Broccoli, the unsung hero of the vegetable kingdom, often sits uneaten on kids’ plates—sad and lonely. But what if I told you it could be transformed into crispy, cheesy tots that even the pickiest eater might devour? Picture this: the smell of melted cheese wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the earthy aroma of perfectly roasted broccoli, coaxing grins from even the most stubborn little faces.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until tender, or alternatively, boil them for 3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and finely chop the broccoli using kitchen scissors or a food processor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional salt. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized portions and shape each into a tot. Arrange the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the tots for 20-25 minutes, ensuring to shake the pan halfway through for even browning, until the edges turn slightly golden.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar used, but any type can be substituted)
- 1 egg
- ? cup of plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt (optional)
FAQ
- Can I prepare broccoli tots using an air fryer?
- Yes, you can make broccoli tots in an air fryer. Lightly spray the tots with oil to help them achieve a golden color and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking.
- What is the texture of these broccoli tots?
- These tots have a soft and fluffy texture with bits of broccoli for added texture. For a smoother consistency, use a food processor to finely chop the broccoli before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
- Absolutely! You can swap broccoli with cauliflower, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for an egg-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, and use dairy-free cheese for those avoiding dairy.
- How should I store leftover broccoli tots?
- Cool the tots and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before reheating.
- Can I prepare these tots for a baby?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a baby by omitting the salt and using mozzarella cheese as a low-sodium option. Adjust the texture to your preference for a baby-friendly version.
Tips
- For a smoother tot texture, use a food processor to finely chop the steamed broccoli before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- If you’re preparing these tots for a baby, consider using mozzarella cheese as a lower-sodium option instead of cheddar cheese.
- To achieve a golden brown finish when using an air fryer, lightly spray the tots with oil and cook at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, ensuring to shake the pan halfway through for even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender – For finely chopping the broccoli florets if you don’t use kitchen scissors.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking pan and prevent the tots from sticking.
- Microwave-safe Bowl – If you don’t already have one for steaming the broccoli in the microwave.
