How To Make Quick and Delicious Cheesy Zucchini Tots At Home

Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!

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.

 

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Shape the Tots:
    • Scoop a tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and shape it into small cylinders or tot shapes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

 

How To Make Quick and Delicious Cheesy Zucchini Tots At Home

No ratings yet

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *