Get ready to fall in love with a snack that’s both comforting and nutrient-packed with this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe. These crispy, golden bites offer the perfect balance of tender broccoli and cheesy flavor, making them an irresistible treat whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a wholesome comfort food. They bring together simple ingredients that transform into delightful tots that are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing in vibrant color, satisfying texture, or that savory cheesy punch.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, steamed and finely chopped to give the tots a tender, nutritious base bursting with green goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty, savory flavor that makes these tots so indulgent and satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs: Either regular or panko provide essential binding and a wonderful crispy crunch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty depth that perfectly complements the cheddar.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue that holds all the ingredients together, ensuring your tots stay intact while baking.
- Garlic powder: A subtle punch of flavor that amps up the savoriness in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance all the natural flavors without overwhelming your palate.
How to Make Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This ensures your tots won’t stick and will bake to a perfect golden crust. Next, steam your broccoli until tender – this softness is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture without losing vibrant color.
Step 2: Finely Chop or Pulse Your Broccoli
Once steamed, you want to get your broccoli as finely chopped as possible, either by hand or in a food processor, until it resembles tiny grains of rice. This step helps create a cohesive mixture that binds well and forms tots that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until the mixture looks uniform and ready to be shaped – this is the moment when all those delightful flavors start to meld together.
Step 4: Shape Your Tots
Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll and squeeze gently with your hands to form small tots. This hands-on step brings a bit of fun into the kitchen and ensures each tot is just right in size for perfect baking and snacking.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place your tots on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through to achieve that irresistible golden and crispy exterior all around. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing in no time!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, the tots are ready to be devoured. Serve them warm paired with your favorite sauce. Whether ketchup, vegan ranch, or spicy mustard, the dipping adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Serve Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika turns your tots into a restaurant-quality snack with flair. It adds a splash of color and a subtle fresh note that complements the cheesy, savory flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
These tots make a stellar companion to crisp green salads or a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They’re also wonderful served alongside a hearty bowl of soup or your favorite dipping sauces to create a filling, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving these tots on skewers as a fun appetizer at gatherings or stacking them with layers of vegan cheese and marinara sauce for a playful twist on the classic tot dish. Presentation is half the fun and definitely amps up the wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tots left (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack on busy days.
Freezing
For longer storage, these tots freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and are a great option for meal prep.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated tots back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This restores their crispiness much better than a microwave, giving you that freshly-baked crunch every time.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep everything yummy and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. It’s a simple swap that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste.
Is it possible to make these tots nut-free?
Yes, this recipe doesn’t contain nuts inherently, so it’s naturally nut-free as long as you choose cheese and breadcrumbs made in nut-free facilities.
Can I substitute the egg?
For a fully vegan approach, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let it sit until gel-like before adding—it works well as a binder here.
How do I make the cheese vegan?
Swap in your favorite vegan shredded cheddar and vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep the cheesy flavor while maintaining a plant-based diet. Many brands melt wonderfully and taste delicious.
Are these tots good for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the fun shape and crispy texture, plus the cheesy broccoli flavor packs in nutrition without complaint. They’re a perfect sneak-in for veggies at snack time.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy from the very first bite. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome broccoli, these tots prove that comfort food can be both nutritious and utterly delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find yourself reaching for them again and again—they really are that good!
Print
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and hearty vegan chickpea noodle soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup combines tender noodles, protein-rich chickpeas, and flavorful vegetables in a warm, savory broth that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or homemade)
- 2 cups plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Noodles
- 2 cups wide egg-free pasta noodles (such as fettuccine or linguine), broken into pieces
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the aromas.
- Add Broth and Chickpeas: Pour in the vegetable broth and plant-based milk. Add the cooked chickpeas. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg-free noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional black pepper if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use gluten-free noodles to make this soup gluten-free if needed.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some chickpeas before adding them or reduce the broth slightly.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking noodles.
