Description

These Crispy Baked Zucchini Tots are a delicious and guilt-free snack, perfect for a healthy treat or appetizer. Made with grated zucchini, cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, they bake to golden perfection and are served with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy a nutritious alternative to traditional tots that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable and Cheese

2 cups Zucchini, grated (squeeze out excess water)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can substitute with mozzarella)

Binding and Coating

1 Egg (binding agent)
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Seasonings

2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (or mixed dried herbs)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (can use fresh chopped onions, cooked)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Dipping Sauce

1 cup Ketchup or preferred dipping sauce (ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard recommended)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess liquid to ensure the tots hold together well.
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 evenly combined.
Shape Tots: Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small oval-shaped tots. Continue until all mixture is used, yielding approximately 16 tots.
Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped tots on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
Cool and Serve: Once baked to golden and crispy perfection, remove the tots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.

Notes

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to avoid soggy tots.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or any other melting cheese of your choice.
Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if unavailable.
Feel free to experiment with dipping sauces for varied flavors.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs.