why make this recipe

This recipe makes a tasty, small snack that kids and adults like. The tots are cheesy, soft inside, and crisp outside. They use fresh broccoli and simple pantry items. You can bake, air fry, or pan-fry them. They are a good way to add vegetables to a meal or serve as a party finger food.

introduction

Cheesy Broccoli Tots are easy to make and feel like a treat. You can make them ahead and warm them later. They cook fast and use ingredients you likely have. If you want other simple snack ideas, check our collection of unique cookie recipes for more inspiration.

how to make Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Steam or boil the broccoli first so it is tender but not mushy. Let it cool and drain well. Chop or pulse the broccoli so small pieces remain for texture. Mix the broccoli with both cheeses, panko, flour, eggs, and seasonings. Form the mixture into small tots or balls. Choose baking, air frying, or pan-frying to cook until golden and crisp.

Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp, then cool and drain well.
Mix broccoli with cheddar, parmesan, panko, flour, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Shape into 1–2 tablespoon sized tots.
Bake, air fry, or pan-fry until golden and crispy.

Ingredients :

Fresh Broccoli Florets: (About 1 pound) The star of the show! Fresh broccoli provides the base for our tots and is packed with nutrients.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup, packed) Adds that irresistible cheesy flavor and helps bind the tots together. Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup) Brings a salty, nutty depth of flavor and enhances the cheesy goodness.
Panko Breadcrumbs: (1 cup) These Japanese breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a delightful texture.
All-Purpose Flour: (1/4 cup) Helps to absorb moisture and further bind the ingredients, ensuring the tots hold their shape.
Eggs: (2 large) Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding richness.
Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the broccoli and cheese.
Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the savory notes and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
Salt: (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) Seasoning is key! Salt enhances all the flavors in the tots.
Black Pepper: (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste) Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For baking or air frying, to prevent sticking and encourage crisping.

how to serve Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Serve warm with a dipping sauce. Good options: ketchup, ranch, marinara, or a simple yogurt dip. Put them on a platter for parties or serve with a salad for a light meal. They work well as a snack, appetizer, or side.

how to store Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Cool fully before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. For longer storage, freeze on a tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in an air fryer or oven until hot and crisp.

tips to make Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Do not overcook the broccoli. Too soft broccoli makes the mix wet and hard to shape.
Drain and press out extra moisture after steaming or boiling.
Use a food processor for a quick chop, but keep some small pieces for texture.
If mixture is too wet, add a little more panko or flour.
For extra crisp, roll tots in extra panko before cooking.
Chill the formed tots in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape.

variation (if any)

Add cooked bacon bits or finely chopped ham for meat lovers.
Mix in cooked mashed potato for a softer, more filling tot.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley for fresh taste.
Make a gluten-free version using gluten-free panko and flour substitutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain well, then press out extra water before mixing.

Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: You can try an egg substitute like flax egg, but texture may change. Eggs help bind the tots.

Q: How big should I make each tot?
A: Use about 1–2 tablespoons of mixture for each tot. Small tots cook more evenly.

Q: Can I bake them ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat in oven or air fryer to crisp before serving.

Q: Are they kid-friendly?
A: Yes. The cheesy taste and small size make them good for kids. Cut into small pieces for very young children.

Conclusion

For more ideas and a similar take on broccoli tots, see this helpful recipe guide at Broccoli Tots – Feeding Tiny Bellies.