I stole this recipe for Oven Fried Zucchini Tots from Pillsbury.com. This recipe is a twist on regular tater tots. Zucchini is shredded and mixed with grated onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, salt and pepper. The zucchini mixture is shaped into tiny logs and rolled in more breadcrumbs. Then the tots are placed on a baking sheet and baked in the oven. Substituting zucchini for potatoes in these “tater tots” is a great way to use extra zucchini in the summer and a healthier alternative to frying.
Did you know? Tater tots are a food made from a potato that has been grated and then deep-fried. They are recognized by their compact cylindrical shape and crispy exterior.³ (see more trivia in the Trivia tab)
First. grate 1 medium zucchini. I recommend doing this over a strainer to help release some of the excess water. (You can prep the zucchini early and let the water drain off. Then press out as much water as you can.)
Next squeeze out all of the excess water with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Because you want the zucchini as dry as possible this is an important step.
Preheat oven 400 F. Then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray.
Next, in a medium bowl, add zucchini, ¼ cup finely chopped or grated onion, ¼ cup garlic and herb breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, salt and pepper.
Then gently mix until blended.
Next, shape a tbsp of mixture in a small round log. Then roll log in additional breadcrumbs.
Then place tots on cookie sheet, repeat placing 1 inch apart.
Next, bake 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through the bake time.
Serve warm. These Oven Fried Zucchini Tots can be served as a side dish or an appetizer.
(I serve these tots with ranch dressing. The original recipe called for the tots to be served with ketchup. Who eats zucchini with ketchup?)
Oven Fried Zucchini Tots
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- ¼ cup finely chopped or grated onion
- ¼ cup garlic and herb bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven 400 F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.
-
Grate or finely chop 1 medium zucchini, squeeze out all of the excess water with a clean dish towel.
-
In a medium bowl, mix zucchini, onion, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, salt and pepper. Mix until blended.
-
Shape a tbsp of mixture in a small round log. Place on cookie sheet, repeat placing 1 inch apart.
-
Bake 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through the bake time.
Recipe Notes
I roll the tots in extra breadcrumbs before baking.