Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots: A Comforting Recipe!

You know those nights when the 5 PM panic hits? The kids are hangry, you’re staring blankly into the fridge, and dinner feels like a distant dream? That’s exactly when my family craves these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots. They are crispy, cheesy, and packed with sneaky veggies (don’t tell the kids!). Plus, they are way easier to make than you think.

These aren’t your average frozen tater tots. I was first introduced to the idea of Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots when my girlfriend showed them off at a pot luck. I was shocked and amazed that her kids ate them. They are a homemade version that brings joy to my family life, a life usually full of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese! The best part? They’re customizable, budget-friendly, and a total lifesaver on busy weeknights.

I’m super excited to share my recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots. My fellow kitchen warriors know that getting veggies into kids can be a challenge. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be. Get ready to make a dish that will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these veggie-packed wonders:

• 1 lb Russet Potatoes: Peeled and shredded. You can use a food processor for this to save time. You can grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run.
• 1 cup Broccoli Florets: Finely chopped. Fresh or frozen (thawed) works. My family loves when I add extra to the recipe.
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese: Shredded. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• 1/2 cup Onion: Finely diced. Adds a nice savory flavor.
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind everything together.
• 1 Egg: Lightly beaten. Also acts as a binder.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: To taste.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: To taste.

Here’s a Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots trick that saved my sanity: buy pre-shredded cheese and pre-chopped broccoli. These tasty Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots don’t have to break the bank, and it doesn’t have to take forever! I store any leftover shredded cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If I’m using frozen broccoli, I always make sure to squeeze out any excess water after thawing. No worries if you don’t have all-purpose flour – I use gluten-free flour all the time in my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots. My family loves when I add a little extra garlic powder.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get down to business and make these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots. These instructions are written like we are cooking together. So grab your apron, and let’s get started:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In my chaotic kitchen, this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots usually takes about 20 minutes to prep.
2. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is SUPER important for getting crispy tots. This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
3. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t panic if your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots mixture looks a little wet. As long as you squeezed out the excess water from the potatoes, you are okay.
4. Shape the mixture into small tater tot shapes. You can use your hands or a small cookie scoop. The smaller, the easier to get crispy! Here’s where I used to mess up my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots – don’t make my mistake and skip squeezing all the water out of the potato!
5. Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. While your crispy Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are doing their thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the tots halfway through for even cooking. Your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots should smell amazing by now!
7. Let the tots cool slightly before serving. This will prevent any burnt tongues.
8. You can also cook these in the air fryer! Air fry at 375 for about 15 minutes flipping halfway through.

These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots remind me of another family favorite, Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. Your family will be sure to love it!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve got a batch of golden Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots, let’s talk about how to serve them up! This is where the fun begins.

The kids devour these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots when I serve it with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. They also love it with ketchup or a little bit of sriracha mayo for a kick. These kid-friendly Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners! I often pair them with a simple grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Another thing I like to do is serve them alongside a simple salad. It is easy to throw some lettuce into a bowl with a simple dressing and call it a day. These are perfect to serve on a day like that.

For a fun twist, try serving these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots as part of a “build your own bowl” night. Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado. Let everyone customize their own bowl! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my recipe for Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter!

My oldest loves them dipped in marinara sauce, while my youngest prefers them plain. They’re also great as a side dish for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and bacon. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick and easy snack the next day.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you’ve got questions, and I’m here to answer them! Think of me as your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots guru. Let’s tackle some common concerns:

Can my picky eater handle this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots?

Absolutely! The cheese and potato flavor really masks the broccoli taste. You can even start with a smaller amount of broccoli and gradually increase it over time. I have made the mistake before of revealing that there is broccoli. This never goes well for my kids!

What if I burn my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Been there, done that! Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly. You can also tent them with foil. If they are burnt, you can just make some more!

Can I make these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the tater tot mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shape and bake them just before serving.

Can I freeze these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots?

Yes! Freeze the uncooked tater tots on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables to this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots?

Of course! Get creative and add other finely chopped veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?

No problem! Use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little bit of Parmesan.

How can I make these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots healthier?

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the mixture.

Final Thoughts:

These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are special to my family because they are a fun and delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies. It makes me feel good knowing that my family is eating healthy (even if they don’t know it!). Check out Broccoli Cheddar Tots | That Low Carb Life for another great recipe to try out if you like these!

Here are some Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots Mom Hacks to make these the best meal ever!

• Make a big batch: These freeze great, so double or triple the recipe and have them on hand for quick meals.
• Get the kids involved: Let them help shape the tots. It’s a fun and easy way to get them interested in cooking.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite spices and seasonings to customize the flavor.

Here are some family-tested variations of Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots:

• Spicy Tots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. My husband loves this version!
• Pizza Tots: Add pepperoni and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-flavored tot. My oldest son goes crazy for these!
• Sweet Potato Tots: Substitute half of the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor. My youngest loves these!

I hope you try making these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots for your family. It is so rewarding! Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be perfect. Just have fun, experiment, and enjoy the process. Four-Ingredient Broccoli Tater Tots – She Likes Food is another Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots recipe to try out.

You’ve got this, Mom Tribe! Now go forth and create some mealtime magic with Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots! You’ve got this in the bag!

 

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