Broccoli Tots

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Olive oil spray: I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you'd rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.

Frozen chopped broccoli: I use frozen for convenience, but fresh would work just fine.

Eggs: I use large eggs in almost all of my recipes, this one included.

To season: I use kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.

Cheddar cheese: I like to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Almond flour: I use blanched, finely ground almond flour.

The ingredients needed to make broccoli tots.

Variations

As mentioned above, I use frozen chopped broccoli for convenience, but fresh chopped broccoli also works.

You can replace the garlic powder with a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.

Instead of cheddar, you can use other melty cheese, such as provolone or gouda.

If you don't mind the extra carbs, you can replace the almond flour with breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed).

½ teaspoon of onion powder is good in this recipe.

If you like spicy food, increase the cayenne to ¼ teaspoon.

Broccoli Tots Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne. Add the cheddar and almond flour. (Photo 1).
Add the thawed and drained broccoli. Use a large spoon or rubber spatula to mix everything together. Mix thoroughly, making sure all broccoli pieces are coated. (Photo 2).
Shape the mixture into tots. I like to use a 1.5-tablespoon scoop to scoop them right onto the baking sheet. (Photo 3).
Bake the tots until golden, for about 10-15 minutes per side, in a 400°F oven. (Photos 4,5).
Serve immediately. (Photo 6).

A six-photo collage showing the steps for making broccoli tots.

Recipe FAQs

Can you bake broccoli tots in the oven?

Yes! That's how I always make them, and it works really well. Baking is so much easier than frying. I avoid frying whenever I possibly can. I find it exhausting.

Can I use fresh broccoli?

Yes. I use frozen because it's so convenient - I always have it on hand, and it's already chopped. But you can use fresh broccoli and chop it.

Should I flatten the tots before baking them?

There's no need to flatten the tots once you place them on the baking sheet. While I sometimes gently flatten them, as I do in the video below, I find that I like them better when they're tall rather than flat.

Serving Suggestions

These tasty tots are lovely, all on their own. My kids like dipping them in unsweetened ketchup, Greek yogurt dip, or sour cream dip. They are also good dipped in guacamole.

When I make these tots as a side dish, I like to serve them with a main course that I can bake in the same 400°F oven. So I often serve them with one of the following:

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power or in a 300°F oven.

Or enjoy them cold! You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months.