Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are a deliciously crispy, bite-sized twist on the classic tater tot — packed with cheesy goodness and hidden veggies! Combining tender broccoli florets, mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, these golden bites make an irresistible snack, side dish, or even a fun party appetizer.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether you bake or fry them, these tots are a family-friendly way to sneak veggies into your meal while satisfying that crunchy, cheesy craving.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple, everyday ingredients into something fun and flavorful. These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating — you get the satisfying crunch of tater tots with the added nutrition of broccoli.

They’re kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish — and they never fail to please! The melted cheese inside every bite makes them addictive, while the broccoli adds color, texture, and balance.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Crispy, Cheesy, and Veggie-Packed: Perfectly balanced texture and taste.
Kid-Friendly & Healthy: A sneaky way to add greens to your meal.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prepping or party planning.
Versatile: Works as a snack, side dish, or lunchbox treat.
Easy to Customize: Change up the cheese, veggies, or seasonings for a new flavor every time.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
Cuisine: American
Course: Snack / Appetizer / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Tater Tots

2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, chopped)
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or frying)

Simple Cooking Directions

Boil potatoes and broccoli until tender.
Mash them together, then mix in cheese, egg, and seasonings.
Shape into small tots, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake or fry until golden brown.
Serve warm with dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the chopped potatoes and broccoli florets.
Boil for 8–10 minutes until both are tender.
Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

In a large bowl, mash the potatoes and broccoli together until slightly chunky.
Add the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Mix well until everything is evenly combined and forms a soft, moldable mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Tater Tots

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into small cylindrical tots.
If desired, coat each tot lightly in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 4: Bake or Fry

To Bake:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.

To Fry:

Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry tots in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while warm and crispy with ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.

How to Serve

These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are best served hot with dipping sauces like:

Ketchup or spicy mayo for a classic touch.
Ranch or garlic aioli for creamy flavor.
Honey mustard for a tangy-sweet contrast.

They’re also great as a side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches — or as a fun party snack served on a platter with toothpicks.

Additional Recipe Tips

Dry your veggies well after boiling to prevent soggy tots.
Add breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture holds together.
Use a mini cookie scoop for even-sized tots.
Double the batch and freeze extras for quick snacks later.
Experiment with cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella for different flavors.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Loaded Tots: Mix in bacon bits or diced ham.
Vegan Version: Skip the egg and use vegan cheese and a flaxseed-water mixture as a binder.
Cauliflower Tots: Replace broccoli with cauliflower for a milder taste.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store cooked tots in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Arrange uncooked tots on a tray and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag — they’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy again.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Potato masher
Baking sheet or skillet
Parchment paper or air fryer basket

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it completely before mixing — removing moisture is key.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape the tots, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, then bake or fry when ready.

3. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes — baking gives a healthier result and still achieves a crisp texture.

4. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella for extra meltiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

5. How can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers as a coating.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are the perfect bite-sized treat — crispy, cheesy, and full of wholesome veggies. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and great for both kids and adults. Whether served as a snack, side, or appetizer, they always disappear fast!

These tots are proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up flavor or comfort. Each bite delivers a burst of cheese and a hint of broccoli goodness — the ultimate way to sneak veggies onto any plate. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy this guilt-free comfort snack!