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Super simple broccoli tots for your little one – great to make ahead of time for a quick veggie loaded side!
This is a super easy recipe, basically fool proof! Steam your broccoli and boil your potato, can’t be overcooked cause soft = easy to mash! I originally was going to shape these into more of a tot shape, but who has time for that lol. So they’re really broccoli balls I guess, but whatever. The important thing is that my son gave his little baby seal of approval! There can never be too many veggie loaded recipes for our little ones!
BABY LED WEANING
This would be a great recipe to serve babies starting at 6 months, once they’ve been safely introduced to the allergens in the tots. For younger babies, typically it’s best to serve bigger pieces since those are easier for them to hold. Once they develop the pincer grasp (pointer and thumb pinching together), then you can start to give them smaller pieces.
For information on how to safely serve foods to babies depending on their age (plus so much more), I recommend Solid Starts. The app is free and has tons of information!
ALLERGENS
This recipe has eggs and dairy. It should work just fine with an egg replacer, this one available online at Target, as well as a dairy free cheese.
STORAGE
I stored these in the fridge for 4 days, then transferred to the freezer. They can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To freeze I would line a baking sheet with foil or parchment then lay in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once frozen (give it a few hours) you can transfer to another container. This way they are individually frozen rather than all stuck together in one huge block!
To reheat I would either thaw in the fridge overnight then toast or microwave, or just toast or microwave from frozen. Best when toasted, imo!
SUBSTITUTES & ADD INS
Any cheese or seasonings could sub in here! Sweet potato could sub in for the russet as well, and cauliflower could sub in for broccoli.
If you’re not sure if your little one loves broccoli, or don’t want it to be so broccoli heavy, you could cut back the amount and just do 1 cup of steamed broccoli and probably just 1 egg in that case.
TOOLS USED/RECOMMENDED
Parchment paper – I buy precut online because I find dealing with a roll of parchment to be the most annoying thing and it’s just so much easier to have it cut for you! Comes in a variety of sizes.
Steamer/Pasta Pot – We use this all the time. Has a steamer and pasta insert. This isn’t the exact one we have, but probably should switch to it because it’s stainless steel.
Masher – I like this one because it doesn’t get stuck in the drawer!
Cookie scoop – I love using this to scoop meatballs, pancake batter, and tons more. I use this thing ALL the time when cooking for my son (and just in general)
More easy and delicious recipes for your little one found here!
Broccoli Tots
Ingredients
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
- 1 large russet potato mashed
- 1/2 cup cheese of choice
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 and line your baking sheet with parchment paper (or grease)
- Cut broccoli into similar sized pieces and steam until soft
- Peel and cube potato and boil until soft
- Add broccoli and potato to a bowl and mash together, cool for a few minutes
- Add in remaining ingredients and mix until combined
- Using a cookie scoop add around 2 tablespoons of batter to your baking sheet
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, until browned around the edges
- Cool for a few minutes
- Serve and enjoy!
I hope your little one approves of these little veggie tots. Enjoy!
Hi Ivy, nice recipe. What do you typically pair this with and serve? Thanks.
Hi! I usually aim for a fruit + veg + protein. With this I’d pick a fruit and do a scoop of cottage cheese, chicken thighs, or whatever other protein he likes at the moment.