Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots Recipe
These Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots are a delicious, low-calorie snack or side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh shredded zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, they are baked to a golden crisp without the need for frying. A tasty way to sneak some vegetables into your diet while enjoying a satisfying crunch.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini tots 1x
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 cup dry Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Zucchini: After shredding your zucchini, lay it out on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle generously with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out the moisture, then squeeze out as much water as possible using the towel to ensure the tots hold together well.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, diced onion, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir well to form a uniform mixture.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Spoon the zucchini mixture into each cup, pressing down slightly to compress the mixture. Sprinkle a few panko breadcrumbs on top of each tot for extra crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tots for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown on top.
- Remove and Serve: As soon as they come out of the oven, run a knife around the edges of each tot to loosen them. Let cool for a minute, then carefully remove from the pan and serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the shredded zucchini to prevent soggy tots.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture.
- These tots can be frozen before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Use a non-stick or well-greased muffin pan to ensure easy removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: zucchini tots, healthy snacks, baked zucchini, low calorie recipe, vegetable snacks, easy zucchini recipe