Name: Side Dish Sundays: Broccoli Cheddar Tots.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound broccoli florets (about 1 ½ to 2 cups riced); 5 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (freshly grated); ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayo; 1 chipotle pepper (chopped); 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles in adobo)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, look no further than these Broccoli Cheddar Tots. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also packs a flavorful punch with the sharpness of cheddar and a kick from chipotle. Perfect for a family dinner or as a snack for game day, these tots are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and utterly irresistible.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Second, it is incredibly versatile—feel free to tweak the spices or cheese to suit your taste. Moreover, it’s a great way to use up leftover broccoli or even fresh broccoli that’s about to go bad. Lastly, these tots can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a convenient side dish for any busy weeknight.

Gather These Ingredients

1 pound broccoli florets, about 1 ½ to 2 cups riced broccoli
5 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayo
1 chipotle pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon adobo sauce, from a can of chipotles in adobo

Tools of the Trade

Large mixing bowl – for combining all your ingredients.
Food processor – to rice the broccoli quickly and efficiently.
Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for portioning the tots evenly.
Oven – to bake your tots to crispy perfection.

Cooking Side Dish Sundays: Broccoli Cheddar Tots.: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by ricing your broccoli florets. If you have a food processor, pulse the florets until they resemble small grains of rice. If you prefer to do it manually, chop the broccoli finely with a knife. You should aim for about 1 ½ to 2 cups of riced broccoli.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced broccoli, freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese, seasoned bread crumbs, and the egg. Add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor. Stir everything until combined.

Step 3: Add Creaminess and Heat

Next, mix in the Greek yogurt, mayo, chopped chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce. This mixture will give your tots a creamy texture and a subtle kick. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Form the Tots

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and form small tots. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one for even cooking.

Step 5: Bake the Tots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the broccoli cheddar tots for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. These tots are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce. Enjoy your Side Dish Sundays: Broccoli Cheddar Tots!

What to Use Instead

Cheese: Swap sharp white cheddar for a milder cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Greek yogurt: Use sour cream or a vegan yogurt if you prefer.
Chipotle pepper: If you don’t like heat, omit the chipotle and adobo sauce.
Bread crumbs: Use crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

Not ricing the broccoli well enough—large pieces won’t hold together.
Skipping the cooling step after baking—this helps the tots firm up.
Overcrowding the baking sheet—give each tot room to crisp up.
Not seasoning enough—taste the mixture before baking to ensure it’s flavorful.

How to Store & Reheat

Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Common Questions

Can I freeze these broccoli cheddar tots?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked tots. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these tots?

These tots pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or even a zesty salsa. They also make a great side to burgers or grilled chicken.

How do I make these tots spicier?

To amp up the spice, add more chopped chipotle peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before ricing and mixing with the other ingredients.

Desserts to Finish

Bring It Home

There’s something special about dedicating a day to preparing sides that enhance the main dish. These Broccoli Cheddar Tots are not only a delightful addition to your Side Dish Sundays: Broccoli Cheddar Tots. lineup but also a great way to sneak in some nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Each bite is a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and the subtle earthiness of broccoli, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag your culinary adventures; we’d love to see how your Broccoli Cheddar Tots turn out!