These homemade broccoli tots are a healthy alternative to store-bought tater tots. They are baked, not fried, and super easy to make. Served with a simple curry ketchup sauce, this recipe offers a new way to enjoy a familiar favorite.
Discover a new twist on a classic snack with our homemade broccoli tots. Combining the familiar crunch and comfort of traditional tater tots, this recipe uses finely chopped broccoli, vegan cheddar, and panko breadcrumbs, all baked to perfection.
Once baked, these tots tasted kind of potato-ey, which led Jeff to ask me why I didn’t just make store-bought tots in the first place. 🙂 I had no good answer for that other than these were fun to make and looked like little pakoras, which made me think of curry. This is what led me to think of making a curry-kissed ketchup sauce to go with them.
This quick curry ketchup sauce balances sweetness with a hint of spice. It elevates the tots from a simple snack to something truly special. Whether you’re searching for a new favorite appetizer or a unique side dish, these broccoli tots are sure to impress with their blend of traditional comfort with innovative flavors.
If you love broccoli, take a look at our Dehydrated Broccoli and Eggy Pan-Fried Tofu Stir Fry. If you want more tot recipes, be sure to check out our Loaded Tater Tots and Buffalo Tots!
What Are Broccoli Tots?
Broccoli tots offer a fresh take on the traditional snack, utilizing the nutritional powerhouse of broccoli as the main ingredient. These tots are mixed with vegan cheddar and panko for texture, and bound together using aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as an egg-free binding agent. The mixture is then baked to achieve a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior.
The innovative use of aquafaba makes these tots vegan-friendly while using up a by-product of canned chickpeas, reducing food waste. Served with a side of curry ketchup, it offers a spicy and tangy dimension. These broccoli tots show how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Snack
There’s more to love about this recipe than just its delicious taste. From its health benefits to its versatility, here’s why this broccoli tots recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen:
Health-Conscious Choice: Made with broccoli and baked to perfection, these tots are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato tots.
Vegan-Friendly: Thanks to the use of vegan cheddar and aquafaba, this recipe is 100% plant-based. It’s a great option for vegans and anyone looking to reduce their dairy intake.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these broccoli tots are surprisingly easy to whip up.
Kid-Approved: Their small size and familiar texture make these tots a hit with kids. It offers a fun way to include more greens in their diet.
Customizable: The recipe serves as a base that allows you to add your own personal touch. Add spices to the mix or experiment with different dips to find your perfect pairing.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive party appetizer, or a snack for movie night, these broccoli tots fit the bill.
Key Ingredients
This broccoli tots recipe stands out not just for its innovative twist on a familiar favorite, but also for its balanced combination of ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Let’s break down these key ingredients and what they do in this recipe:
- Broccoli Florets: The star of the show, broccoli provides a dense nutritional profile and a vibrant green hue. Finely chopped, these florets give the tots their signature texture and a subtle, earthy flavor that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
- Vegan Cheddar Shreds: Adding a creamy, cheesy richness without the dairy, vegan cheddar melts beautifully. It helps bind the tots together and infuses them with a tangy depth that complements the broccoli’s natural taste.
- Onion: Minced onion is a foundational flavor that adds a slight sweetness and aromatic quality to the mix. It enhances the overall savoriness of the tots.
- Panko: These Japanese breadcrumbs are the secret to the tots’ irresistible crunch. Panko absorbs less oil, ensuring that the exterior stays crispier than with traditional breadcrumbs.
- White Rice Flour: A gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, white rice flour helps to bind the ingredients without weighing them down. This contributes to the tots’ light texture.
- Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas acts as a plant-based binder, replacing eggs. It holds the tots together while keeping the recipe vegan.
- Garlic: Just a hint of minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. It brings a subtle sharpness that balances the tots’ savory profile.
- Curry Powder: This spice blend introduces a warm, complex flavor to the curry ketchup.
- Ketchup: Traditional ketchup combines with curry powder for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that perfectly complements the broccoli tots.
How To Make This Broccoli Tots Recipe (Step-By-Step Guide)
From preparing the ingredients to enjoying crispy broccoli tots dipped in tangy curry ketchup, this recipe is so fun to make. Here’s a general guide on how to make these tots.
Making the Tots
Step One: Prep the Broccoli – Start by boiling the broccoli florets briefly to soften them, then finely chop them once they’ve cooled. This step ensures the broccoli has the perfect texture for tots, avoiding any mushiness.
Step Two: Combine Ingredients – Mix the chopped broccoli with vegan cheddar, onion, panko, and white rice flour. The aquafaba is then added as a binding agent, bringing the mixture together. Chill this mixture to firm it up, making it easier to shape.
Step Three: Shape and Bake – Once chilled, shape the mixture into tots and arrange them on a baking sheet. A quick bake in a preheated oven will turn them golden and crispy, ready to be flipped halfway through for even cooking.
Making the Curry Ketchup
Step One: Cook the Aromatics – Begin by sautéing onion and garlic, then stir in curry powder to release its flavors. This forms the flavorful base of your curry ketchup.
Step Two: Simmer and Serve – Add ketchup to the spiced aromatics and simmer to blend the flavors. Once cooled, this homemade curry ketchup is the perfect dip for your crispy tots.
Helpful Recipe Tips
To ensure your broccoli tots turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
- Finely Chop the Broccoli: Achieve the right texture by chopping the broccoli as finely as possible. This ensures the tots hold together well and mimic the traditional tot texture closely.
- Dry the Broccoli Well: After boiling, ensure the broccoli is thoroughly dried. Excess moisture can make the tots soggy instead of crisp.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerating the tot mixture before shaping helps it bind together. This makes the tots easier to form and ensures they keep their shape during baking.
- Use a Silpat or Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper. It prevents sticking and ensures even browning without the need for excessive oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spacing the tots evenly allows for better air circulation. This is key to achieving a crispy exterior on all sides.
- Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your tots towards the end of the baking time. This helps to prevent over-browning.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the tots to cool for a few minutes after baking will help them firm up. This makes them easier to handle and more enjoyable to eat.
How To Mix Things Up!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to tweak and personalize your broccoli tots:
Swap the Veggies: While broccoli is the star, feel free to mix in or substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or sweet potato. These add a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of vegan cheese to find your preferred taste and texture. There are so many different brands of vegan cheese to choose from!
Herbs and Spices: Introduce fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for an aromatic lift. Spices such as smoked paprika or cumin can also add depth to your tots.
Vegan Dipping Options
A great dip can transform a good snack into a great one. Here are some vegan options to accompany your broccoli tots:
- Classic Hummus: Creamy with a hint of garlic, hummus is a versatile dip that pairs well with the flavors of the tots.
- Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce: Blend ripe avocado with cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of vegan yogurt for a creamy, zesty dip.
- Vegan Aioli: Mix vegan mayo with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a simple yet delicious aioli.
- Spicy Vegan Mayo: Stir some sriracha or hot sauce into vegan mayo for those who prefer a spicy kick.
- Vegan Ranch: A classic favorite, vegan ranch is creamy and herby, making it a perfect match for the crispy tots.
How To Store Leftovers
Keeping your broccoli tots delicious for later is all about maintaining texture and flavor. Follow these tips to store your leftovers effectively:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the broccoli tots to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation inside the container. This could make them soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Store the cooled tots in an airtight container. This helps to keep them from drying out and preserves their flavor. Place them in a single layer, if possible, to avoid squashing.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerated broccoli tots will last for up to 3 days. The cold environment slows down the deterioration process, keeping them fresh.
Freezing And Reheating Tots
- Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the tots on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking together, making it easy to grab a handful whenever you’re in the mood for a quick snack. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
- Reheating: To recapture their crispy texture, reheat leftover tots in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 375°F until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Yes, broccoli tots are generally healthier than traditional tater tots. They offer a nutritious boost by incorporating broccoli, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Additionally, when made with whole food ingredients and baked, they provide a healthier alternative to the often fried and heavily processed potato-based tots.
