Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe

Broccoli florets: Steamed and finely chopped, these form the base of the tots, adding a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Vegan cheddar cheese: Shredded and mixed into the tots, this provides a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Panko breadcrumbs: These light, flaky breadcrumbs help bind the tots together and give them a crispy texture.

Nutritional yeast: A deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor, often used in vegan recipes.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth of flavor to the tots.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild onion flavor.

Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the tots.

When shaping the tots, use slightly damp hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This will help you form uniform tots and ensure they bake evenly. Additionally, pressing the mixture firmly when shaping will help the tots hold together better during baking.

• Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be steamed and chopped just like broccoli, making it a great alternative.

• Vegan cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast and cashew cream: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, and cashew cream adds a creamy texture, mimicking the consistency of shredded vegan cheddar.

• Panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to panko breadcrumbs.

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with ground sunflower seeds: Ground sunflower seeds can provide a nutty flavor and some of the same nutritional benefits as nutritional yeast.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Finely chopped shallots provide a similar flavor profile and can add a bit more texture to the recipe.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor along with the necessary saltiness.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder, making it a good alternative.

• To store your delightful broccoli cheddar tots, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their crispy texture and savory flavor.

• For freezing, first, arrange the cooled tots on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the tots are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the tots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen broccoli cheddar tots, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw them beforehand!

• For a quicker reheating option, you can also use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen tots for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the frozen tots on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may not retain the tots' crispiness as well as baking or air frying.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating the tots multiple times. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume immediately.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover broccoli cheddar tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps retain the crispiness of the tots.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the tots nice and crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the broccoli cheddar tots in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy on all sides. This method adds a bit of extra crunch.

• Microwave Method: Place the tots on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may result in softer tots compared to other methods.

• Oven: Used to bake the broccoli cheddar tots until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking the tots and ensures even cooking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the tots from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Food processor: Pulses the steamed broccoli until it is finely chopped, ensuring an even texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients together thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the broccoli, vegan cheddar cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Spoon: Assists in shaping the mixture into small tots.

• Cooling rack: Allows the tots to cool evenly after baking.

Pre-chop ingredients: Steam and finely chop the broccoli florets in advance to save time when assembling the mixture.

Use a food processor: Quickly pulse the broccoli in a food processor instead of chopping by hand to speed up the process.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper ahead of time for easy mixing.

Batch bake: Double the recipe and bake extra tots to freeze for quick reheating later.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup faster.