Introduction:

Looking for a fun and healthier twist on classic tater tots? These Zucchini & Parmesan Tots are the perfect solution! Made with shredded zucchini and packed with Parmesan cheese, these tots are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor. They’re a delicious way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal while still enjoying the satisfying bite of a classic tot. Paired with a spicy Sriracha Mayo for dipping, this dish has the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and a kick of heat from the dipping sauce.

These tots make an excellent appetizer, snack, or side dish, and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They’re also easy to make and can be baked or fried for your preferred level of crispiness. Let’s dive into this tasty, veggie-packed recipe!

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Ingredients:

For the Zucchini & Parmesan Tots:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or frying)

For the Sriracha Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

1. Grate the Zucchini: Use a box grater or a food processor to finely grate the zucchini. Transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Squeeze Out the Moisture: Zucchini holds a lot of water, so it’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible. Wrap the grated zucchini in the towel and squeeze tightly over the sink, removing as much liquid as you can. This step ensures your tots are crispy and not soggy.

Step 2: Make the Zucchini & Parmesan Tot Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the grated and squeezed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, flour, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. It should hold together when pressed. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

1. Form the Tots: Using your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and shape it into a small tot or cylindrical shape, similar to a traditional tater tot. Place the formed tots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
2. Repeat: Continue shaping the mixture into tots until all the mixture is used. You should end up with around 20-25 tots.

Step 4: Cook the Tots

You can choose to either bake or fry the tots, depending on your preference.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, then carefully flip the tots over and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Frying:

1. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tots to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
3. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer the fried tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sriracha Mayo

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the level of spiciness by adding more Sriracha if desired. You can also thin it out slightly with a bit of water or lemon juice if a lighter sauce is preferred.

Step 6: Serve the Tots

1. Arrange the baked or fried zucchini tots on a serving platter.
2. Serve them alongside a small bowl of the Sriracha mayo for dipping.
3. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan for a nice finishing touch.

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Cooking Note:

• Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent soggy tots. The drier the zucchini, the crispier the tots will be.
• The tots can also be air-fried for an even healthier alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tots for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these tots as a snack or appetizer alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or honey mustard.
• They also make a great side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or veggie burgers.
• For a full meal, pair these tots with a big salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, veggie-packed dinner.

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Tips:

1. Make-ahead option: You can shape the tots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them an excellent prep-ahead snack for parties or family meals.
2. Freezing: The tots can also be frozen before cooking. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Cheese alternatives: If you want to switch up the flavors, try adding cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta cheese to the mixture for different variations.
4. Additional flavor boosts: For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the zucchini mixture. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin can also add a nice depth of flavor.

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Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Conclusion:

These Zucchini & Parmesan Tots are a fun, healthier alternative to traditional tater tots, offering a crispy, cheesy bite packed with the goodness of zucchini. The combination of Parmesan cheese and zucchini creates a perfect balance of flavors, and when paired with the bold, spicy kick of Sriracha Mayo, it’s an irresistible snack or side dish. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry these tots, they’re sure to become a family favorite, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!

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