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A crispy, cheesy, and healthier alternative to traditional tater tots made from fresh zucchini, perfect as a side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Shred the zucchini and spread it on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Gather the towel around the zucchini and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
  4. In a bowl, combine the drained zucchini, diced onion, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper; mix until evenly combined.
  5. Spoon the mixture into greased mini muffin cups, pressing down to compress, or scoop 1–1½ tablespoon portions and shape into football-shaped logs on the lined baking sheet.
  6. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of each tot.
  7. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes for mini muffin tots (a few minutes longer for football-shaped tots), rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.
  8. Run a knife around each tot to loosen, let cool 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or plate to finish crisping.

Notes

Drain shredded zucchini thoroughly to avoid sogginess., Extra-sharp cheddar provides bold flavor; finely grate for best incorporation., Do not overfill muffin cups to maintain shape and even browning., Use panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch without frying., For reheating, warm tots in oven or air fryer to retain crispness; avoid microwave., Variations include adding fresh herbs, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese., Gluten-free options available with gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko., Dairy-free and vegan versions possible using plant-based cheese and egg substitutes., Tots can be prepared ahead, refrigerated up to 4 days, or frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingcrumbs.com/easy-and-healthy-zucchini-tots/