Tater Tots with Broccoli and Bacon Ranch

A easy and tasty dish combines crispy tater tots with fresh broccoli and savory bacon, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for a quick snack or a fun side at any meal.

Ingredients 0/9

1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli florets 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided ¾ cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup panko bread crumbs 1 egg 3 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste

Why This Recipe Is So Enjoyable

This dish combines crispy, golden tots with fresh broccoli and savory bacon, all brought together by a creamy ranch flavor. It’s a perfect mix of textures and tastes that make every bite satisfying and comforting.

Tips For Best Results

- For extra crispiness, bake the tots on a wire rack so heat circulates evenly.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender to keep its bright color and crunch.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain on paper towels to avoid soggy bites.

Step 1

Heat 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’re broken down into rice-sized pieces. Do the same with the rest of the broccoli.

Step 2

Pour about half an inch of water into a large, shallow pan, 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 for around 5 minutes until it’s tender. Drain the broccoli and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Once cooled, transfer the broccoli to a clean kitchen towel, gather the edges, and squeeze out as much moisture as you can.

Step 4

In a big bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, bacon, ranch seasoning, and parsley. Add the broccoli rice to the mix and stir until everything sticks together well when you press it.

Step 5

Using a small scoop or spoon, portion out about a tablespoon and a half of the mixture, shape it into a ball, then gently press it into a tot shape with lightly oiled hands. Arrange the tots on your baking sheet and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt evenly over the top.

Step 6

Pop the tots in the oven and bake for about 24 minutes, turning them over halfway through so they get golden and crispy all around. Enjoy!

How To Enjoy This Dish

Serve this as a hearty snack or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or burgers. A fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw would also balance the richness nicely.

Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tots crispy instead of using the microwave.

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people cooked this recipe

By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.