli
• Minced shallot
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Panko bread crumbs
• Eggs

Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Tater Tots

Scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture and shape into tot-like forms using your hands. Place each tot carefully on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange

Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tots evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, watching for a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove tots from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve immediately while warm as a delightful snack or side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Prep Broccoli with Care: Steam florets briefly to maintain their vibrant color and prevent overcooking, which can make them mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure even distribution of cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings by gently folding the mixture to keep the texture light and cohesive.
• Shape Consistently: Use slightly damp hands when forming tots to prevent sticking and create uniform sizes for even baking and appealing presentation.
• Optimize Crispiness: Place tots with some space between them on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, resulting in a crunchier exterior.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for more intense flavor, or experiment with a blend of cheeses like monterey jack or gruyère for added depth.

Storing and Reheating Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled broccoli-cheese tater tots into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Reheating in Oven: Restore crispiness by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange tots on a baking sheet, spreading them out evenly to ensure even heating. Bake for 8-10 minutes until they're heated through and regain their golden crunch.
• Freezing Option: Freeze uncooked or cooked tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Whip up a creamy ranch dip with fresh herbs to complement the cheesy broccoli tots, adding a cool and tangy contrast to the crispy baked appetizer.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity and herbal notes will cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing palate cleanse between bites.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken Strips: Create a complete meal by pairing the tots with lean protein, turning this snack into a satisfying and balanced dinner option that kids and adults will love.
• Combine with Light Spinach Salad: Toss a simple spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the richness of the cheesy broccoli tots, creating a nutritious and delicious plate.

Fun Variations of Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Green Power Tots: Replace cheddar with nutrient-packed spinach and use mozzarella for a lighter, veggie-boosted version that packs extra green goodness.
• Spicy Southwest Tots: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle cumin, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-style kick that brings bold flavors to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Tots: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a touch of dried oregano to transform these tots into a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer with bright, fresh notes.
• Protein-Packed Tots: Mix in finely diced cooked chicken or crumbled turkey bacon to boost protein content and create a more substantial, filling snack that satisfies hunger quickly.

Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Crispy Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots bring comfort and nostalgia to classic snacking with a green vegetable twist. Cheesy potato bites packed with broccoli deliver a crowd-pleasing appetizer you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 small shallot, minced
• ½ cup (60 grams) panko bread crumbs

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse broccoli under cold water, then trim the florets into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
2. Gently steam the broccoli florets for 2 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain a vibrant green color; immediately drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Finely mince the shallot to release its delicate, sweet flavor and create a uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, minced shallot, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, crisp panko bread crumbs, and two large eggs.
5. Carefully season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and well-incorporated.
6. Using clean hands, gently form the mixture into compact, cylindrical shapes approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, mimicking traditional tater tot dimensions.
7. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
8. Methodically arrange the formed broccoli-cheese tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
9. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center for consistent heating.
10. Bake the tots for 18-22 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents burning.
12. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or as a delightful side dish.

Notes

• Chop steamed broccoli into tiny bits to ensure even distribution throughout the tot mixture.
• Mix ingredients with a light hand to keep the texture delicate and prevent dense, heavy tots.
• Shape tots carefully to maintain uniform size, which helps them cook evenly and look professional.
• Prep baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper for easy cleanup and crispy edges.
• Store leftover tots in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg