Delight in the flavors of “Garden Fresh Delight: Cheesy Zucchini Tots,” a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional tater tots. These bites are packed with shredded zucchini, melted cheese, and a hint of savory seasoning, making them a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. Ideal for encouraging kids and adults alike to enjoy more vegetables, these zucchini tots are not only delicious but also easy to make and a great way to use up surplus garden zucchini.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Zucchini Tots:
- Healthier Option: Made with fresh zucchini, these tots are lower in carbs and calories than traditional potato tots.
- Cheesy and Flavorful: Bursting with cheesy goodness, each bite is irresistibly tasty.
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as a snack, a side, or even a fun addition to lunchboxes.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few basic ingredients and can be whipped up in no time.
Ingredients Notes For Cheesy Zucchini Tots:
- Zucchini: Fresh zucchini should be grated and then squeezed dry to remove excess moisture, which ensures the tots hold together and get crispy.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Parmesan works well for a rich flavor, but you can use any cheese you like.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the ingredients and add a bit of crunch. Use panko for an even lighter texture.
- Eggs: Act as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhance the flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the zucchini.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning. Be mindful of the salt if using Parmesan, as it is already quite salty.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Tots:
- Scoop a tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and shape it into small cylinders or tot shapes.
- Cook:
- For baking, place the tots on a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- For air frying, spray the tots lightly with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a yogurt-based dip.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover tots in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze the shaped, uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to avoid soggy tots.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the Tots:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small cylinders or tot shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tot.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can flip the tots halfway through baking.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesy zucchini tots hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a yogurt-based dip.
