Hidden Veggies are the best kind of veggies! Especially broccoli. Broccoli is one of those green vegetables that I cannot love. I have tried many times. But sadly, I just don’t love it. The good news is I’ve found many new ways to eat broccoli in which I don’t really notice its quite pungent flavor. These broccoli tots are a favorite in our household. Perfect as a side for any meal or even just a snack!

These are a favorite in our household!

For kids of all ages, these tots will make everyone happy.

When I make these, I usually use two to three heads of broccoli depending on the size. Often I get heads of broccoli the size of MY head in my grocery delivery so in that case, even one would be enough! Begin by rinsing the broccoli then cutting the florets off the stem —these don’t need to be cut to a particular size as they will be blended up. Boil water on the stove in a medium to large saucepan. Once boiling place add the broccoli florets and reduce heat to medium low. Leave for 5 minutes. Drain water and place broccoli in a bowl of cold water with some ice to blanch them and help them keep their vibrant color.

Using a food processor or blender, blend up the strained broccoli until it’s almost a sticky sand like quality. You want the pieces to be quite tiny, but not so blended that it becomes paste like. In a large bowl, add blended broccoli, two eggs, one half to one cup of bread crumbs** (for two small heads or one large add a half cup, for three heads or two large add a whole cup), a teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix together. At this point there are optional extra binders to add. Option 1. 2 tablespoons of dairy free cream cheese (I use Tofutti Brand). Option 2. 1 cup of shredded cheese (I use Cabot Lactose Free Cheddar). Option 3. 2 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread. These extra sticky substances will melt in the oven and help everything bind together.

Once fully mixed, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 425. Now it’s time to choose your shape! I love the original “tot” shape, but this shape is more time consuming. You can also shape them into balls or flatten them into fritters (seen below). I use a tablespoon and make each tot with about three quarters of a tablespoon of broccoli mix.

Once shaped onto the baking trays, place in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bottoms begin to brown. Flip the tots and bake another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

If using for meal prepping - the best way to reheat the tots is in a toaster oven (I don’t have a microwave, but I’m sure that also works! They just won’t be as crispy on the outside).

**For bread crumbs, I often use ground up corn or rice cereal (Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies) or ground up corn chips. This is much less expensive than gluten free bread crumbs and works just the same!

Baked Broccoli Fritters made with Shredded Cheese

Broccoli Tots

Gluten Free/Lactose Free

Makes approx. 9-12 servings

Ingredients:

2-3 small or medium heads of broccoli or 1-2 large heads
2 eggs
1/2-1 cup of GF bread crumbs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Sticky Binder:
- Option 1. 2 tablespoons of dairy free cream cheese (I use Tofutti Brand).
- Option 2. 1 cup of shredded cheese (I use Cabot Lactose Free Cheddar).
- Option 3. 2 tablespoons of Trader Joes Garlic Spread.

Directions:

Rinse the broccoli then cut the florets off the stem.
Boil water on the stove in a medium to large saucepan. Once boiling place add the broccoli florets and reduce heat to medium low.
Leave for 5 minutes. Drain water and place broccoli in a bowl of cold water with some ice to blanch and help them keep their vibrant color.
Using a food processor or blender, blend up the strained broccoli. You want the pieces to be quite tiny, but not so blended that it becomes paste like.
In a large bowl, add blended broccoli, eggs, bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix together.
Add in your optional sticky binder.
Once fully mixed, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 425.
Using a tablespoon, shape each tot with about three quarters of a tablespoon of broccoli mix.
Once shaped onto the baking trays, place in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bottoms begin to brown.
Flip the tots and bake another 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool.