Delicious Cheesy Broccoli Tots: No Potatoes Required!



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You Won’t Believe These Cheesy Broccoli Tots Don’t Even Have Potato

In the quest for healthy yet tasty snacks, few come close to surpassing the delightful combination of broccoli and cheese. If you thought that tots could only be created from potatoes, prepare to have your culinary beliefs challenged; these cheesy broccoli tots do away with spuds entirely and are perfect for both kids and adults alike.

The Rise of Broccoli Tots

Broccoli tots have gained popularity in recent years, especially among parents looking for ways to encourage their children to eat more vegetables. The genius of these scrumptious bites lies in their ability to mimic the comforting texture and taste of traditional potato tots while delivering an extra punch of nutrition. Broccoli, packed with vitamins C and K, alongside dietary fibre, provides a healthy base for these snackable treats.

Ingredients That Make It Work

What makes these broccoli tots uniquely delicious is that they use simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, broccoli is the star of the dish. When blended with cheese, it offers a mild flavour that balances perfectly with the other ingredients.

  • Cheese: Cheddar is the most common choice due to its sharpness and excellent melting properties. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as mozzarella or even a spicy pepper jack for an exciting twist.

  • Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture together and create a satisfying crunch when baked. You can opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if required.

  • Egg: A simple binder that holds your tots together, ensuring they don’t fall apart while cooking.

  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or fresh garlic) elevate the flavours, making these tots irresistible.

Making Cheesy Broccoli Tots

Creating these cheesy broccoli tots is a straightforward process that can be tackled in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners. Here’s how to whip them up:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s just tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it well.

  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Mix until everything is well-incorporated.

  4. Form the Tots: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tot-sized shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Bake: Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy broccoli tots can be served as a standalone snack or as a side dish to complement your favourite mains. Pair them with an array of dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or a tangy sriracha mayo for additional flavour. They also make a fantastic addition to lunch boxes, ensuring your little ones have something nutritious and delicious to munch on.

The Health Factor

Ditching the potato doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. These tots are lower in calories and carbohydrate content, making them a fantastic alternative for those seeking healthier snack options. Additionally, with the inclusion of broccoli, you’re boosting your intake of vitamins and minerals, which is a win in anyone’s book.

Conclusion

In a world filled with unhealthy snack choices, cheesy broccoli tots present a refreshing, guilt-free alternative that everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and most importantly, absolutely delicious. So why not give this innovative treat a try? You may just find that you won’t believe your taste buds when you realise these cheesy delights don’t even utilise potato! Enjoy your guilt-free snacking!


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