Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots Sneaky Veggie Goodness
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a sneaky way to eat more veggies? This Zucchini tots recipe is just the ticket. These cheesy zucchini snacks are crispy, flavourful and seriously addictive.
Brief Overview
Zucchini fritters , or courgette fritters as we might call them, are popular all over. This version is baked, not fried, for a healthier twist.
The recipe is easy peasy, ready in under 40 minutes, and makes about 12 scrumptious tots.
Main Benefits
This healthy snack recipe is packed with nutrients from the courgette . Plus, they're kid-friendly vegetable recipes , making sneaking in those greens a doddle! What makes them special? They're crispy, cheesy , and oh-so-satisfying.
Okay, let's get this show on the road! These baked zucchini bites are a total game changer. You know, I used to struggle to get my little one to eat veggies.
Then, I discovered these! They're like magic.
What you will Need?
Zucchini , cheese, breadcrumbs... simples! They are a great use for your Zucchini parmesan tots . Honestly, the hardest part is squeezing out the water.
Lets talk about Ingredients
So, grab a medium sized zucchini. Grate it. Then wrestle out every last drop of water! Mix with egg, cheddar, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a bit of onion.
Season to taste. I have no idea where I first got the inspiration for this dish.
The key to the crunch
Pop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, flatten them a bit, and bake until golden brown. I'm talking crispy baked zucchini tots , people! Honestly.
.. I was amazed at how well they turned out.
These vegetable tots are perfect with a dollop of your favourite dip. Maybe some marinara or aioli? These easy zucchini appetizer are the best. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Equipment for Awesome Zucchini Tots
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're making Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots , and here's what you'll need to make it happen. Trust me, it is super simple.
Main Ingredients to Get Started
- 1 cup (about 150g ) zucchini, grated. Key is fresh, firm zucchini. Avoid the soft and mushy ones!
- 1 large egg. It binds everything.
- ¼ cup (about 28g ) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded finely. Go for a mature cheddar for that extra cheesy flavor.
- ⅓ cup (about 35g ) Italian breadcrumbs. These give your zucchini fritters that lovely crunch.
- 1 tablespoon (about 5g ) grated Parmesan cheese. The king of cheese flavor.
- 1 teaspoon (about 2g ) minced onion. Adds a gentle flavor.
- Salt and black pepper. Taste is important!.
- Cooking spray. To prevent sticking!.
This Zucchini tots recipe is so adaptable!. You can use other cheese to make this crispy baked zucchini tots if you want to.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
A little salt and pepper is essential for any cooking. For an easy zucchini appetizer , try adding some garlic powder to your mix.
It adds a great savory depth. Onion powder also works!. I like to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes sometimes.
Just to keep it interesting. It gives these vegetable tots a tiny kick. This healthy snack recipe becomes even more exciting.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Stuff Required
- Box Grater. No explanation here.
- Clean kitchen towel. Crucial for squeezing that extra water out of the zucchini!.
- Large mixing bowl. Mixing happens here.
- Baking sheet. We need to bake.
- Spatula. We need to remove from baking sheet.
- Small glass or bowl. For flattening those cheesy zucchini snacks .
Don't stress if you don't have everything. A fork can work instead of a spatula. You can also use your hands to flatten the courgette tots recipe mixture! Just saying.
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots: Sneaky Veggie Goodness
Okay, let's get this show on the road! I’m buzzing to share my Zucchini tots recipe with you. I’ve made this a zillion times.
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver when I need a quick, healthy snack. It's a great sneaky way to get the kids eating their greens.
These crispy, cheesy Vegetable tots are the answer.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: mise en place , darling! Grate one cup Zucchini . About 150g should do it. Get that cheese shredded you need ¼ cup Cheddar and 1 tbsp Parmesan .
Chop up that onion, you only need 1 tsp minced onion. You need Italian breadcrumbs too. About ⅓ cup. Finally, you need one egg.
This prep is essential for success. Time saving tip: do all this whilst your oven is preheating to 400° F ( 200° C) .
step-by-step Tot Transformation
- Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Grate your Zucchini.
