Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Tots Sneaky Veggie Goodness
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself staring at a mountain of zucchini and thinking, "What else can I make?" Honestly, that's how these incredible Zucchini Tots were born! These little bites are cheesy, crispy, and so darn addictive.
Brief Overview
Forget soggy zucchini! This recipe transforms ordinary zucchini into Parmesan Zucchini Bites . They are super easy to make at home.
This recipe is easy, needs about an hour and yields around 24 pieces. These are perfect as snacks and side dishes.
Main Benefits
These Healthy Zucchini Tots sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavour. They are baked, not fried. The perfect way to get your kids to eat more greens.
What makes these special is the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and crispy texture.
Ready to get started?
Why You'll Love These Zucchini Tater Tots
Are you looking for a creative way to use up all that zucchini? Maybe you need a Kid-Friendly Zucchini Recipes ? Well, you have found the recipe.
Imagine Zucchini Sticks With Parmesan Cheese transformed into something even more fun and delicious!
These Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Potato Muffins are not only healthy, but they are also bursting with flavor. The parmesan adds a salty, savory note that balances perfectly with the slight sweetness of the zucchini.
Honestly, even the pickiest eaters will devour these.
Making the Magic Happen
So, how do we turn boring zucchini into Baked Zucchini Tots Recipe ? First, you grate the zucchini. Next, squeeze out all the extra water.
This is so important to get a nice crisp end. We have all the details coming up next in the ingredient list.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Zucchini Party Started!
So, you wanna make these awesome Zucchini Tots ? Great choice! Honestly, it's easier than you think, and trust me, they're addictive.
My little cousin that is a proper picky eater, is eating them constantly. Forget boring boiled zucchini!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450g ), ends trimmed. Look for firm, smooth zucchini. No bruises, alright?
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt).
- 1 large egg.
- 1/4 cup ( 30g ) grated Parmesan cheese. Get the good stuff! Freshly grated is always best.
- 1/4 cup ( 30g ) shredded cheddar cheese. I like a sharp cheddar, but use your fave.
- 1/4 cup ( 30g ) panko breadcrumbs. Panko is key for that crispy crunch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting).
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives (or green onions).
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
This recipe is simple, but the seasoning makes all the difference. Garlic powder is a must. The Parm and cheddar are essential for flavour, especially for Cheesy Zucchini Bites .
If you are wanting Vegetarian Zucchini Tots, use vegetarian hard cheese instead of parmesan. The chives add a nice bit of freshness.
You can sub green onions if you don't have chives. Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes won't hurt!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Box grater.
- Large bowl.
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This is vital to extract the water properly!
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup).
You don't need any fancy gadgets to make these Zucchini Tots . A basic box grater will do the trick. If you don't have a cheesecloth, a clean kitchen towel works fine.
Honestly, I've even used a strong paper towel in a pinch! The baking sheet is obvious, but parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
We aim to make some Healthy Zucchini Tots and keep it simple!. The kids are getting old enough that I can trust them to make these Kid-Friendly Zucchini Recipes ! You know?
Cooking Up Crispy Zucchini Tots Magic
Okay, so, honestly , who doesn't love a good tot? But have you ever thought about making Zucchini Tots ? Trust me, these aren't the soggy veggies of your nightmares.
We're talking crispy, cheesy goodness! They are Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Potato Muffins with cheese, and so good that even the most staunch veggie hater in your family will be begging for more.
I am pretty sure it will be the perfect Kid-Friendly Zucchini Recipes
Prep Like a Pro: Your Zucchini Tots Foundation
Getting organized is key, you know? This is the essential mise en place. First, get your 2 medium zucchini prepped.
Grate them using a box grater. Now, chuck them in a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This helps draw out all that excess moisture.
Trust me, you do not want soggy Zucchini Tots . Let it sit for 30 minutes time for a cuppa! Safety wise, watch those fingers with the grater!
step-by-step: Turning Zucchini into Gold
Ready to get tot-ally awesome? Here's how it goes:
- Squeeze out as much water as you can from the salted zucchini after resting for about 30 minutes with a clean towel. Seriously, squeeze !
- Combine the squeezed zucchini, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Mix it all up real good.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and dust lightly with more flour.
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the Zucchini Tots for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway, till golden brown and crispy. These Parmesan Zucchini Bites are almost ready.
- Let cool slightly before tucking in!.
Pro Tips for Zucchini Tot Perfection
Want to take your Vegetarian Zucchini Tots to the next level? Squeeze more water! This is the secret to that perfect bite.
Seriously, squeeze it like you mean it!. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, you want the tots to have room to crisp up properly.
If you are planning to do it over the weekend you can make the mixture a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, but you may need to squeeze out a little more water before rolling into tots.
You can bake the Healthy Zucchini Tots a little more to make them even more crispy! Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes for Cracking Zucchini Tots
Right, so you're about to dive into making these awesome Zucchini Tots . Let's chat about a few things to make sure they turn out tip-top.
These Zucchini Tater Tots are seriously addictive. Honestly, I could eat them all day!
Serving Up Some Brilliance
Okay, presentation time! Forget boring plating. Think rustic. A wooden board piled high with these Cheesy Zucchini Bites looks ace.
And for dipping? Marinara is a classic, or try a creamy garlic mayo. Boom!
These Zucchini Sticks With Parmesan Cheese (basically what these are!) go brilliantly with a simple side salad. Or, you know, just more veggies.
A nice glass of something crisp and white doesn't hurt either.
Storage Savvy
Right, so you've made a huge batch of these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Potato Muffins . You likely will have some leftovers.
.. What to do? They will store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do but, even better, stick them back in the oven or air fryer to get that crispiness back.
Freezing? Yeah, you can. Let them cool completely first. Then spread them on a baking sheet and freeze them solid.
Once frozen, chuck them in a freezer bag. They'll last a couple of months. To reheat, bake them straight from frozen.
Swaps and Tweaks
Want to mix it up? Go for it! For a Vegetarian Zucchini Tots recipe, you're already winning. Wanna be extra healthy? Use wholemeal flour.
For a bit of spice, a pinch of chilli flakes works wonders. I was once trying to make a Baked Zucchini Tots Recipe with only self raising flour.
It was a disaster, so, don't do that!
If zucchini is out of season, try butternut squash. It's slightly sweeter, but still delicious. I use this base to make a Healthy Zucchini Tots version for the little ones.
They're total Kid-Friendly Zucchini Recipes .
The Good Stuff
Alright, so these Parmesan Zucchini Bites aren't exactly a salad, but they're way better than crisps! Zucchini is packed with vitamins, and cheese adds protein.
So you're getting a bit of goodness in every bite. Not bad for a snack, eh?
Don't be scared to experiment! These Zucchini Tots are super easy. Get creative, have fun and, most importantly, enjoy! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Zucchini Tots soggy? What did I do wrong?
Soggy tots are the absolute pits, aren't they? The most common culprit is too much moisture in the zucchini. Be sure to grate the zucchini, salt it, let it sit for 30 minutes to drain, and then really squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Think of it as giving your zucchini a good old British wringing out! Also, don't overcrowd the baking sheet as this will steam the tots.
Can I freeze Zucchini Tots for later?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great shout for meal prepping. Bake the Zucchini Tots as directed, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container.
To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy, about 15-20 minutes. You might even find they're crispier second time around like a decent batch of roast potatoes!
What are some variations I can try with this Zucchini Tots recipe?
Get creative! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeno. If you're feeling a bit Italian, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes. Cheese wise, swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so have a play around and see what takes your fancy!
Are Zucchini Tots healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Well, they're certainly a great way to get some sneaky veggies in! While they aren't exactly a kale smoothie, they are lower in calories and higher in nutrients than many other appetizers. These Zucchini Tots also contains fibre from the zucchini, and protein and calcium from the cheese.
Baking them instead of frying also keeps the fat content down. For a healthier twist, you could try using whole wheat flour or adding more herbs.
Can I make these Zucchini Tots gluten-free or vegan?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and make sure your panko breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.
For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as an egg replacement and swap the cheese for your favorite vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add that lovely umami cheesy flavor!
Help! I don't have Panko breadcrumbs. What can I use instead for my Zucchini Tots?
No worries, mate! While panko is preferred for its extra crispy texture, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs in a pinch. Just be aware that the tots might not be quite as crunchy. Crushed cornflakes also work surprisingly well for a good, golden crunch.
Get resourceful it's all about making do, isn't it?
Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Tots Sneaky Veggie Goodne
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 55 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
