Broccoli Tots - Feeding Tiny Bellies (2024)

If you have a little one who isn’t a fan of broccoli, these broccoli tots are a fun, new way to serve them up! They come together with just a few simple ingredients and a a great way of incorporating more veggies into your little one’s meals!

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What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need to make these broccoli tots:

• Broccoli: The main ingredient for these tots. I steamed the broccoli in the microwave, but you can also steam it on the stove or boil it.
• Breadcrumbs: I like to use plain flavored panko breadcrumbs.
• Egg: Used as a binder to help the tots hold their shape.
• Shredded Cheese: Used to add flavor to these veggie tots. I used cheddar cheese, but you may use any type of cheese.
• Garlic/Onion Powder: For added flavor.
• Salt: Optional ingredient for a little added flavor. You can make a batch without salt for a younger baby and add salt to the rest for everyone else!

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Substitutions & Additions

• Broccoli: The broccoli may be replaced with cauliflower. Check out this recipe for air-fryer cauliflower tots!
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to set and thicken.
• Breadcrumbs: I use panko breadcrumbs in this recipe, but for a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour.
• Cheese: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese for dairy-free shredded cheese.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

STEP 2: Add broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft and fork-tender (Image 1). You may also boil the broccoli in a small pot of boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and finely chop into small pieces (Image 2). I used kitchen scissors to finely chop the florets, but you may also use a food processor.

STEP 3: Add the breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl with the broccoli (Image 3). Mix until well combined (Image 4).

STEP 4: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into a tot shape. Place the tots on a parchment paper-lined baking pan (Image 5).

STEP 5: Bake the tots for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to slightly brown. Shake the pan halfway through for even browning (Image 6).

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store the broccoli tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake the tots at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. To freeze, place the cooled tots in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before reheating, or quickly reheat on high in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, adding 10-second increments as needed. You may also reheat these tots in the air fryer using your air fryer’s reheat function.

Recipe FAQs

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