Description
Crispy oven-baked zucchini tots with tender centers, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and savory seasonings. Serve them as a healthy side dish, snack, or vegetable-packed alternative to traditional potato tots.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packed cups grated zucchini, about 2 medium zucchini
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Ketchup, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or herb Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat it lightly with cooking spray.
- Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater.
- Place the zucchini in a colander, toss it with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel firmly and squeeze until very little liquid remains.
- Place the squeezed zucchini in a large bowl. Add the egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and remaining salt.
- Stir until the mixture looks evenly combined and holds together when pressed. Let it rest for 3 minutes.
- Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture and press it firmly between your palms. Shape it into a small cylinder or football.
- Arrange the tots on the prepared pan with about 1 inch between them. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Turn each tot carefully with a thin spatula.
- Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look deeply golden and the centers feel firm.
- For extra browning, broil the tots for 1 minute while watching closely.
- Let the tots rest for 5 minutes before serving with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly for the crispest texture.
- Add breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon at a time if the mixture feels too wet.
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for smooth melting and bold flavor.
- Keep the tots similar in size so they bake evenly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat refrigerated tots at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Freeze baked and cooled tots for up to 2 months and reheat them directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 tots
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 55