- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form the Tots:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the zucchini mixture into small tot-shaped patties or balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Tots:
- Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Remove the tots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness: You can use panko breadcrumbs or a mixture of breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add other herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Freezing: To make ahead, you can freeze the uncooked tots on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations:
- Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots: Mix in some finely grated sweet potato with the zucchini for a slightly sweeter and more colorful variation.
- Cheesy Zucchini Tots: Add extra cheese or use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
How do you like these zucchini tots? Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences!