This easy snack combines crispy tots with savory bacon and zesty ranch for a flavor-packed bite. Adding broccoli gives it a fresh twist that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take half of the broccoli florets and pulse them in a food processor about 20 times until they look like tiny grains of rice. Do the same with the rest of the broccoli.
Next, pour about half an inch of water into a large, shallow saucepan, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, add the broccoli rice, cover, and let it simmer until it’s tender—this should take around 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Once cooled, spread the broccoli rice onto a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze and twist it tightly to get rid of as much moisture as you can. In a big bowl, combine the cheddar, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, bacon, ranch seasoning, and parsley. Mix in the broccoli rice until the mixture holds together when you press it.
Using a small scoop or spoon, portion out about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a tot with your hands—oiling your hands helps keep things from sticking. Place each tot on the baking sheet and repeat until you’ve used all the mixture.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tots and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt on top. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 24 minutes, turning them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all around. Enjoy!
- Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy for the best texture.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender to keep its bright color and nutrients.
- Use frozen tots for convenience, but bake them until golden and crispy.
This dish combines crispy, savory bacon with creamy ranch flavors and tender broccoli, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food with a healthy twist. Plus, the tots add a fun, crispy element everyone loves.
Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some grilled chicken to make a complete meal. This dish also pairs well with a simple dipping sauce like extra ranch or a spicy mayo for added flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tots crispy instead of using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
