Broccoli Bacon Ranch Tots

Made with broccoli rice instead of potatoes, these tots flavored with bacon and ranch dressing mix are a tasty kid-friendly appetizer.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 34 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 4 mins
• Calories: 290 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 3 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.33333334326744 cup minced onion
• 0.75 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Place 1/2 of the broccoli florets in a food processor; pulse about 20 times until it looks like grains of rice. Repeat with remaining broccoli florets.

Step 3

Fill a large, shallow saucepan with 1/2 inch water; add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add broccoli rice. Cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and let cool, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Transfer broccoli rice to the center of a clean absorbent dish towel. Squeeze and twist the towel to remove as much of the moisture as possible.

Step 5

Mix Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, onion, egg, bacon, ranch dressing mix, and parsley together in a large bowl. Mix in broccoli rice until mixture sticks together when pressed into a ball.

Step 6

Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture with a small ice cream scoop; form into a ball and press into the shape of a tot using oiled hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Step 7

Drizzle olive oil over broccoli tots. Sprinkle remaining 1 teaspoon salt on top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven, turning halfway with tongs, until golden brown, about 24 minutes.