Side Dish

Ranch Broccoli Bacon Tater Tots

★★★★★ 4.6 (476)

These crispy tots are loaded with savory bacon, fresh broccoli, and zesty ranch seasoning for a deliciously addictive snack or side. Perfect for game day or anytime you want a flavorful twist on a classic favorite!

◷ 1 hr 4 min Total Time

♜ 4 Servings

▥ Hard Difficulty

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Ingredients

4 servings

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

Tasty Chicken Pasta Creation

Instructions

Step 1

Start by heating 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 look like tiny grains of rice. Do the same with the rest of the broccoli.

Step 2

Next, 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 gently for around 5 minutes until it’s tender. Drain well and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Once it’s cool, transfer the broccoli rice to a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze and twist it to get rid of as much moisture as you can. This step helps keep the tots from getting soggy.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Grab about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture at a time using a small scoop or spoon. Roll it into a ball, then gently press and shape it into a little tot with your hands, which you might want to oil lightly so it doesn’t stick. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet and keep going until all the mixture is used up.

Step 6

Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tots and sprinkle them with the remaining teaspoon of salt.

Step 7

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines crispy tater tots with flavorful bacon and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a creamy ranch seasoning. It’s a perfect mix of crunchy, savory, and tangy that makes for a satisfying snack or side. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm as a side for burgers, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad. It also works great as a party appetizer alongside dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo. For a heartier meal, add a fried egg on top.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the tots crispy instead of using the microwave, which can make them soggy.