Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots (No Shaping, No Oil)

Introduction

If you love tater tots, these baked broccoli cheddar tots are about to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Some people call them broccoli tots, others call them broccoli bites, broccoli nuggets, or even broccoli cheese bites - but whatever you call them, ours skip the deep fryer and the hand-rolling that almost every other broccoli tot recipes. Instead, we press the mixture straight into Souper Cubes trays, so every tot bakes up perfectly uniform with crispy, golden edges and a soft, cheddar-melty center. To top it off, no oil, no spray, and no sticky mess to scrub off a sheet pan afterward. 

We've tested this recipe a dozen times to get the ratio of broccoli to binder just right, so you don't end up with a soggy, falling-apart tot. Sharp cheddar cheese gives these baked tots a ton of flavor, and the tots are a great way to sneak in a vegetable for kids (and adults!). The best part is that they are freezer-friendly and make a great appetizer to be served on game day! We suggest making a double batch - eat some now, and freeze the rest for a snack or side dish you can pull out anytime.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots

Baked, Not Fried 

No deep fryer and no oil splatter here. These broccoli tots bake in the oven until the edges turn golden and crispy, so you get all the crunch of a fried tot without the extra oil or the cleanup.

No Hand-Shaping

You simply press the mixture directly into the wells of your Souper Cubes 2-tablespoon trays and let the silicone do the shaping for you. Saves you time, but the best part is that every tot comes out uniform, with no mess on your hands or countertop.

For Kids & Adults 

These are a sneaky way to get more vegetables into picky eaters - both kids and adults!  They’re soft enough for little ones to try, and cheesy enough that adults will happily eat them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions 

Broccoli (Fresh or Frozen) 

Fresh broccoli florets work best, but frozen broccoli is a fine substitute. If frozen, just thaw the broccoli completely and squeeze out as much water as you can before chopping. Extra moisture is the number one reason broccoli tots turn out soft instead of crispy.

Sharp Cheddar 

We use sharp cheddar because it packs the most flavor into a small bite. It changes these from a basic broccoli tot into broccoli cheddar bites. But if you don’t have cheddar on hand or prefer another cheese, other great choices are Gruyère, pepper jack, mozzarella, or parmesan. We suggest shredding our own cheese for the best melt, but pre-shredded cheese works well here too.

Swap Options

Panko breadcrumbs keep the tots light and fluffy instead of dense. Although regular breadcrumbs will work just fine, we have found panko gives the best texture. No fresh garlic on hand? Sub in ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. For babies or toddlers just starting solids, skip the added salt and seasoning blend altogether.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots

1. Soften the Broccoli

Start by pre-heating your oven to 400°F. While that is preheating, prepare the mixture. Pour hot water over your broccoli florets and let them sit, 5 minutes, until softened.

Then drain well. It is key here to get as much moisture out as possible so the tots stay together.

2. Process the Broccoli

In a food processor, pulse the softened broccoli until it's finely chopped, until you end up with about 2 cups. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. Mix in Seasonings

Add the eggs, garlic, and seasonings and whisk together in the large bowl. 

4. Add the Binder

Stir the breadcrumbs (panko), shredded cheddar, and flour into the broccoli mixture in the large bowl.

5. Press into the trays 

Divide the 3 cups broccoli mixture evenly between two, Souper Cubes 2-Tablespoon trays, pressing gently into each well. 

6. Bake until golden

Bake in a pre-heated oven until the tots are firm to the touch with golden, crispy edges. Alternatively, you can bake in an air fryer. Place the Souper Cubes tray directly in the air fryer and set to 375°F, bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes

How to Bake Broccoli Cheddar Tots in Souper Cubes Trays

 Oil, No Shaping 

Souper Cubes trays are made from 100% food-grade silicone, which is naturally nonstick. This means you can skip the cooking spray and oil. Just scoop the mixture directly into the wells and press down lightly with the back of a spoon. There's no rolling or shaping. Another benefit to using the Souper Cubes trays is that every baked cheddar broccoli tot is uniform in size.

Getting Crispy Edges

Because each tot is smaller, there is more surface area to get golden and crispy. The edges get more direct contact with the hot oven air than they would if piled together on a sheet pan, which is exactly what gives you that crispy, golden edge all the way around.

Popping Them Out

Let the tots cool directly in the trays for about 10 minutes before removing them. This allows them time to firm up completely. Then gently press up from the bottom of each well, and the tots pop right out, no scraping required. If they are being stubborn, use a small silicone spatula around the edges to help pop them out.

