Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
If you’re looking for a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your diet, Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots are the perfect solution! These bite-sized delights are not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly easy to prepare. Made with fresh or frozen broccoli, a touch of cheese, and a blend of breadcrumbs, they make for an irresistible snack or side dish. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice for everyone. Let’s dive into why you should whip up a batch of these tasty broccoli tots!
Top Reasons to Make Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, these tots provide a healthy dose of broccoli in a fun format.
- Kid-Friendly: They’re a great way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters, hiding the greens in a tasty treat.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to make them uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store them for a quick snack or side throughout the week.
- Quick to Make: With minimal prep time, you can have these tots ready in under an hour!
What Goes In
- 2 cups or 12 ounces uncooked or frozen broccoli: The star of the dish, providing flavor and nutrition.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the tots together.
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion: For a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy goodness that complements the broccoli.
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light and crispy texture on the outside.
- 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Enhances the flavor with a mix of herbs and spices.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (or cilantro, rosemary): Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild kick to the tots.
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients easily.
- Baking sheet: A flat surface for baking the tots to perfection.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy clean-up and prevents sticking.
- Food processor (optional): For finely chopping broccoli if not using frozen.
- Spoon or scooper: To portion out the broccoli mixture for even baking.
Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender, then chop it finely. If you opt for frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess moisture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced onion, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix everything until well incorporated.
Step 3: Form the Tots
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into tot shapes. Aim for small logs or nuggets that will bake evenly.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the formed broccoli tots on the sheet, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip halfway through to achieve an even crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce!
In-Season Flavor Ideas
- Garlic Powder: Add a teaspoon for a savory twist.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Substitute half of the cheddar with grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Swap out parsley for fresh basil during the summer months for a fragrant touch.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
These Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots are incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to switch up the cheese or breadcrumbs based on what you have on hand. For a dairy-free version, you can use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs to suit your taste!
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider broiling the tots for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- For added nutrition, you can mix in some finely grated carrots or zucchini.
- These tots freeze well! Simply freeze them before baking, and then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store & Reheat
To store your Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat!
Common Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing.
Can I make these tots gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for a gluten-free version.
What can I serve with these tots?
These tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dips such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a creamy avocado dip.
Can I bake these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the tots ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Don’t Miss These
Final Bite
These Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots are a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious snack or side dish that everyone will love. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, tender interior, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a gathering or enjoying them as a quick afternoon snack, these tots are a guilt-free indulgence. Get ready to savor every bite and feel good about each one!
Your journey to incorporating more veggies into your meals has never been tastier. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy your Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots today and watch them disappear in no time!
Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using fresh broccoli, steam until tender, then chop finely. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, diced onion, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Form the Tots - Scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into tot shapes, like small logs or nuggets.
- Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the formed tots on the sheet, spaced out for even cooking.
- Step 5: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve - Let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with dipping sauce!
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, broil the tots for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
- These tots freeze well! Freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
