Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini (grated, about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Serving
- Ketchup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and firmly squeeze to remove excess moisture. Discard the liquid. You should have about 1 cup of packed zucchini remaining, which prevents soggy tots.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the dried zucchini to a medium mixing bowl. Add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and sticks together.
- Shape Tots: Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each tot, form small oval shapes resembling traditional tater tots. You should be able to make approximately 16 zucchini tots from the mixture.
- Bake: Arrange the shaped zucchini tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the zucchini tots warm with ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful snack or side dish.
Notes
- Removing excess zucchini liquid is crucial for crispy tots; skip this step and the tots may be soggy.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- If panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used but texture may vary slightly.
- These tots can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
