Broccoli Cheddar Tots

I'm back with another 1970's recipe.

The best part of my mom's cooking was the weekly frozen tater tots she would bake in the oven.

They were delicious dipped in ketchup, always burning our mouths because we ate them so fast.....ah, such sweet memories.

This recipe is sort of a riff on those spinach balls from the 1970's.....made with Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix and frozen spinach.

Here, I made my ever so popular (God only knows why) Broccoli Bites for Kids recipe, and formed them into little tater tots....sans potatoes.

If you have leftover cooked broccoli, this is the perfect recipe for it.

I am a Food Blog sprinkled togarashi on top, and if you haven't acquainted yourself with that Japanese spice, I suggest you do so.

It's a blend of black and white sesame seeds along with hot pepper, orange peel and nori (dried seaweed). I LOVE IT!
It's good on eggs, avocado toast and just plain rice. You can buy it on amazon here.

This is a great appetizer or snack......I ate them with rooster sauce, but I know many of you will want to dip them in ranch dressing.....go ahead, I will not scold you.

Broccoli Cheddar Tots: (adapted from I am a Food Blog)

12 oz. of steamed broccoli
3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (any cheese works)
1 extra large egg
1/2 cup of panko crumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup of sliced green onions
salt & pepper
togarashi for the top

You can chop the broccoli by hand, but I threw everything in the food processor and just gave it a few pulses.
Don't forget the salt & pepper, otherwise it will be bland.

Preheat oven to 400F.

You can just make little patties or little balls, but I did the "tot" shape thing.....use wet hands and you will get the hang of it after forming two or three.

Lay the tots on a parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle w/ the Japanese togarashi spice. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the tots (physically turning them over) one time.
I forgot to turn mine, so only one side got brown, but that was fine......

Let cool a few minutes, or burn your mouth if you like.....

Go ahead and dip in that disgusting ranch sauce, I know you want to.

These freeze well too.

:)