Easy Broccoli Cheese Tots for Toddlers

These broccoli cheese tots are one of those toddler recipes I come back to again and again. They're easy, cheesy, and a simple way to get some broccoli into my toddler's meals without making an entirely separate dish.

I've simplified the recipe over time, and now I use equal parts broccoli and cheese. My three-year-old loves them, and I've recently started packing them cold in his preschool lunchbox. He eats them that way, too!

No food processor. No elaborate prep. Just an easy toddler snack, side dish, or make-ahead lunchbox addition that we actually eat in our house.

Why I Love These Broccoli Cheese Tots

I’m always looking for easy ways to serve vegetables that don't require a ton of prep. These check all the boxes.

They’re soft enough for little kids, easy to pick up, and have plenty of cheese mixed in with the broccoli. They also work for different meals. I’ll serve them as a side with lunch or dinner, or just make them as a snack.

The best part is that you only need a handful of basic ingredients.

Broccoli Cheese Tots Ingredients

You’ll need:

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, optional

• Pinch of salt, optional

I’ve made these with both regular breadcrumbs and panko, and both work well.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Tots

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.

• Steam the broccoli until it’s very soft. I keep this as easy as possible and steam mine right in the microwave.

• Once the broccoli is cooked, finely chop it with a knife. You don't need to pull out a food processor.

• Add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, egg, breadcrumbs and optional seasonings to a bowl. (If you want to upgrade your mixing bowls, these are my favorite plastic-free bowls that come with lids!)

• Mix everything together until well combined.

• Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and gently roll or press them into little tot shapes. I use my hands.

• Place the tots on your baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes.

• Flip them and bake for another 5 minutes, or until they're golden.

• Let them cool slightly before serving.

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What I Serve With Broccoli Cheese Tots

We eat these plain. They really don't need a dipping sauce because the cheese gives them plenty of flavor.

You could serve them alongside quesadillas, chicken, fruit, a sandwich or whatever else you're making. I've found they're an easy way to add a vegetable to a meal without turning it into a whole production.

They're also easy for toddlers to pick up themselves, which is always a plus.

Do Broccoli Cheese Tots Work for Picky Eaters?

Every kid is different, but these have been a hit in our house!

One thing I've learned with toddler food is that I don't need every bite to contain the maximum possible amount of vegetables. Sometimes simply finding a way they'll happily eat a vegetable is enough.

If your toddler is skeptical, try starting with less broccoli and more cheese. If they like them, you can experiment with adding more broccoli later.

Can You Use Frozen Broccoli?

You can, although I typically make mine with broccoli florets that I steam in the microwave.

The important thing is getting the broccoli very soft before chopping it. If you're using frozen broccoli, cook it according to the package directions first and remove any excess water before adding it to the mixture.

Can You Use Panko Instead of Breadcrumbs?

Yes. I've made these with both regular breadcrumbs and panko, and both have worked for me.

I wouldn't overthink this one...use whichever you already have in your pantry.

Can You Make Broccoli Cheese Tots Ahead of Time?

Yes! I recently started saving leftover broccoli cheese tots and packing them cold in my three-year-old's preschool lunchbox. I wasn't sure if he'd like them without reheating, but he loves them!

This has made the recipe even more useful because I can make a batch, save some for later, and have an easy vegetable option ready for lunch. I refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container.

I haven't personally tested freezing them yet, but I'll update this article if I do.

An Easy Toddler Recipe I'll Keep Making

I'm not trying to make elaborate toddler meals every day. I want a handful of easy recipes that I know my kids will actually eat, and these broccoli cheese tots are one of them.

They're quick, use ingredients we usually have around, and can be adjusted depending on how broccoli-forward you want them to be.

And if you're dealing with a broccoli-skeptical toddler? Use less broccoli and keep the cheese.

Sometimes you have to know your audience.

Looking for more easy toddler food ideas? 

If your toddler likes these broccoli cheese tots, try my easy egg bites for toddlers, zucchini muffins, these sweet potato tots, or my banana oatmeal muffins next. They’re another simple, make-ahead option that works well for breakfast, lunch, or daycare. You can also try my healthy no-bake energy balls for an easy snack, or browse my toddler daycare lunch ideas for more realistic meals and snacks that my kids actually eat.