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Easy • Sides

Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Tots

These homemade broccoli tots are crispy, cheesy, and a fun way to enjoy your vegetables as a side or snack.

Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Tots

Tater tots, meet your healthier, equally delicious cousin! These Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Tots are a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet, and they're so tasty, even the pickiest eaters will ask for more. They're golden brown, cheesy, and perfectly dippable—making them an ideal side dish, snack, or appetizer. Get ready to bake up some green goodness!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking sheet, optional)

For Serving (optional)

  • Ketchup
  • Ranch dressing
  • Sriracha mayo

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Steam or boil broccoli florets until very tender (you should be able to easily pierce with a fork), about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.

  3. Step 3

    Once cooled, finely chop the broccoli or pulse in a food processor until it resembles a coarse meal (avoid pureeing).

  4. Step 4

    In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, flour, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the mixture can hold its shape when squeezed.

  5. Step 5

    Shape the mixture into small tot shapes (about 1-inch long and ½-inch wide). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each tot.

  6. Step 6

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  7. Step 7

    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips

  • Ensure the broccoli is well-drained after steaming to prevent soggy tots.
  • For gluten-free tots, use gluten-free panko and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • You can make the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

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