Forget everything you think you know about potato tots! These Zucchini Tots are a surprisingly delightful and incredibly versatile dish – bursting with subtle sweetness, a delightful texture, and a flavor profile that’s both comforting and surprisingly light. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional potato tots, perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a kid-friendly snack, or even a sophisticated appetizer. They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients – a truly guilt-free treat! Get ready to experience a new level of deliciousness. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This
Let’s be honest, we all crave a little comfort food. And what’s more comforting than a warm, fluffy, and utterly satisfying potato treat? But let’s face it – traditional potato tots can sometimes be a bit heavy and lacking in flavor. Zucchini tots offer a fantastic solution! They’re naturally sweet, incredibly tender, and incredibly easy to make. Beyond the simple pleasure of a perfect bite, they’re a fantastic way to use up zucchini – a vegetable often relegated to the crisper drawer. Plus, they’re a surprisingly healthy option, loaded with vitamins and minerals. They’re a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet, and they’re incredibly adaptable to your own tastes – add herbs, spices, or even a touch of parmesan for a gourmet twist! Finally, they’re a fantastic alternative for those with dietary restrictions – gluten-free and dairy-free! Seriously, these are a game-changer.
Ingredients & Equipment
Yields: Approximately 20-25 tots
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Equipment: Large skillet, cutting board, knife, measuring cups & spoons, mixing bowl
- 2 medium-sized zucchini, grated (about 4 cups grated)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill) for garnish
Notes: For extra tenderness, you can pulse the grated zucchini in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process it into a puree. Don’t skip the olive oil – it’s crucial for creating a crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Don’t worry about being perfect – a little bit of texture is part of the charm! We want a nice, even consistency.
Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated zucchini and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and release its moisture. This step is key for developing that lovely crispy texture.
Step 3: Add Flavor Stir in the almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Form the Tots Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the zucchini mixture and gently form them into tots. Don’t overcrowd the skillet – work in batches if necessary. You can also use a small ice cream scoop for uniform-sized tots.
Step 5: Cook Through Cook the tots for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them – they can burn easily! A little bit of moisture is normal, but watch for it to evaporate.
Pro Tips
For Extra Crispy Tots: Don’t skip the olive oil! It’s essential for creating that beautiful, shatteringly crisp exterior. Also, a little bit of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water can help to thicken the mixture and create an even crispier texture. A quick toss with a little bit of flour before cooking can also help.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth, while a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg creates a festive flavor. Don’t be afraid to add a little bit of chili flakes for a kick!
Don’t Overcook: Zucchini tots can become mushy if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat when they are golden brown and crispy. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these tots warm as a side dish, or as a fun appetizer. They also pair wonderfully with a simple salad or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Zucchini Tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter to restore their crispness. They can also be frozen for longer storage – freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Zucchini Tots! Let us know in the comments below what your favorite way to enjoy them is!
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Zucchini Tots
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 tots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bite-sized zucchini tots made with shredded zucchini, cheese, and breadcrumbs—perfect as a healthy snack, appetizer, or lunchbox treat.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Place shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible.
4. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, onion, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small tot-sized cylinders.
6. Place tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
7. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
You can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb version.
Try adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
These tots freeze well—just bake and cool them before freezing in a single layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American