This post is sponsored by Taylor Farms. All opinions are my own.
My favorite way to eat broccoli as a kid was paired with something cheesy (like mac and cheese!) or with some sort of cheese sauce atop the broccoli. I also loved broccoli cheese soup (which, thinking back, is pretty much just like cheese fondue with speckles of broccoli in it). Broccoli and cheese is just one of those classic pairings that go together like milk and cookies or peanut butter and jelly. Wouldn’t you agree?
Now that I am an adult (although, this is debatable sometimes), I will eat my broccoli any which way - steamed, roasted, raw - but I will never say no to a broccoli cheese pairing, especially if it is in the form of a tater tot! Finger foods are kind of the best.
I’ve been wanting to make homemade tater tots for awhile now, and when Taylor Farms reached out to me to pair their broccoli pearls into a recipe I knew this was the moment! The best part about these tater tots is that they are easy to make, can be baked, and are much healthier than a regular potato based tater tot (and yes, they can still be dipped in ketchup!). It’s a fun side to whatever you are grilling outdoors this summer, or even packable for a picnic!
You simply start by steaming the broccoli bits directly in the bag in the microwave, and then mix it with panko, an egg, shredded cheese, and some seasonings. The result is a healthier baked tater tot that is the coolest green color. The only thing missing at this point is green or purple ketchup to dip it in. If you remember what I am talking about (looking at you, 90s kids!) then you are my new best friend!
Broccoli Cheese Tots
makes approx 24 tots
Ingredients
- 16 oz broccoli pearls
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 3/4 - 1 cup panko
- 2 tbl fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Directions
Steam the broccoli pearls according to package directions, and set aside to let cool.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the steamed and cooled broccoli bits, egg, cheddar, panko, parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper. Mix together until fully combined.
Scoop about 1 1/2 tbl of broccoli mixture into the palm of your hand, and squeeze with your hand to mold into a long cylinder. Press down on the edges with your other hand to form a rectangular tot shape. If mixture is falling apart in your hands and not sticking, add 1/4 cup panko to the bowl and mix.
Shape each tot and arrange on a baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Brush the top of each tot with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 - 22 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom, rotating the tray halfway through. Serve with ketchup or dipping sauce of choice!
