Description
Deliciously crispy and golden, these Zucchini Tots are a healthy and tasty snack or side dish made from fresh grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection, they offer a fun and nutritious alternative to traditional tater tots.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini (grated, about 2 zucchinis)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Ketchup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the zucchini tots.
- Prepare Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini into a kitchen towel and squeeze to remove all excess moisture. Discard the liquid, aiming to have about 1 cup of packed zucchini to ensure the tots hold together well.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the dried zucchini to a medium bowl. Add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and can be shaped.
- Shape Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into a small oval shape, reminiscent of traditional tater tots. Repeat to make approximately 16 tots.
- Bake: Arrange the shaped zucchini tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even golden-brown crispness.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the zucchini tots warm with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish experience.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini to avoid soggy tots.
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the tots for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- These tots can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
