These cheesy zucchini tots are a healthy twist on the classic potato tots. Made with grated zucchini, eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheese, they are baked to crispy perfection. These tots make a great appetizer or side dish and are a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a tasty and nutritious snack!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the excess moisture from the zucchini. Squeeze out any remaining liquid from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and shape it into a small tot. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the tots onto the prepared baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Coat each tot with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Arrange the coated tots on the baking sheet, leaving space between each tot for even cooking.
- Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the tots halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Serve the cheesy zucchini tots hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The word 'tot' is derived from the Dutch word 'totje,' which means small child.
Zucchini is a summer squash and belongs to the same family as pumpkins and cucumbers.
The grated zucchini in these tots adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Zucchini tots are a versatile dish and can be customized with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to suit your taste.