Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots for Kids

Introduction

Are you looking for a fun and delicious snack that your kids will love? Look no further than these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots! Made with everyday ingredients, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy tater tots, steamed broccoli, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven. Plus, they’re a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. In this article, we’ll show you how to make these tasty treats and provide you with some helpful tips and variations to make them your own.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors and textures in these tater tots is perfect for kids and adults alike. The crispy outside and fluffy inside of the tater tots provide a satisfying crunch, while the steamed broccoli adds a burst of green goodness.
• These tater tots are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. You can have them ready in no time, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend snacks.
• Despite their simplicity, these tater tots are impressive and sure to be a hit with your kids. You can serve them as a side dish, snack, or even as a fun appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag of tater tots
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon or 1/4 cup diced ham

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the tater tots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Bake the Tater Tots Bake the tater tots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
3. Step 3: Steam the Broccoli While the tater tots are baking, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket until they’re tender but still crisp. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Assemble and Cheese Once the tater tots are done, remove them from the oven and top each one with a piece of steamed broccoli, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the tater tots to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To add some extra flavor to your tater tots, try sprinkling some chopped cooked bacon or diced ham on top of the cheese before baking.
• If you want to make your tater tots extra crispy, try soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This will help remove excess starch and result in a crunchier exterior.
• To make these tater tots more substantial, try serving them with a side of marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream.

Heat Control

If you’re using a conventional oven, make sure to keep an eye on the tater tots while they’re baking to ensure they don’t overcook. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tater tots, which should be around 200°F (90°C) when they’re done. If you’re using a toaster oven or air fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and cooking time.

Crunch Factor

To achieve the perfect crunch on your tater tots, make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around each tater tot and help them cook evenly. You can also try baking them in batches if necessary. Additionally, don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your toppings – a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream can add a nice textural element to your tater tots.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make your tater tots extra crispy, try using a mixture of grated cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top. The panko breadcrumbs will add a nice crunch and help the cheese stick to the tater tots.
• If you’re looking for a fun twist on these tater tots, try using different types of cheese or adding some diced herbs like parsley or chives. You can also experiment with different seasonings like paprika or garlic powder.
• To make cleanup easier, try lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the tater tots from sticking and make it easy to wipe down the sheet when you’re done.

Storage Tips

• To store leftover tater tots, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat them.
• To reheat leftover tater tots, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.
• To keep your tater tots fresh for as long as possible, make sure to store them in an airtight container and keep them away from strong-smelling foods. You can also try adding a piece of bread or a paper towel to the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give these tater tots as a gift, try packaging them in a cute container or bag. You can also include a side of marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream for dipping. Consider adding a fun label or gift tag to make the gift more personalized. Some other ideas for gift packaging include using a mason jar, a paper cone, or a decorative tin.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta, to give your tater tots a unique flavor.
• Add some diced herbs, such as parsley or chives, to give your tater tots a fresh and oniony flavor.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or garlic powder, to add a smoky or savory flavor to your tater tots.

Troubleshooting

• If your tater tots are not crispy, try baking them for a few more minutes or using a higher oven temperature.
• If your tater tots are too salty, try reducing the amount of salt you use or using a salt-free seasoning blend.
• If your tater tots are not cooking evenly, try flipping them halfway through the cooking time or using a rotating oven rack.

FAQs

• Can I freeze these tater tots? Yes, you can freeze these tater tots for up to 2 months. Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Are these tater tots gluten-free? Yes, these tater tots are gluten-free, making them a great option for kids with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double this recipe to make a larger batch of tater tots. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

We hope you and your kids enjoy these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots! They’re a fun and delicious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and seasonings – the possibilities are endless! If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!