Cheesy Broccoli Potato Tots

Broccoli Potato Tots are crispy, cheesy, and easy to make with tender potatoes, chopped broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, lunchbox addition, or family-friendly side dish.

These Broccoli Potato Tots are baked until golden on the outside while staying soft and cheesy in the center. They are also a smart way to use leftover mashed or boiled potatoes and add more vegetables to a comforting bite-size recipe.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Tots

3 cups cooked potatoes, mashed or finely grated
2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Serving

Greek yogurt ranch
Marinara sauce
Ketchup
Garlic yogurt dip
Fresh parsley

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli Potato Tots combine crispy edges, creamy potato, melted cheese, and tender broccoli in one simple bite. The texture feels comforting, while the broccoli adds color and freshness.

Another reason to love Broccoli Potato Tots is how easy they are to adapt. You can change the cheese, add herbs, make them spicy, or cook them in the oven or air fryer. They are also convenient for meal prep because the mixture can be shaped ahead and refrigerated until baking time.

How to Make Broccoli Potato Tots

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

If you are starting with raw potatoes, peel and cut them into chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly.

Mash the potatoes until mostly smooth and let them cool for several minutes.

If using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are fairly thick rather than loose or creamy. Very soft mashed potatoes can make Broccoli Potato Tots difficult to shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and let the broccoli cool.

Pat it dry, then chop very finely.

Removing excess moisture is important because wet broccoli can make Broccoli Potato Tots soft instead of crisp.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Add the cooled potatoes and chopped broccoli to a large mixing bowl.

Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, egg, panko, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Mix until evenly combined.

The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a little more panko. If it feels too dry, add a spoonful of beaten egg or a small splash of milk.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.

Chilling helps the potato mixture firm up and makes Broccoli Potato Tots easier to shape neatly.

Step 5: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, and olive oil.

Mix with a fork until the crumbs are lightly coated.

This simple coating gives the outside extra crunch and a golden cheesy finish.

Step 6: Shape the Tots

Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it gently between your palms.

Shape it into a short cylinder or small oval.

Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so Broccoli Potato Tots cook evenly.

Step 7: Coat the Tots

Roll each shaped tot in the panko-Parmesan mixture.

Press the coating on gently so it sticks to the outside.

Arrange the coated pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each one.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 425°F or 220°C.

Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the exterior is crisp and golden.

Broccoli Potato Tots should feel firm on the outside while remaining soft and cheesy in the center.

Step 9: Rest Briefly

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tots rest for about 5 minutes.

This short resting period helps Broccoli Potato Tots firm slightly and makes them easier to lift without breaking.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Transfer the tots to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with parsley or Parmesan and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Potato Tots work well as an appetizer, snack, or vegetable side dish.

Serve them with ketchup, marinara, garlic yogurt dip, honey mustard, or a light ranch-style sauce.

For lunch, pair Broccoli Potato Tots with tomato soup, chicken soup, a fresh salad, or a turkey sandwich.

They also make a fun side for grilled chicken, baked fish, burgers, or wraps.

For a party platter, serve them with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, and two or three dipping sauces so guests can choose their favorite combination.

For another rich and comforting dinner, try our Marry Me Chicken with tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Recipe Tips

Use starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.

Drain the cooked potatoes very well before mashing.

Chop the broccoli finely so the mixture holds together.

Do not overcook the broccoli because it can become watery.

Let both the potatoes and broccoli cool before mixing with the egg and cheese.

If the mixture is sticky, chill it longer or add a little more panko.

For extra-crispy Broccoli Potato Tots, use a wire rack set over a baking sheet so hot air can circulate around the pieces.

Avoid overcrowding the tray.

Serve soon after baking for the crispiest texture.

Easy Variations

Broccoli Potato Tots can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.

Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mixture of cheeses.

Add chopped green onions, chives, or dill for extra freshness.

For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or finely chopped jalapeño.

You can also mix in finely chopped cooked carrots, peas, or spinach.

For extra protein, add a small amount of shredded chicken or turkey.

To make Broccoli Potato Tots gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

If you enjoy easy make-ahead meals, you may also like our Sweet Potato Veggie Egg Bake.

Air Fryer Instructions

Broccoli Potato Tots can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F or 200°C.

Arrange the tots in a single layer, leaving space between them.

Lightly spray with oil and cook for 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Work in batches if necessary.

The air fryer produces especially crisp edges while keeping the centers soft and cheesy.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Broccoli Potato Tots are convenient for preparing in advance.

Mix and shape the tots up to one day before cooking. Arrange them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate.

Add the outer breadcrumb coating shortly before baking for the best crunch.

You can also freeze uncooked shaped tots on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Broccoli Potato Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat them in a 375°F or 190°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

An air fryer also works well and helps restore their crisp texture.

Microwaving is faster, but the coating will become softer.

For longer storage, freeze cooked tots for up to 2 months. Reheat them from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 265
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 470 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, and dipping sauces used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes. Thick leftover mashed potatoes work very well. If they contain a lot of milk or butter, you may need extra breadcrumbs to help the mixture hold together.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw it completely, squeeze out excess water, and chop it finely before mixing.

Why are my tots falling apart?

The mixture may contain too much moisture. Add extra breadcrumbs and chill it before shaping.

Can I make them without egg?

Yes. A flax egg can work, although the finished texture may be slightly softer.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Broccoli Potato Tots cook very well in an air fryer and become especially crisp.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar gives classic flavor, but mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan can all work.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze shaped or fully cooked tots and reheat them directly from frozen.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Potato Tots are an easy way to turn potatoes and broccoli into a crispy, cheesy snack that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Because Broccoli Potato Tots can be baked, air fried, prepared ahead, and customized with different cheeses and seasonings, they are useful for snacks, lunchboxes, appetizers, and family meals.

Keep this recipe handy whenever you want a comforting vegetable bite with a crispy outside, soft center, and plenty of cheesy flavor.