These Zucchini Tots are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tater tots. Packed with shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and a touch of onion, they make a perfect snack or side dish.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings:
- Makes 24 tots
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/3 cup small diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Shred the zucchini using the large hole on the side of a box grater.
- Transfer the shredded zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent the tots from becoming too wet.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the strained zucchini, diced onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fill the Muffin Pan:
- Divide the mixture evenly into the 24 mini muffin cups.
- Bake the Tots:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the tots cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing.
- Serve:
- Serve the zucchini tots with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
Tips:
- Removing Moisture: After grating the zucchini, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Excess moisture can make the tots too wet and affect their texture during baking.
- Mixture Consistency: Aim for a slightly sticky but cohesive mixture when combining the ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, the tots may not hold together well; if it’s too wet, they may become mushy.
- Portioning the Tots: Rather than shape the tots by hand, use a mini ice cream scoop to portion the mixture into a greased mini muffin pan. If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, shape the tots by hand and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Freezing and Reheating: These tots freeze well. Once they’ve cooled completely, package them in plastic wrap and seal them in a plastic bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, microwave each tot for 30-60 seconds or until thawed and warm. Alternatively, you can reheat the tots in the oven or toaster oven to regain their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these zucchini tots as a snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauces. They pair well with ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- A healthy alternative to traditional tater tots.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Conclusion:
These Zucchini Tots are a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal. With their crispy exterior and flavorful interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious tots!