Description
These Crispy Baked Zucchini Tots are a guilt-free, delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with fresh grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, they offer a satisfying texture and savory flavor. Baked to golden perfection, these tots are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks, ideal for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (excess water squeezed out)
- 1 egg (binding agent)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute with mozzarella)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dried herbs)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (or fresh chopped onions, cooked)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ketchup or dipping sauce (such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible to prevent soggy tots.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Tots: Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture per tot, shape the mixture into small oval-shaped bites. This recipe yields approximately 16 tots.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped tots on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked to a golden brown, let the tots cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out all excess water from the zucchini to avoid soggy tots.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- If using fresh onions, cook them beforehand to avoid extra moisture.
- These tots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for crispiness.
