I miss tater tots. I really do. These Keto broccoli cheddar tots are my favorite low-carb substitute — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of broccoli and sharp cheddar flavor.
The recipe is straightforward and forgiving. I usually keep frozen cauliflower and broccoli rice on hand; for these tots I used broccoli rice, but cauliflower rice would work well too. Shredded cheddar cheese adds both flavor and structure, and a single egg with a bit of almond flour helps bind the mix.
How to make Keto Broccoli Cheddar Tots
This recipe is as easy as it gets: mix, shape, and bake. If your broccoli rice is wet, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a clean towel or paper towels. Excess water can make the mixture too loose. Once the excess liquid is removed, combine the broccoli rice, shredded cheddar, egg, almond flour, and Italian seasoning until evenly mixed. The mixture may look a little loose at first; that’s normal.
Gently roll the mixture into small balls — I get about 15 to 16 tots from this batch — and place them on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. A silicone mat is reusable and prevents sticking, but parchment works in a pinch. Lightly press each ball flat with a tart tamper, a glass bottom, or your palm. Oil the surface of the tool or the mat lightly to prevent sticking; the tots are delicate before baking.
What do I need to make broccoli cheddar tots?
Equipment is minimal: a bowl, a baking sheet, and a tamper or heavy-bottomed glass to flatten. A silicone baking mat or a nonstick sheet makes cleanup easier and helps the tots hold together during baking. Use good-quality shredded cheddar for the best flavor; a sharper cheese will give the tots more depth. Almond flour is used sparingly here — about two tablespoons — just enough to help the egg bind the mixture without adding too many carbs.
Bake the tots at 400°F. After the first bake, flip each tot and return them to the oven so both sides brown and crisp. The exact baking times can vary by oven and how dense you make the tots; start by baking eight minutes, flipping, then baking another five to eight minutes until golden. Once the egg has set, the tots become sturdy and hold their shape well.
Don’t be alarmed if they look fragile before baking. They firm up and brown nicely. Flip carefully so they don’t break, and use a thin spatula to help. The result is a tender interior flecked with broccoli and melted cheese and a slightly crisp exterior that makes them very satisfying.
Serve them warm. I like to shape mine into small patties so they’re easier to flip and pick up, but feel free to make classic tot shapes, mini patties, or even small croquettes. For dipping, sugar-free ketchup, low-carb marinara, or a tangy mustard-based sauce pairs nicely and keeps the dish keto-friendly.
These tots are a great side or snack. They travel well and reheat nicely in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Leftovers make a quick addition to lunchboxes or a keto-friendly snack when you want something savory and filling.
If you want to save the recipe for later, pin the image or copy the instructions below. These tots are forgiving and easy to adapt — try different cheeses, add a pinch of garlic powder, or fold in finely chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Broccoli and Cheddar Tots – Keto
15
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled broccoli rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- If your broccoli rice is wet, drain and press out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix all ingredients until evenly combined so the egg is well distributed.
- Roll gently into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Lightly flatten each one.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
- Flip each tot and bake an additional 5–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm, alone or with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield 16
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 87Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 26mgSodium 105mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gProtein 5g
Don’t have time to make them now? Save the recipe or make the broccoli rice in advance and freeze it ready to go. These tots reheat well and crisp up quickly for a fast, satisfying low-carb snack or side.