Potato Broccoli Tots

Food and NutritionRecipes and Meal Ideas

Written by Kenny

  • Fact Checked by
Easy to make and endlessly customisable, these nutritious bites are perfect for little eaters and the whole family. A delicious way to sneak in veggies while keeping mealtime fun!

Jump to Recipe

Why These Tots Are Great for Babies, Toddlers, and Families

Nutrient-Rich: These veggie tots are packed with essential nutrients from potatoes and broccoli, including vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, which are vital for supporting growth and development in children.

Versatile and Customisable: Easily adjust this recipe by adding different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to cater to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. This flexibility ensures everyone has something they enjoy.

Easy to Prepare: With simple cooking methods like steaming and baking, this recipe is accessible for families to prepare together, encouraging healthy cooking habits and involving even young kids in the kitchen.

Soft and Safe for Little Eaters: The tots have a soft texture that’s perfect for babies just starting solids. They can also be cut into smaller pieces for toddlers, making them easy and safe to chew and swallow.

Fun Finger Food: Veggie tots are ideal finger food, promoting self-feeding skills in babies and toddlers and helping to develop their motor skills and independence.

Family-Friendly Meal: These tots can serve as a side dish or main course for the whole family, simplifying meal planning and encouraging shared family mealtimes.

Freezer-Friendly: They freeze well, so you can prepare larger batches for quick, healthy snacks or meals on busy days, offering convenience without compromising on nutrition.

Appealing to Picky Eaters: Their fun shape and mild flavours make them more enticing to picky eaters, making it easier to introduce vegetables in a familiar, enjoyable format.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes – peeled and chopped into small pieces

  • 1 medium head of broccoli – cut into small florets, tough stems removed

  • 1/2 cup grated cheese – mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

  2. Steam the Vegetables Together: Place the chopped potatoes and broccoli florets in a steamer or steaming basket  over boiling water. Steam the vegetables together until they are very tender, about 15–20 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.

  3. Mash and Combine Ingredients: Transfer the steamed potatoes and broccoli to a large bowl and add the grated cheese. Using a fork or potato masher, mash everything together until smooth, making sure there are no large chunks left.

  4. Shape the Tots: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll or shape it into a tot or cylinder. Adjust the size to be smaller for babies and toddlers if needed. Place each tot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

  5. Bake: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.

  6.  Serve: Let the tots cool slightly before serving to ensure they’re warm but not too hot, especially for little ones. Serve as they are or with a mild dipping sauce like plain yoghurt or a mild tomato sauce for added flavour. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Steam Until Very Soft: Make sure both the potatoes and broccoli are fully tender when steamed. If they are undercooked, the mixture may not mash well, and you will have chunky tots. They should be easily mashable with a fork.

 

Cool Before Mashing: Allow the steamed vegetables to cool slightly before mashing. This helps to make handling easier and avoids an overly sticky texture when forming the tots.

Drain Excess Water: After steaming, pat the potatoes and broccoli with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Too much water can make the mixture mushy, which makes it harder to shape the tots.

 

Adjust Cheese for Texture: If the mixture is too sticky, try adding a little more cheese or even a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and provide structure. Be mindful of salt content if serving to babies.

 

Consistent Tot Size: Try to keep the tots a similar size so they bake evenly. Smaller tots will be crispier, while larger ones may stay softer on the inside.

Use a Non-Stick Surface: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or lightly spray with cooking spray to ensure the tots come off easily after baking.

 

Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the tots during the last few minutes of baking. Bake until golden and slightly crisp, but avoid over-baking as they may dry out.

 

Make a Double Batch: These tots freeze well! Make a larger batch and freeze extras. Simply place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for a quick, nutritious snack.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

Potatoes

  • Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and more vitamins. They will add a lovely colour, too!

     

  • Cauliflower: Replace half or all the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lower-carb option with a mild flavour.

     

Broccoli

  • Carrots or Zucchini: Grated and steamed carrots or zucchini make great substitutes, adding a bit of colour and flavour. Zucchini may need to be squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture.