Favorite Dips

Broccoli cheddar tots are begging for a good dip. A tomato-based marinara sauce is a classic pairing - homemade or store-bought, both work. Garlic aioli is another favorite; swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version. Stir in a little garlic powder and finely chopped parsley. And of course, you really can't go wrong with ketchup.

How to Store & Freeze Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots 

How to Freeze Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots in Souper Cubes Trays

Once the tots are fully baked and cooled, place a labeled lid directly on your Souper Cubes 2-tablespoon trays and set them in a flat space in the freezer until solid, about 8 hours. Then choose to leave in the trays or transfer to a freezer-safe bag to store. Freezing them in the trays is the easiest option if you don’t need the trays for anything else in the meantime; there is no extra step of transferring or bagging, and they stay perfectly portioned and protected under the lid.

How to Store Frozen Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots 

If you would rather free up your trays, pop the frozen tots out once they are completely solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for the best quality and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage Tips for Baked Broccoli Cheddar Tots in Souper Cubes Trays

If you are planning on eating the tots within a few days, skip the freezer altogether. Let them cool completely, then place the lid on the tray and store right in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's easy to grab one or two at a time for a quick snack.

How to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Tots

How to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Tots in the Oven 

If the tots are already thawed - Pre-heat your oven to 375°F. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake, until warmed throughout and crispy on the edges, about 8 minutes. If the tots are frozen - Pre-heat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until hot all the way through, about 12 minutes. The oven is the best method for keeping that crispy edge intact. 

How to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Tots in the Microwave 

This is the fastest reheating method. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the tots in 20-second bursts on High until hot, about 1 minute total. Keep in mind they'll lose some of their crispy edge and turn slightly softer, so the oven is the better choice when you have the extra few minutes. 

How to Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Tots in the Air Fryer

Place the Souper Cubes tray directly in the air fryer and set to 375°F, bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Do You Keep Broccoli Cheddar Tots From Getting Dry? 

Don't overbake them the first time around; pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the centers feel firm. When reheating, keep an eye on them so they heat through without drying out further, and stick to the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Can You Make Broccoli Tots With Frozen Broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe, though it needs a little extra attention before it goes into the mixture. This means you can skip cooking the broccoli in the hot water and just measure out 2 cups of broccoli (instead of the 4 cups of raw). Thaw it completely first, drain it and then squeeze out as much water as you can with a clean towel or just with your hands. A wet mix is the number one reason broccoli tots don't firm up in the oven, so this step really matters. If you skip it, you'll likely end up with tots that stay soft and fall apart, instead of crisping up on the edges.

How Do You Keep Broccoli Tots From Falling Apart?

The key is controlling moisture and giving the binder time to do its job. Drain the broccoli thoroughly after softening it in hot water. Don't skip the egg-and-panko combination because that's what holds everything together as it bakes. It's also important to let the baked tots cool for about 10 minutes in the trays before popping them out, since they continue to firm up as they cool. Removing them too early is one of the most common reasons they crumble.

Are Broccoli Tots Good For Toddlers or Baby-led Weaning?

Yes, broccoli tots for toddlers are one of the most popular ways parents introduce vegetables during baby-led weaning. They're soft enough for little ones to chew, easy to hold in one hand, and packed with vegetables in a shape that doesn't feel intimidating to a new eater. For babies, simply skip the added salt and the seasoning blend, and let the natural flavor of the broccoli and cheddar shine through. As kids get older, you can start adding the seasoning back in to match the rest of the family's tots.

What Cheese is Best for Broccoli Tots?

Sharp cheddar is our top pick because it delivers the most flavor without needing a lot of cheese, which keeps the tots from turning greasy. If you want to switch things up, experiment with different combinations of cheese and discover what works best for you. Pre-shredded cheese works completely fine here, since you're not making a smooth cheese sauce that depends on a clean melt. Just avoid very soft or high-moisture cheeses, which can make the mixture too wet.

Can You Make Broccoli Tots in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can make and bake the baked broccoli cheddar tots in the air fryer. Once the tots are pressed into the tray, then place the Souper Cubes 2-tablespoon tray in the air fryer (the basket types won’t work well here since the tray will not fit in). We have tested the initial bake in the air fryer, and it works perfectly! While the traditional oven works best because it gives all around crispiness, the air fryer is a great option. Where the air fryer really shines is when it’s time to reheat. The air fryer is a perfect marriage of speed like the microwave and the oven to get crispy edges. We consider it the best reheating method for this recipe.

Can You Freeze Broccoli Tots?

Yes! Freeze them after baking rather than raw, since baking first locks in that crispy edge and firm texture. Store them in the trays or transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, then reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot.