Cheesy Broccoli Tots

$- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) For my Cheesy Broccoli Tots, I love using fresh broccoli florets. They give a bright flavor and nice crunch. Steaming them softens the broccoli, which helps with mixing. Next, I add shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy taste. Breadcrumbs are my secret for binding. They help hold the tots together and give that crispy bite. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder I often toss in grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with cheddar. Garlic powder and onion powder are great for extra taste. They give these tots a savory kick that makes every bite delightful. - Cooking spray or olive oil - Salt and pepper To ensure they get crispy, I use cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper are key for bringing out all the flavors. These simple ingredients make a big difference in taste and texture. For the full recipe, don't forget to check the complete preparation steps and ingredients. Start by steaming your broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain them well and chop them into small pieces. This helps the tots hold together better. A fine chop allows the broccoli to blend with the other ingredients. In a large bowl, combine your chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you see a dough-like texture. Make sure every piece of broccoli gets coated with cheese and seasoning. This step is key for good flavor in your cheesy broccoli tots. Now, it’s time to shape the mixture into tots. Use your hands to form small shapes, about 1.5 inches long. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each tot for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle some olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to look golden brown and crispy. After baking, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty snacks! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your tots crispy, use cooking spray. It helps the outside get nice and golden. Lightly spray the tops before baking. I recommend placing them on a lined baking sheet to avoid sticking. For baking, keep the tots spaced out. This allows hot air to flow around each one. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Watch for that golden color. That’s when they are ready! For leftovers, let the tots cool first. Store them in an airtight container. They last about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy, unlike using a microwave. These cheesy broccoli tots taste great with dips! Marinara sauce adds a nice tang. Ranch dressing gives a creamy touch. Serve them on a colorful platter. Add fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes your snack look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun tastes. Try using mozzarella for a gooey center. Feta adds a salty, tangy kick. Goat cheese gives a creamy touch that blends well. Each cheese brings its own flavor twist. Mix and match to find your favorite! Want to boost the health of your tots? Toss in some chopped spinach or carrots. They add color and nutrients. Cooked bacon or diced ham can give a savory bite. You can even add cooked quinoa for extra protein. These add-ins make the dish even better! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour works great too. You can also crush gluten-free crackers as an alternative. These options keep your tots crispy without gluten. Enjoy every bite without worry! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To keep your cheesy broccoli tots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. If you want to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. This way, they won’t stick together. After they freeze, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy access later. In the refrigerator, your cheesy broccoli tots will last for about 3-5 days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your bags with the date. This will help you use them before they lose quality. To reheat your broccoli tots and keep them crisp, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Both methods help regain that crispy texture, making them taste almost fresh again. Cheesy broccoli tots are bite-sized snacks made mainly from broccoli and cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This tasty treat combines cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs with chopped broccoli. They make a fun and healthy snack for kids and adults alike. Yes, you can prepare cheesy broccoli tots in advance. Here’s how: - Make the mixture: Combine the broccoli and other ingredients as usual. - Shape the tots: Form them into small shapes. - Chill them: Place the shaped tots on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape. - Store them: Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can keep them in the freezer for up to a month. When ready, bake straight from frozen. You can find premade cheesy broccoli tots in many grocery stores. Look for brands like Alexia or Green Giant. These options save time if you want a quick snack. You can also make them at home for fresher taste and control over ingredients. To make cheesy broccoli tots, follow the full recipe with precise steps and ingredients. You'll find everything you need to create this delightful snack. Enjoy the process and get ready for a crispy treat! In this blog post, we explored how to make Cheesy Broccoli Tots. We covered essential and optional ingredients to boost flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and baking. Plus, tips for crisping your tots and safe storage. These tasty bites are fun and easy to make. Try different cheeses or add extra veggies for variety. Enjoy your cooking experience and savor every bite of your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Tots!$

Savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Broccoli Tots! This simple recipe combines fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and spices to create a crispy, flavorful snack that everyone will love. Perfect for kids and a great way to sneak in veggies, these tots are easy to make and bake to perfection.

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and a dough-like consistency forms.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tot shapes, about 1.5 inches long. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Lightly spray the tops of the broccoli tots with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them to help with browning.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy broccoli tots with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Arrange them on a colorful platter garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.