Irresistible Zucchini Tater Tots Recipe

My craving for comfort food often leads me to these cheesy bites, which offer all the crunch without the heavy carbs.

You will love how this Zucchini Tater Tots recipe sneaks extra veggies onto the plate while tasting like a complete indulgence. Even the pickiest eaters at my table reach for seconds when I pull a fresh batch out of the oven.

What Makes This Zucchini Tater Tots Recipe Special

The texture is absolutely spot-on, delivering a crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, cheesy center. It is an effortless way to use up summer produce while keeping your snacking habits on the lighter side.

You can prep these ahead of time and freeze them, making weeknight side dishes or game day appetizers completely stress-free. I appreciate how quickly they come together with just a handful of pantry staples I always keep on hand.

Baking them instead of frying means you get that satisfying crunch without the mess of hot oil or the extra grease. It has become my favorite method for enjoying a savory treat that feels wholesome and homemade.

Craving more hearty comfort food? My Savory Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Recipe brings that same satisfying warmth, and the Zesty Easy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe has become a regular in my meal rotation.

Everything You Need for Zucchini Tater Tots

Here are the simple ingredients required to make this recipe:

• Zucchini: The star of the show, providing moisture and nutrients.
• Egg: Acts as the essential binder to hold everything together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps crisp up the edges.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates that necessary crunch; use gluten-free if needed.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the tots with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
• Onion Powder: Provides a savory depth without the moisture of fresh onions.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.

My Method for Perfect Zucchini Tater Tots

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. I start by grating the zucchini using a box grater, then I transfer the shreds to a clean kitchen towel. It is crucial to squeeze out as much liquid as possible over the sink, as removing this excess moisture ensures your tots will be crispy rather than soggy.
2. Once the zucchini is thoroughly dried, place it into a medium mixing bowl. Add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. I use my hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
3. Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and use your hands to firmly shape it into a small cylinder, mimicking the classic tater tot shape. If the mixture feels a bit loose, squeeze it tightly to compact the ingredients. Arrange the formed tots on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even airflow.
4. Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. I always make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time so they brown evenly on both sides. You will know they are done when they turn a beautiful golden brown color and feel firm to the touch.

My Best Tips for Perfect Zucchini Tater Tots

Removing moisture is the single most important step, so I always use a clean kitchen towel to wring out the zucchini until it is almost dry. If you skip this part, your Zucchini Tater Tots might turn out soggy instead of crispy.

You can easily swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour if you need a strictly gluten-free or keto version. I find that adding a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne gives the mixture a nice extra kick of flavor.

If the mixture feels too wet to hold its shape, simply sprinkle in a little more panko until it becomes tacky enough to mold. I recommend rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure every tot browns evenly.

Best Ways to Enjoy Zucchini Tater Tots

I love dipping these hot from the oven into a spicy marinara sauce or a cool, creamy ranch dressing. They also make a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a lighter take on fries.

You can serve them on a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer that vanishes in minutes. My kids enjoy them with simple ketchup, proving that healthy eating can still be fun and familiar.

Find more healthy inspiration and follow me on Pinterest for fresh recipe ideas.

Zucchini Tater Tots

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 43 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy, cheesy, and low-carb friendly, these baked zucchini tater tots are the perfect healthy appetizer or side dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups grated zucchini (approx. 2 medium zucchini)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Grate the zucchini and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, squeezing firmly to remove as much water as possible.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the dried zucchini, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture sticks together.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and shape them into small cylinders or tots.
5. Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-28 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Ensure you squeeze the zucchini very dry for the crispest results. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cooling Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 28 min
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 tots
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 175mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Zucchini Tater Tots, healthy appetizer, low carb snack, veggie bites, baked zucchini