Easy, Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots Recipe

Table of Contents

What Is A Broccoli Tot?

Broccoli tots are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic tater tot. Instead of using potatoes, this innovative recipe swaps in finely chopped broccoli, mixed with cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

The mixture is then formed into small, bite-sized tots and baked until golden and crispy.

Veggie broccoli tater tot offer a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your baby’s diet, especially for those who may not be fans of traditional steamed or boiled broccoli.

They make for a fantastic appetiser, snack, or side dish that is packed with flavour and nutrients, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Is A Broccoli Tot Suitable For Baby Led Weaning?

Absolutely! BLW broccoli tots recipe are a fantastic option for baby-led weaning. They are soft enough for little ones to easily grasp and nibble on, making them an ideal finger foods for babies who are learning to self-feed.

Broccoli is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre, which are crucial for a baby's growth and development.

By introducing a baby tot during baby-led weaning, parents can encourage their little ones to explore new flavours and textures using simple ingredients while providing them with a wholesome and nutritious snack.

They are also a delicious meal for the whole family too!

The Benefits of Broccoli Baby Led Weaning

Introducing broccoli into your baby's diet during baby-led weaning (BLW) can be incredibly beneficial. Its mild flavour and soft texture make it an ideal choice for little ones learning to self-feed.

By offering broccoli as a part of their BLW journey, you're not only exposing them to a variety of flavours and textures but also helping them develop their pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination.

Plus, promoting early exposure to a wide range of vegetables can encourage a lifelong love for healthy eating.

Just make sure to steam the broccoli until it's soft enough for your baby to easily mash between their gums, allowing them to explore this nutritious veggie at their own pace.

Can I Make Broccoli Tots Dairy Free?

Absolutely! Making broccoli cheese bites dairy-free for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is not only possible but also quite simple.

Just substitute any dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Instead of using cheese, try adding nutritional yeast or a dairy free cheese for a cheesy flavour without the dairy.

By making these easy swaps, you can create delicious and nutritious dairy-free broccoli tots that are perfect for introducing your little one to the world of solid foods during BLW.

Can I Make Broccoli Tots Gluten Free?

Absolutely! Turning the homemade broccoli tots into a gluten-free option for baby-led weaning (BLW) is a simple adjustment.

Instead of using regular breadcrumbs, it's important to ensure that any breadcrumbs or other ingredients used in the recipe are also free from gluten. making sure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

By making these substitutions, you can create a delicious and safe gluten-free version of the broccoli cheddar tots, perfect for little ones practicing baby-led weaning.

Why You Should Make This Recipe?

Introducing solid foods to a baby's diet is an important milestone, and choosing the right foods is crucial. Broccoli tots are an excellent choice for baby led weaning for several reasons.

Firstly, broccoli is packed with essential nutrients, which are vital for a growing baby's development.

Additionally, the mild flavour and soft texture of broccoli tots make them ideal for little ones who are learning to self-feed.

By making this broccoli recipes for babies, you can introduce your baby to a nutritious and delicious vegetable in a fun and accessible way, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Ingredient information

Broccoli - I have used fresh broccoli florets, you could easily use frozen broccoli too.

Mozzarella - I have used grated mozzarella, you could also use cheddar cheese if you didn’t t have mozzarella.

Mixed herbs - A great dried herb cupboard staple, works perfectly in this recipe.

Egg - I have used a free range egg, just one is needed for the recipe.

Panko bread crumbs - I have used Panko breadcrumbs for a little bit of a bite, but you can use fresh breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Serving suggestion

These are great for a lunch idea and great for lunch boxes too, or even for a delicious snack during the day. You could serve with a selection of cucumber batons and red pepper for a picky lunch, or you could serve alongside some pulled chicken and mashed potato for a dinner option.

Why not try a sweet treat afterwards such as a peach melba, strawberry dessert, oaty bar or blackberry cheesecake.

Storage instructions

The broccoli tots can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, alternatively you can store in the same way or in freezer airlock bags for up to 3 months in the freezer! A great go to snack for when you need it! Make sure that the broccoli tots have cooled down at room temperature before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container.

If you wanted to reheat the tots, you will only be able to reheat once from the fridge. I would suggest heating them up in the oven, at 180C or 350F, for 15 minutes. Leave to cool before serving to your baby..

Equipment used to help with this recipe

I have used a great large mixing bowl (stainless steel and easy to clean), and baking tray (non-stick and and easily stored) for this recipe. For storage I have used a large airtight container (with snap shut lids).

Recipe | Easy Broccoli Tots

Ingredients

Makes 10 tots

• 1/2 head broccoli florets (approx 8 florets)

• 100g grated mozzarella cheese

• 70g panko breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs

Instructions

• Preheat your fan oven to 180 C or 350F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Boil the broccoli in a medium saucepan for at least 15 minutes until soft.

• Drain the broccoli and leave to cool.

• Once the cooked broccoli has cooled, pop the broccoli into a large bowl and mash with a fork.

• Pop all the other remaining ingredients into the bowl and mix well.

• Using your hands, take part of the broccoli mixture approx 50g In weight and roll the mixture into a ball, using both hands press between your hands to make 2 ends and then turn around and roll to make the tot shapes.

• Repeat and place the tots on the prepared baking tray and pop in the oven . The baking time is 20 minutes turning halfway through, until golden brown.

• Leave to cool at room temperature before serving.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

This recipe works well with other vegetables as well. Sweet potato is great and so it’s carrot too! Sweet potato is great to use without the egg to make the recipe vegan, you would also need to replace the mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella or vegan grated cheese!

Why not switching out the broccoli or cauliflower to make this cauliflower tots? You could add a little garlic powder with the cauliflower too for an extra punch of flavour.

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