When I think of comfort food, one of the first things that comes to mind is cheesy, crispy bites full of flavor. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots! These delightful little nuggets are not only gluten-free, but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. They are the perfect blend of satisfying and wholesome, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free snack or appetizer that your whole family will rave about. What's more, these Baked Zucchini Tots complement any gathering and can even steal the spotlight at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple Prep: With just 10 minutes to prepare and only 6 ingredients, these baked delights are a breeze to make.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with shredded zucchini, you’re getting a serving of veggies in every bite!
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a healthy snack for the kids!
- Flavor Explosion: Italian seasoning and garlic create a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
To make these delectable Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots, you'll need the following:
- Shredded zucchini: The star of the show, providing moisture and subtle sweetness.
- Eggs: To bind everything together and enhance the fluffy texture.
- Italian blend cheese: Offers a deliciously cheesy flavor; feel free to use low-fat cheese for a healthier twist.
- Crushed rice cereal: Gives a delightful crunch and keeps the recipe gluten-free.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that unmistakable bite of flavor; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the overall flavor profile.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
- First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This way, your oven is nice and hot when you pop your zucchini tots in.
- Next, let's prepare that zucchini! Shred about 2 cups of it tightly packed and use a paper towel to press out as much moisture as possible. Zucchini can be a little watery, and we want our tots to be crispy, not soggy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your squeezed zucchini with the other ingredients: the eggs, shredded cheese, crushed rice cereal, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s all part of the fun!
- Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, create tightly packed portions of the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to breathe.
- Now, it’s time to bake! Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn that lovely golden brown color. Be sure to keep an eye on them – you won't want to miss the moment they turn crispy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as you can. This is the key to getting that ideal crispy texture!
- Experiment with different types of cheese for fun flavor variations; a sharp cheddar or pepper jack could spice things up!
- If you have any fresh herbs like basil or parsley lying around, chop them up and add them for extra freshness!
- Always check the tots in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. Every oven is different, and you want them perfectly crispy!
How to Serve
These Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots are best served warm and crispy, straight from the oven. I love to enjoy them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which pairs beautifully with the Italian flavors. You could also try serving them alongside a tangy yogurt sauce or a zesty salsa for a refreshing twist. For a more themed gathering, consider presenting them on a beautiful platter with an array of dipping options to delight your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to get a head start on your meal prep, you can make the zucchini mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then scoop and bake them just before your gathering! Leftover tots? No problem! You can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the oven to get that golden crispiness back, or pop them in the microwave for a quick snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, freeze the uncooked tots; they can stay fresh for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots are truly the gift that keeps on giving. They satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in check. It’s a win-win! I can't wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these delectable snacks in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini packed tightly
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cups shredded Italian blend cheese could use low fat cheese
- ½ cup crushed rice cereal such as Rice Chex or gluten-free rice puffs
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Shred zucchini, measure 2 cups, and press out moisture with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine zucchini, crushed rice cereal, eggs, cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Scoop mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.