Crispy Homemade Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Recipe For Kids

Crispy, golden tater tots studded with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli-cheese bits create a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks instant joy.

These irresistible bites pack serious flavor into every crunchy morsel.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine to make something extraordinary.

The broccoli-cheese tater tots sing with savory goodness and provide a perfect balance of vegetables and comfort food.

Melted cheese weaves through each bite, creating pockets of creamy excitement.

Kids and adults alike devour these tots with gleeful enthusiasm.

Serve them hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure culinary delight.

Serve Broccoli-Cheese Tots for Snack Time

• Dip Delight: Pair these broccoli-cheese tater tots with cool ranch, zesty marinara, or tangy honey mustard sauce for an extra flavor punch that'll make taste buds dance.
• Lunch Companion: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or crisp green beans to create a balanced meal that's both nutritious and satisfying for kids and adults alike.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Protein Plus: Complement the tater tots with grilled chicken strips or a small portion of baked salmon to transform this snack into a complete and hearty meal with added protein.

Storage Ideas for Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Quick Batch Preparation: Make a double or triple batch of these tater tots and freeze uncooked portions for future meals. Simply arrange unbaked tots on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient storage up to 3 months.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Cooked tater tots stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore their delightful crispiness and maintain original texture.
• Meal Companion Planning: These broccoli-cheese tater tots pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, turkey burgers, or as a delicious appetizer during game nights. Kids and adults will love them as a nutritious, protein-packed side dish.
• Ingredient Prep Shortcut: Chop broccoli and measure cheese ingredients the night before cooking to streamline your preparation time. This method reduces kitchen stress and makes assembling the recipe faster and more enjoyable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 21

What You’ll Need for Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Broccoli Florets: Provides robust green vegetable foundation with crisp texture and nutritional boost, select fresh, vibrant green florets without yellowing edges.
• Shallot: Delivers subtle, delicate onion flavor without overwhelming other ingredients, choose firm shallots with smooth, unblemished skin.

• Eggs, Cheddar Cheese: Combine to create creamy, rich binding that helps tots hold shape and adds deep savory taste, select full-fat cheese for maximum meltiness and farm-fresh eggs for best consistency.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates light, airy golden exterior with satisfying crunch, look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for optimal texture.
• Salt And Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for brightest seasoning.

Kitchen Tools for Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for arranging and baking tater tots evenly.
• Parchment Paper/Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Steamer/Pot with Steaming Basket: Needed to steam broccoli florets perfectly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping broccoli into small pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Helps mince shallots and chop broccoli.
• Grater: Used to shred cheddar cheese.
• Spoon: Helps measure and transfer mixture when forming tots.

How to Make Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Easily

• Green Veggie Prep

Grab your fresh broccoli and transform those florets into tiny flavor powerhouses by giving them a quick steam bath. Chop them into delightful small pieces that will blend seamlessly into your tot mixture.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine the chopped broccoli with a playful mix of shredded cheese, crunchy bread crumbs, and eggs. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to awaken all the delicious potential hiding in this mixture.

• Shaping Adventure

Gently craft each spoonful of the mixture into adorable tot shapes, placing them carefully on a baking sheet. Think of yourself as a tot sculptor creating edible art.

• Oven Transformation

Slide your baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400°F. Watch the magic happen as these little gems turn golden and crispy, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Enjoyment Time

Pull out your perfectly baked broccoli cheese tater tots and serve them immediately. These crispy, cheesy bites are ready to steal the show at any meal or snack time.

Tips for Flavorful Broccoli Tater Tots

• Add extra nutrition by finely grating carrots or zucchini into the mixture for more hidden vegetables kids will love.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp provolone, smoky gouda, or tangy pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that transform the classic recipe.
• Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or seasoned crackers for an unexpected crispy exterior that adds delightful texture to each bite.
• Prepare quick companion sauces like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli to elevate these tater tots from good to absolutely irresistible side dish everyone will request again.
• Prepare a double batch and freeze uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals – simply add 5-7 extra minutes to baking time when cooking directly from frozen state.

Crispy Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 21 1x

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Description

Homemade broccoli-cheese tater tots combine crispy potato goodness with green vegetable nutrition and melted cheese. Guests will appreciate this creative side dish that delivers satisfying crunch and comforting flavors you can enjoy at any casual gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small shallot, minced
• ½ cup (60 grams) panko bread crumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse broccoli thoroughly and trim florets into small, uniform pieces. Mince shallot finely and set aside.
2. Initial Cooking: Steam broccoli florets for 2 minutes until slightly tender, maintaining a vibrant green color. Drain and pat dry completely to remove excess moisture.
3. Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, minced shallot, cheddar cheese, panko bread crumbs, and eggs. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed and well-incorporated.
4. Shaping: Using clean hands, form the mixture into compact cylindrical shapes resembling traditional tater tots, approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.
5. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) with the rack positioned in the center. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
6. Cooking: Arrange shaped tots on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each piece for proper heat circulation. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness.
7. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to firm up. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, paired with your preferred dipping sauce or as a delectable side dish.

Notes

• Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat broccoli completely dry after steaming to avoid soggy tots that won’t crisp properly.
• Perfect Binding Technique: Use room temperature eggs and mix ingredients thoroughly to help tots hold their shape during baking.
• Consistent Size Matters: Form tots uniformly to ensure even cooking and crispy exterior for all pieces.
• Optimal Baking Position: Place oven rack in center to guarantee balanced heat distribution and golden-brown crunchiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 21
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg