Potato Veggie Tots with Spinach & Peas | Easy Toddler Recipe
These easy potato veggie tots are made with boiled potatoes, spinach, peas, oats and cheese. They’re egg-free, simple to make and a great toddler-friendly meal for little hands.
They’re also a great way to use up leftover boiled potatoes! Serve them with a favorite dip and some fruit on the side for an easy toddler lunch or dinner.
Potato Veggie Tots with Spinach and Peas
Course: Lunch u0026amp; DinnerDifficulty: EasyServings
2-3
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
20
minutesYields
12-14
Ingredients
1 cup mashed boiled potatoes
½ cup cooked peas, lightly mashed
½ cup finely chopped spinach
¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
¼ cup quick oats
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing or spraying
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the spinach to a pan and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the mashed potatoes, peas, spinach, shredded cheese, quick oats, garlic powder and salt to a bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This gives the oats time to absorb some of the moisture and helps the tots hold their shape.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into little tots. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden on both sides.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving to little ones.
- Air Fryer Instructions
Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
Lightly spray or brush them with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Notes
- Potatoes: Make sure the boiled potatoes are well drained before mashing. Too much moisture can make the tots difficult to shape.
Oats: Quick oats work best because they soften easily and help bind the mixture. If you only have rolled oats, pulse them briefly in a blender or food processor first.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella both work well in this recipe. You can also use a combination.
If the mixture is too wet: Add another tablespoon of quick oats and let the mixture rest for a few more minutes.
If the mixture is too dry: Add a small splash of milk until it comes together.
For younger toddlers: Make the tots small and soft, and cut them into an age-appropriate size before serving. - What to Serve with Potato Veggie Tots
These tots can be served with plain Greek yogurt, hummus, ketchup or another favorite dip.
For an easy toddler meal, I like pairing them with fruit and another protein-rich food such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the tots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer or a skillet until warmed through.