- Here's the crucial step: Squeeze out all the water. Wrap it in a clean tea towel and wring, wring, wring! Seriously, get every last drop out.
- Mix the drained zucchini, egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of the mix for each tot. Place them on your baking sheet.
- Flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 18 minutes , flipping halfway. Aim for golden brown perfection.
Pro Tips for Tot Mastery
- Remember that water! A soggy Zucchini means soggy Zucchini fritters . It is not a good look.
- make-ahead option: Freeze the Crispy baked zucchini tots before baking. Pop them straight into the oven when you're ready.
- Trying to make a batch of Zucchini parmesan tots ? Spice things up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
Honestly, these Baked zucchini bites are delicious. You can dip them in anything. Marinara sauce, or even a bit of ketchup.
My family loves these Cheesy zucchini snacks . It is a Healthy snack recipe and a great Kid-friendly vegetable recipe , and you can even call them Courgette tots recipe if you're feeling posh!.
Try making them and let me know what you think.
Recipe Notes
Okay, let's get this show on the road! You've got the recipe for these scrummy Zucchini tots recipe . Now, let's chat about making them extra brilliant.
These aren't your average vegetable tots ; they're a proper treat.
Serving Up Some Style: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, presentation matters! Pile those golden brown courgette tots recipe high on a plate. Serve with a pot of your favorite dipping sauce.
Marinara works a treat! Or, try a creamy ranch. They even look fab nestled beside a simple salad. Think of them as a posh alternative to chips.
Storage: Keepin' It Fresh
Need to stash some away? No worries! Let your baked zucchini bites cool completely. Then, pop them in the fridge.
They'll keep nicely for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Spread the cooled tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll last up to 2 months . Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until they're warmed through and crispy again.
No soggy bottoms here!
Tweak It: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? You can easily adapt this recipe. For a dairy-free version , swap the cheddar and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
It adds a cheesy flavor, you know? Going gluten-free ? Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too.
A bit of smoked gouda would be fantastic. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix to make cheesy zucchini snacks .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Each serving (around 4 tots) has approximately:
- 45 calories
- 3g protein
- 2g fat
- 4g carbs
These crispy baked zucchini tots are a sneaky way to get your veggies in. Zucchini is packed with vitamins. They're a healthy snack recipe the whole family will enjoy.
So there you have it! Everything you need to make perfect zucchini parmesan tots . Honestly, they're easier than you think, and super satisfying.
These kid-friendly vegetable recipes are a winner. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy your homemade zucchini fritters .
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My zucchini tots are soggy. What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy tot! The main culprit is usually too much moisture in the zucchini. Remember that tip about squeezing the grated zucchini like you're trying to win a prize? You need to remove as much water as humanly possible.
Use a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and really give it some welly. You might be surprised how much water comes out!
Can I freeze these cheesy baked Zucchini tots recipe for later?
Absolutely! These zucchini tots are perfect for meal prepping. Simply bake them as directed, then let them cool completely. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can then reheat them in the oven until they are warmed through and crispy.
Think of it as your own personal supply of veggie goodness!
I'm not a fan of cheddar. Can I use a different cheese in this Zucchini tots recipe ?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile. Cheddar gives a lovely tang, but you could easily substitute it with another hard cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda for a richer flavor. Just make sure it's finely shredded, so it melts nicely and helps the tots bind together. Go on, be a cheese rebel!
My kids are super picky. Any tips for getting them to eat these zucchini tots?
Ah, the eternal parent struggle! A couple of tricks might help. First, make sure you chop the onion really finely you don't want any rogue onion chunks putting them off. Secondly, serve them with a fun dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or a mild marinara.
Presentation is key, so arrange them nicely on the plate. You can also try calling them "mini cheesy veggie bites" or "green potato bites" - sometimes a little rebranding works wonders!
Can I make these zucchini tots dairy-free or gluten-free?
Definitely! For dairy-free tots, substitute the cheddar and Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. For gluten-free tots, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs.
The rest of the recipe should be naturally gluten-free, but always double check your ingredient labels to be sure. It's all about adapting the recipe to suit your needs!
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots Sneaky Veggie Goodnes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 45 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 4g |
