Broccoli Bites

I have forgotten how much fun it is to cook for a baby. Mainly because they eat everything. Peas- check, broccoli- check, spinach- yummy. If only this open-mindedness stayed with babies into adulthood! Unfortunately though, one day you wake up and realize you are feeding a toddler. A different ballgame entirely.

My approach to the picky toddler eater- hide vegetables in everything. Smoothies, muffins, you name it. My daughter actually inhales broccoli provided I put it in fun little bite size ‘tots’. This recipe is toddler approved!

Broccoli Bites
Adapted from Gimme Delicious Food

2 cups or 12 ounces uncooked broccoli
1 large egg
¼ cup diced yellow onion
⅓ cup cheddar cheese
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking sheet with a thin layer of oil or line with parchment paper and set aside.

Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender.

Chop broccoli finely and mix thoroughly with the egg, onions, cheddar, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of mix and gently press between your hands into a tater-tot shape. It helps to wash your hands after every few tots to keep them from sticking onto your hands. Place the formed tot on your prepared baking sheet.

Bake until golden brown and crispy, 18-24 minutes, turning half way.