Potato Broccoli Tots

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 fiber, which are vital for supporting children's growth and development.

Versatile and Customisable: You can easily adjust this recipe by adding different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to accommodate your family’s preferences and dietary needs. This flexibility ensures everyone enjoys something.

Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses simple cooking methods, such as steaming and baking, making it accessible for families to prepare together. It encourages healthy cooking habits and involves even young kids in the kitchen.

Soft and Safe for Little Eaters: The tots' soft texture is 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 for babies and toddlers. They promote self-feeding skills and help develop 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 that you can prepare larger batches for quick, healthy snacks or meals on busy days. This offers convenience without compromising on nutrition.

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

Potato Broccoli Tots Recipe

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 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, ensuring no large chunks are left.

4. Shape the Tots: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll or shape it into a tot or cylinder. If needed, adjust the size to be smaller for babies and toddlers. 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 are golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Watch them closely to avoid overbrowning.

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

Tips for Success

Steam Until Soft: When steamed, ensure the potatoes and broccoli are fully tender. If they’re undercooked, the mixture won’t mash smoothly, resulting in chunky tots. They should be soft enough to mash easily with a fork.

Cool Before Mashing: Let the steamed vegetables cool slightly before mashing. This will make them easier to handle and prevent the mixture from becoming overly sticky when shaping the tots.

Drain Excess Water: After steaming, pat the potatoes and broccoli with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Excess water can make the mixture mushy and difficult to shape.

Adjust Cheese for Texture: If the mixture feels too sticky, add a bit more cheese or a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and improve the texture. However, be mindful of the salt content if serving it to babies.

Consistent Tot Size: Try to shape the tots into similar sizes for even baking. Smaller tots will turn out crispier, while larger ones may stay softer inside.

Use a Non-Stick Surface: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or lightly spray with cooking spray for easy removal after baking.

Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven varies, so watch the tots during the last few minutes of baking. Bake until golden and slightly crisp, but avoid overbaking, as they may dry out.

Make a Double Batch: These tots freeze beautifully! Prepare a larger batch and freeze extras for a quick, nutritious snack. Lay them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven whenever you need a convenient meal or snack.

Ingredients Substitutions and Additions 

Substitutions 

Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and more vitamins. They will also add a lovely color! Replace half or all the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lower-carb option with a mild flavor.

Grated and steamed carrots or zucchini make great substitutes, adding color and flavor. To avoid excess moisture, zucchini may need to be squeezed dry.

Use dairy-free shredded cheese if you make these tots for someone with dairy sensitivities.

If the mixture is 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

For a fresh, aromatic flavor, add mild herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. You can finely chop fresh herbs or sprinkle them with dried herbs. For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of garlic or onion powder, especially for toddlers and adults.

Add a handful of steamed peas for a hint of sweetness and extra color. Sweet corn kernels can add a nice pop of sweetness and texture.

Add a few tablespoons of mashed chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. This slightly changes the texture, but it makes for a heartier snack.

If you are making this for babies, avoid adding ingredients that could make the tots harder to chew, such as whole corn kernels or bell pepper pieces, unless they are very finely chopped or mashed.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Dip (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Serve the tots with plain Greek yogurt, mild tomato sauce, or hummus for a healthy and easy dipping option for little ones.

Cheesy Top (Toddler-Friendly): Sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top of the hot tots for a melty finish that toddlers will find irresistible.

Avocado Cream (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Pair the tots with mashed avocado and some yogurt for a creamy, nutritious dip. This dip is ideal for babies starting solids and toddlers alike.

Eggs on the Side (Baby and Toddler-Friendly): Serve the tots alongside scrambled eggs or a mini omelet for a balanced breakfast that’s suitable for both babies and toddlers.

Salad Topping (For Older Kids and Adults): Topping a green salad with tots adds a warm, hearty twist—perfect for older kids and adults looking for a filling, nutritious meal.

Loaded Style (Toddler-Friendly): Top the tots with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and chopped chives; you can create a “loaded” version that toddlers will enjoy as a special treat.

How to Store

Refrigerator

Place any leftover tots in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To restore crispiness, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or reheat them in a skillet. For a quick option, microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though this may soften the texture.

Freezer

Arrange the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them individually for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tots can be kept for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 175°C for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Nutrition

Suitable for 6 months +

• CALORIES: 50KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 9G 

• PROTEIN: 2G 

• FAT: 1.5G 

• SODIUM: 25MG 

• POTASSIUM: 150MG 

• FIBER: 1G

• SUGAR: 1G

• VITAMIN A: 100IU 

• VITAMIN C: 30MG

• CALCIUM: 60MG 

•  IRON: 0.5MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.