Name: Broccoli Tots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets; 2 large eggs; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ½ cup grated cheddar cheese or grated parmesan cheese; ⅔ cup almond or oat flour; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

I absolutely adore these Broccoli Tots Recipe because they bring together the best of comfort food and healthy eating in one bite-sized package. I love that they have the perfect crispy outside with a tender, flavorful inside packed with wholesome broccoli. Whether I’m looking for a kid-friendly snack or a guilt-free side dish, these tots always hit the spot and never fail to impress guests or family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Tots Recipe

What makes this Broccoli Tots Recipe truly special to me is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The broccoli adds a fresh, slightly earthy backdrop, while the cheese—whether I go with sharp cheddar or nutty parmesan—brings a rich and gooey creaminess that ties everything together. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder give it just the right amount of savory depth without overpowering that bright veggie taste. Every bite feels like a little celebration of simple, fresh ingredients.

I also love how effortless these tots are to prepare. Using steamed broccoli and blending everything quickly in the food processor saves so much time, and the baking process is straightforward without any mess or fuss. These tots are perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even for sneaking in extra veggies on weeknights. Honestly, once you try making these, I’m convinced they’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a black rim sits on a white marbled surface, filled with six separate layers of ingredients. On the right, a single raw egg yolk rests on top of a green textured layer of finely chopped broccoli that takes up the bottom half of the bowl. To the upper right of the broccoli is a pile of light brown almond flour, and above it, a small mound of white grated cheese is on the left side. Between the cheese and broccoli lies a mix of small white and tan spices, and directly above the green broccoli in the center is a layer of dried green herbs. The layers are distinct and spread without mixing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Broccoli Tots Recipe are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect tot texture and flavor. From the fresh or frozen broccoli providing vibrant color and nutrients, to the almond or oat flour adding just enough binding while keeping things light, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen.

3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets: The star of the dish, steamed and finely chopped to create a tender base.
2 large eggs: These help bind all the ingredients together into manageable tots.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory sweetness that complements the broccoli.
½ cup grated cheddar or parmesan cheese: Gives a rich, melty flavor and helps with the crispy outside.
⅔ cup almond or oat flour: A light binder that keeps these tots gluten-free but still holds them together.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Infuses a blend of herbs for a wonderful aromatic touch.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to every bite.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with a thin layer of oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then set it aside so it’s ready when you need it.

Step 2: Steam the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and then drain thoroughly. I like to press the broccoli between clean kitchen towels or use a fine mesh strainer to get rid of extra moisture—this step is key for crispy tots.

Step 3: Once drained, pulse the broccoli in a food processor with the “S” blade until it’s finely chopped, almost like a coarse rice texture. If you don’t have a processor, you can finely chop the broccoli by hand, but the texture will be less uniform.

Step 4: Transfer the chopped broccoli to a large mixing bowl and add the eggs, onion powder, cheese, almond or oat flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a sticky, moldable mixture.

Step 5: Using a heaping tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and form it into small balls. Then, gently press each ball into the classic tot shape. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the tots for about 20 to 25 minutes. At the halfway mark (around 12 minutes), flip each tot carefully so they brown evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when the exterior is golden brown and crisp.

Step 7: Remove the tots from the oven and enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick.

Servings and Timing

This Broccoli Tots Recipe makes roughly 20 to 25 tots, which comfortably serves 4 people as a side dish or snack. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly for steaming and chopping the broccoli as well as mixing the ingredients together. The cooking time in the oven is around 20 to 25 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 40 minutes. Keep in mind that draining the broccoli really well before mixing is important, so set aside a few extra minutes if needed.

How to Serve This Broccoli Tots Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. On the parchment paper, there are 15 small, square-shaped green pieces arranged in four rows, each piece textured with visible bits of white and darker green mixed throughout. The green squares look like a mixture of chopped herbs or vegetables combined with small chunks of nuts or seeds, giving them a coarse and rough texture. The edges of the baking tray have some slight discoloration and wear. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these broccoli tots fresh and warm, straight out of the oven, so they have that irresistible crispy exterior. They make a fantastic side dish alongside juicy grilled chicken or baked fish, balancing out heavier proteins with their bright, vegetal notes. For a casual snack or party appetizer, pair them with an assortment of dipping sauces—ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a tangy honey mustard all work beautifully and keep things exciting.

Presentation-wise, I like arranging the tots in a neat circular pattern on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated parmesan for a little extra flair. You can serve them on a rustic wooden board or a simple white plate, either works wonderfully. For beverages, I often enjoy these with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea to keep things light and vibrant.

These tots are perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, game day treats, or even holiday gatherings where you want to offer something a bit different but crowd-pleasing. They’re just as delicious at room temperature, making them excellent for packing into lunchboxes or bringing to potlucks too.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Broccoli Tots Recipe is how easy it is to customize to fit your preferences and dietary needs. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the cheddar cheese for a sharper parmesan or even a spicy pepper jack for a bolder flavor. For a completely dairy-free version, you can leave out the cheese and add nutritional yeast for that umami kick.

If you’re gluten-free or just avoiding wheat, almond or oat flour are fantastic options as binders, but I’ve also had success with ground sunflower seeds or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a vegan spin, sub the eggs for a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly softer but still delicious.

Besides baking, I’ve experimented with pan-frying these tots in a little oil for a crispier crust, which works especially well if you like a richer, golden taste. Air frying is another convenient option—just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and flip halfway through for evenly cooked tots without extra oil.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any broccoli tots left over, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To maintain the best texture, layer the tots with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking especially if you’re stacking them.

Freezing

This Broccoli Tots Recipe freezes beautifully, which makes it easy to make a big batch ahead of time. Arrange the baked tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 to 2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, you can bake or air-fry directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave as it tends to make the tots soggy. Instead, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or heat them in an air fryer to bring back that crisp exterior while warming the inside perfectly. This method really revives that fresh-baked texture and flavor, making leftovers almost as good as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli or should it be fresh?

You can absolutely use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just be sure to steam it and drain it very thoroughly to remove excess water, which is essential for achieving a crispy tot. I often use frozen broccoli when fresh isn’t available, and it works well every time.

What is the best cheese to use in broccoli tots?

I love using sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and provides a rich, tangy flavor. Parmesan is a great option too if you want a nuttier note. You can experiment with different cheeses depending on your taste, such as pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for milder creaminess.

Can I make these tots ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the tots in advance, then store them in the fridge covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a convenient prep-ahead meal or snack. Just bake them fresh and hot right before serving for the best texture.

Are these tots gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free flour like almond or oat flour, which I recommend. Just confirm your seasoning blends and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. This recipe is naturally adaptable for gluten-free diets.

How can I make these tots vegan?

To make the Broccoli Tots Recipe vegan, replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be a little different but still tasty. Baking or air frying as usual will give you delicious plant-based tots everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Broccoli Tots Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fun, flavorful way to enjoy vegetables that feels anything but boring. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser in my home. So grab your broccoli and give these tots a try—you might just find your newest favorite snack or side dish to share with family and friends!