Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share one of my latest kitchen obsessions: Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots! These aren’t your average frozen aisle tots; we’re talking about a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone doing a happy dance. I had so much fun experimenting with this recipe, and the results were seriously addictive.

These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are my answer to making weeknight dinners exciting. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s meals. Get ready to transform your ordinary meals into something truly special. Join me on this delicious adventure – let’s make some magic!

I first created these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. I was craving something comforting but also wanted to incorporate some healthier elements into my snack. After a few tries, this recipe emerged, and it was an instant hit! I’m so excited for you to try it too.

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip.

1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: These form the base of our tots, providing that classic tater tot texture.
1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped: Don’t skip this! It adds so much flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that extra zing in my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nutty, savory depth.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together. No worries if you don’t have all-purpose flour – I use gluten-free flour all the time in my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots.
1 large egg, beaten: Another binder to keep our tots together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything tastes better with garlic!
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots secret that takes it from good to incredible.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy – season generously!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For baking, or vegetable oil for frying.

For a flavor boost, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots for that extra kick. Store any leftover broccoli florets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save time, you can use pre-shredded cheese or even frozen broccoli that has been thawed and thoroughly drained.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots – watch the delicious magic happen! These instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. If you prefer frying, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Boil the potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly.
Mash the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them thoroughly in a large bowl. You can use a potato masher or a fork.
Combine ingredients. Add the chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything together until well combined. In my kitchen, this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Shape the tots. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small tater tot. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. This is where the magic starts happening!
Bake or fry. If baking, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. If frying, carefully drop the tots into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Cool and serve. Remove the Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots from the oven or oil and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots should smell absolutely incredible right now!

Don’t worry if your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots looks a little uneven – that’s part of their charm! This is the perfect recipe for kitchen newbies and seasoned cooks. While your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can use this Broccoli Tots – Feeding Tiny Bellies recipe to try different variations.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots hits the table with a side of ranch dressing! I love to serve these as a fun appetizer for game nights or as a side dish with grilled chicken or burgers. They’re also fantastic in lunchboxes!

For a bold flavor pairing, try serving these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots with a spicy sriracha mayo or a creamy avocado dip. You can even make a Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots bowl with a fried egg on top for a complete meal. This is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

If you want to wow your guests, arrange the Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and garnishes like chopped chives or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick and easy snack. For a fusion variation, try adding some diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese to the mixture for a spicy kick. These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are so good that they disappear in minutes!

FAQs:

I get asked a lot about this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots recipe! Here are a few of the most common questions and my enthusiastic answers.

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots?

Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. If you can boil potatoes and mix ingredients, you’re golden. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!

What if I mess up my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots?

(Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Seriously, even if they’re not perfectly shaped, they’ll still be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and enjoy!

How can I prep this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots for busy weeknights?

You can chop the broccoli and boil the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and then just mix everything together and bake when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the mixture. Otherwise, your Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots might be too soggy.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is my go-to, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. For more snack ideas, check out these Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps.

How do I make sure my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are crispy?

Make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet so they’re not touching. Also, flipping them halfway through baking helps them get evenly crispy. You can also try this Homemade Broccoli Tots (Better Than the Freezer Aisle!) recipe to compare crispiness.

Can I add other veggies to this recipe?

Definitely! Shredded carrots, zucchini, or even spinach would be great additions. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the amount of flour as needed to bind everything together. Try it with our other family favorites, like these Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta.

CONCLUSION:

This Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a fun, delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies and create a comforting meal that everyone loves. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and trust your taste buds!

My Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots Flavor Secrets:

Smoked paprika: This adds a depth of flavor that takes these tots to the next level.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skip this! It adds a nutty, savory dimension.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Delicious Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots Variations I’ve Tested:

Spicy Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots: Add diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese for a kick.
Pizza Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots: Mix in some pepperoni and mozzarella cheese and serve with marinara sauce.
Loaded Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots: Top with bacon bits, sour cream, and chives after baking. You can also find lots of low-carb variations with this Broccoli Cheddar Tots | That Low Carb Life recipe.

I’m so excited for you to try this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots recipe and create your own delicious variations! Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a game night snack, or a fun lunchbox treat, I know you’re going to love them. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the delicious magic! These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots remind me of another bold flavor favorite, these Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake slices.

Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots

Print Recipe

These Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots are a fun and delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies! Crispy tater tots are combined with tender broccoli and melted cheese for a satisfying snack or side dish.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
While tater tots are baking, steam or microwave broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and garlic powder. Stir until heated through.
Remove tater tots from oven. Top with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and milk mixture.
Return to oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.