Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these broccoli tots are sure to be enjoyed by all ages.
Reasons to Love these Broccoli Tots
- BROCCOLI EXPOSURE: Broccoli isn't always the most accepted vegetable and repeated exposure is important for acceptance. These tots may be a good stepping stone for your child to accept broccoli on its own. The cheese adds fat and salt to help mask/reduce the bitter taste that many kids find off putting. Adding a tasty dip also helps with this.
- ADDED PROTEIN: Not only is almond meal a great gluten free substitute for breadcrumbs, it also provides extra fat and protein to keep little tummies fuller for longer.
- FINGER FOOD: Because most kids love finger foods!
Watch the Video
Ingredient Information and Alternatives
You only need five ingredients to make these tasty broccoli tots. (Measurements given in the recipe card at bottom of the page.)
- BROCCOLI: The bulk of the tots.
- EGGS: Used to bind the tots together. No egg alternatives have been tested. I'd suggest trying a flax or chia egg but cannot guarantee results.
- ALMOND MEAL: I am often asked for alternatives to breadcrumbs as a gluten free option. Almond meal works great in these tots but if you prefer you can replace with the same weight of breadcrumbs (which works out as 1 cup).
- CHEESE: Added for flavour. I haven't tested these without the cheese. If you are looking for a dairy free option you may wish to try adding some nutritional yeast, lemon zest or some freshly chopped herbs for flavour. (Suggestions only, not tested)
- GARLIC: For flavour, can be skipped if preferred.
Process Shots and Cooking Tips
- PREPARE BROCCOLI: Cut the florets off the broccoli and break them up into medium pieces. Don't throw away the stem, you can add it too. Remove the tough outer skin and then cut the stem into pieces around 1-2 cm / ½-¾ inch in size. Keep it small so it softens enough to chop easily with the florets.
- COOK BROCCOLI: Steam the stems for 1 minute and then add the florets and steam for a further 3-4 minutes, or until soft. If you don't have a steamer you can boil. Just make sure to really drain well, after cooking, or the tots will be too wet and soft.
- CHOP: Chop the cooked broccoli up finely. You want nice small pieces or it will be difficult to form the tots. You will be able to chop it up a little more when mixing with the other ingredients so you don't have to be too pedantic here.
- MIX: Add the cheese, egg, almond meal and garlic and mix well to combine. Mash any bigger pieces of broccoli you find as you mix.
- FORM TOTS: Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the broccoli mixture and form it into a tot. Place on prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture (It should make around 23 -25 tots depending on how generous you are with your scoops).
- BAKE: Bake for 20 mins (190c/375F), or until crisp on the outside and piping hot throughout.
Storage Instructions
- REFRIGERATE: Allow to cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
- FREEZE: Once cool, place in the freezer, on a baking tray, until solid. Transfer to a zip lock bag, or freezable container, and store for up to 2 months.
- REHEAT: Thaw broccoli tots in refrigerator overnight and reheat at 180C/350F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated throughout. Also delicious served cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can chop the broccoli in the food processor, just be careful not to over process as the tots can then become too soft. Pulse the broccoli in short bursts.
These tots are suitable from 6 months. However, just be mindful that they do contain egg, nuts and dairy, three of the common allergens. You should introduce these foods separately first. You may wish to add a little less cheese to reduce sodium levels.
I personally haven't tried this but think it is a great idea. Just make sure to grease your muffin tray well and you may find that it needs an extra 5 mins in the oven.
Alternatively, you can form balls, although this isn't that much quicker.
I've serve with a lemon yogurt dip (mix ½ cup full-fat natural yogurt with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ garlic clove (minced) and salt & pepper. Stir to combine and adjust to suit taste).
You can serve with a selection of dips (which kids love) or your child's favourite dip.
Remember exposure is key, here are some other broccoli recipes for your little foodie to try...
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Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 550g (around 2 medium) Broccoli
- 2 Eggs
- 60g (¾ Cup) Almond Meal
- 75g (¾ Cup) Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Garlic Cloves ,minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190C/375F. Line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper.
- Cut the florets off the broccoli and break them up into medium pieces. Remove the tough outer skin of the stem and then cut the stem into pieces around 1-2 cm / ½-¾ inch in size. Â
- Steam (or boil) the stems for 1 minute and then add the florets and steam for a further 3-4 minutes, or until soft. Drain well
- Chop the cooked broccoli up and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cheese, egg, almond meal and garlic and mix well to combine. Mash any bigger pieces of broccoli up as you mix.
- Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a tot. Place on prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture (It should make around 23 -25 tots).
- Spray with oil (optional) then bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.
- Serve with a dip of choice.
Video
Recipe Notes
- You can replace the almond meal with bread crumbs if you prefer. Replace with 60g/ 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.Â
- Extra mature cheddar gives great flavour and I find you need to add less. You can use any good melting cheese (Tasty, Colby etc) or a mix (e.g parmesan and tasty)
Brittney Power says
How do I know what age these recipes are good for and how to serve them ?
Amy says
Hi Brittney, I try to include info for a baby on all my posts now (although older posts don't include this information). If you look under FAQ it is often there. These tots are suitable from 6 months. However, just be mindful that they do contain egg, nuts and dairy, three of the common allergens. You should introduce these foods separately first. You may also wish to reduce the cheese to reduce sodium levels.
Sarah H says
This recipe is incredible. My husband and I also ate them.
Amy says
Fantastic, thanks Sarah 🙂
Ink says
LO loved these! It's great they are tasty for adults, too 😀 Thanks for the recipe, Amy!
Greetings from Germany
Amy says
Thank you 🙂
Michelle says
Hi! I think the next egg alternative would be chickpea flour as a binder. Just use 1/4 cup chickpea flour with 1/4 cup water or milk (adding little by little to help prevent lumps while whisking).
Thank you for the recipe!
Amy says
Thanks Michelle 🙂
TZ says
These are great! My baby who had been rejecting broccoli is really enjoying them and so is my four year old. I have been serving them with hummus so I can use it to bind all if the crumbs back together for my baby.
Amy says
Brilliant! I'm so happy. you have been enjoying so many recipes 🙂
Kate Hopewell says
These look and taste amazing! How would you recommend storing and rehearing? Can they be frozen?
Amy says
Thank you, Kate. Yes they can be frozen 🙂 If you scroll up through the post you will find a section detailing how to best freeze and reheat them. For future reference, there is a contents box just under the first photo of most of my recipe posts. You can click on the heading to jump to the information you want. I try to include storage instructions for most of my recipes.
Claire says
A great tasty recipe for my toddlers afternoon snack today. I halved the recipe as I only had one broccoli head and still made at least 15.
Amy says
Glad your little one enjoyed them Claire 🙂
Mylissa says
Instead of the almond meal can you use oat flour?
Amy says
Hi Mylissa, I have never tried oat flour for this recipe so I can't guarantee the results. Breadcrumbs are a good substitution.
Elaine T says
My son is about to turn 1 and is going through a picky phase... but he devoured these! I substituted for panko per your instructions as this is all I had and they are so yummy. Thank you!
Amy says
Excellent! I'm so happy your little one liked them 🙂
Susan Portelli says
I loved this recipe so much
Amy says
Thanks Susan 🙂