Cheese

  • Dairy-Free Cheese: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese if you are making these tots for someone with dairy sensitivities.

Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs or Oats (Optional): If you find the mixture too soft or moist, try adding a tablespoon or two of gluten-free breadcrumbs or quick oats. This will help absorb moisture and add texture.

Additions

Herbs and Seasonings

  • Herbs: Add mild herbs like parsley, chives, or basil for a fresh, aromatic flavour. You can finely chop fresh herbs or sprinkle in dried herbs.
  • Garlic or Onion Powder: Add a pinch of garlic or onion powder for more depth of flavour, especially for toddlers and adults.

Additional Vegetables

  • Peas: Add a handful of steamed peas for a hint of sweetness and extra colour.
  • Corn: Sweet corn kernels can add a nice pop of sweetness and texture.

Protein Boost

  • Chickpeas or Black Beans: For extra protein, try adding a few tablespoons of mashed chickpeas or black beans. This will slightly change the texture, but it makes for a heartier snack.

Flavorful Toppings (for Toddlers and Adults)

  • Breadcrumb Coating: Roll the tots in breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crispy outer layer.
  • Sprinkle of Parmesan: For a little extra flavour, sprinkle parmesan over the tots right before baking.

Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Adjust Texture: If making for babies, avoid additions that could make the tots harder to chew, like whole corn kernels or bell pepper pieces, unless they are very finely chopped or mashed.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Dip (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Serve with plain greek yoghurt, mild tomato sauce, or hummus for a healthy, easy-to-dip option.

Cheesy Top (Toddler-Friendly): Sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top while hot for a melty finish that toddlers will love.

Avocado Cream (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Pair with mashed avocado mixed with a bit of yoghurt for a creamy, nutritious dip. Perfect for babies starting solids and toddlers alike.

Eggs on the Side (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Serve tots alongside scrambled eggs or a mini omelette for a balanced breakfast, suitable for babies and toddlers.

Salad Topping (For Older Kids and Adults): Use tots as a warm, hearty topping for a green salad; this option is best for older kids and adults.

Loaded Style (Toddler-Friendly): Top tots with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and chopped chives for a “loaded” version toddlers will enjoy.

How to Store

Refrigerator

  • Store: Place any leftover tots in an airtight container.

  • Shelf Life: They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or reheat in a skillet. For a quick option, microwave for 20-30 seconds, though this may soften the texture.

Freezer

  • Freeze: Arrange tots in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

  • Shelf Life: Frozen tots can be kept for up to 3 months.

  • Reheat: Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at  175°C for  15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Nutrition Guide

Suitable from 6 months

Potato Broccoli Tots (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 60-80 calories (depending on cheese and portion size)
  • Protein: 2-4 grams (more if cheese or beans are added)
  • Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams (mainly from potatoes)
  • Fibre: 2-3 grams (from broccoli and potatoes)
  • Fat: 2-5 grams (varies with cheese)

Vitamins & Minerals:

  • Vitamin C: High (from broccoli)
  • Potassium: Moderate (from potatoes)
  • Calcium: Varies (depending on cheese added)

Note:

  • Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
  • For a balanced meal, consider serving with a source of protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes – peeled and chopped into small pieces

  • 1 medium head of broccoli – cut into small florets, tough stems removed

  • 1/2 cup grated cheese – mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paperto prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

  2. Steam the Vegetables Together: Place the chopped potatoes and broccoli florets in a steamer or steaming basket over boiling water. Steam the vegetables together until they are very tender, about 15–20 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.

  3. Mash and Combine Ingredients:
    Transfer the steamed potatoes and broccoli to a large bowl and add the grated cheese. Using a fork or potato masher, mash everything together until smooth, making sure there are no large chunks left.

  4. Shape the Tots: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll or shape it into a tot or cylinder. Adjust the size to be smaller for babies and toddlers if needed. Place each tot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

  5. Bake: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.

  6.  Serve: Let the tots cool slightly before serving to ensure they’re warm but not too hot, especially for little ones. Serve as they are or with a mild dipping sauce like plain yoghurt or a mild tomato sauce for added flavour. Enjoy!