Veggie tots are made from a blend of finely chopped or grated vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Seasoned for flavor, these mixtures are shaped into bite-sized pieces and either baked or fried to achieve a crispy outer texture. They serve as a nutritious alternative to traditional potato tots, offering a delicious way to increase vegetable intake.
Broccoli tots are considered a healthy snack option, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the broccoli, and often lower in calories and carbohydrates when compared to traditional potato tots. When prepared with wholesome ingredients and baked, they offer a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy vegetables.
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Homemade Broccoli Tots
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 40 tots
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade broccoli tots recipe offers a healthy and flavorful twist on the traditional snack. Made with broccoli, vegan cheese, and baked to perfection, these tots paired with curry ketchup are sure to become your new go-to snack.
Ingredients
for the tots
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup finely chopped vegan cheddar shreds
- 1/3 cup onion, very finely minced
- 1 cup panko
- 3 TB white rice flour
- 3/4 cup aquafaba
- cooking spray
for the curry ketchup
- 1 TB neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
- 1/2 small onion, pureed
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 TB water
- 1 cup ketchup
Instructions
to make the tots
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add some salt, then carefully add in the broccoli florets.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain, allow to cool, then pat the florets dry.
- Dice very fine by hand by chopping each floret up as finely as possible, then spread it out in batches and redice again and again until it is almost like sawdust.
- A food processor will be too aggressive here and turn the florets into mush.
- Add the diced florets to a large bowl and mix in the vegan cheese and onion, using your hands to gently combine everything together.
- Add in the panko and white rice flour, toss, then drizzle the aquafaba over the top and mix gently with a large spoon. Place in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours or overnight.
to assemble the tots
- Once you are ready to assemble the tots, preheat your oven to 400. Line a baking sheet or two with a silpat, set aside.
- To shape the tots, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture. Squeeze it tightly with one hand to create a football shape. Then hold that in the palm of your hand while you use your other hand to press on the top and bottom to make a cute tot shape.
- Place the shaped tots onto the silpat. Once everything is assembled, spray each tot with a generous mist of cooking spray.
- Place into the oven to bake for 15 minutes or until slightly golden on the bottoms.
- Flip, spray the tops again with a little oil, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
to make the curry ketchup
- Warm the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in the onion and saute until translucent, 4-5 minutes, adding little splashes of water as needed to ensure it does not brown.
- Add in the garlic and curry powder stir and saute for another minute or two.
- Deglaze the pan with the water and stir. Add in the ketchup, turn the heat down to low, and allow to simmer for 7-10 minutes, giving it a stir often. Remove from the heat and chill before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure the broccoli is finely chopped and well-drained before mixing with other ingredients.
- Aquafaba (chickpea brine) works great as a vegan binder, helping the tots hold their shape without eggs.
- These tots can be frozen before baking for a quick and easy snack. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Simmered, Baked, Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
coco youssef says
Can you offer a suggestion for panko replacement, I’m gluten free. Thanks!
erinwyso says
Coco, you can probably use gf panko or even crushed Chex cereal here. I can’t guarantee they’ll work, as I haven’t tried either, but it’s worth a shot!
Manda says
Can you tell me the purpose of the aquafaba in this recipe? Thanks!
erinwyso says
Manda, aquafaba is a substitute for eggs here. It acts as a binder and makes the tots a little fluffy.
Karly says
Now THIS is smart! All the tots without all the guilt- sign me up! Can’t wait to try these out with the fam!
Mihl says
How cool! My kid will love these. And I had no idea curry ketchup was a thing outside of Germany!
Lydia Clarke says
I loved making these! So delicious. Do you think they would freeze well right after step 4? I am planning to make them for a party and it would be nice to already have some steps completed.
Thanks!
erinwyso says
Hi Lydia, so glad you enjoyed them! I’ve never tried freezing them after step 4, but I think that should work. Good luck, and thanks for your feedback!