Looking for a snack or side that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with wholesome veggies? Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots check every box and then some. They’re crafted from a blend of tender zucchini, sharp cheddar, and flavorful breadcrumbs, all cleverly baked into golden bites perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sneaking extra veggies onto the dinner table or just love a crunchy, savory treat, these tots will become your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini.

Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple it is to make something so satisfying with just a few pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient in Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots has an important part to play, from perfecting the texture to dialing up the flavor.

Zucchini (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show! It gives each tot moisture and a lovely green color, sneaking in extra nutrition.
Onion (1/2 medium, diced): Adds a gentle bite and natural sweetness that balances the cheesy, savory notes.
Dry Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These help bind the tots together while bringing herby undertones to every bite.
Eggs (2 large): Essential for holding everything in place, eggs help the tots keep their shape during baking.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces, shredded): Sharp cheddar infuses each tot with rich, gooey goodness and that irresistible melted cheese pull.
Panko breadcrumbs (3 tbsp): Sprinkled on top for a crispy, golden crust that adds crunch to every mouthful.
Salt and pepper to taste: These classic seasonings help bring out all the flavors in the mix—season generously, to your liking!

How to Make Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Start by shredding your zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Spread the shredded zucchini on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with a little salt. This is the secret to perfect Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots—the salt draws out extra moisture so your tots bake up crisp and never soggy. Let the zucchini rest for 15 minutes, then gather the towel’s edges and squeeze as much water out as possible. The drier the zucchini, the better the tots’ texture!

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the well-drained zucchini, diced onion, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, and shredded extra sharp cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined, making sure the egg and cheese are distributed for maximum flavor and binding power. The mixture should be moist but not soupy—a perfect mash that holds its shape.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps your tots from sticking and helps them pop right out when baked. Divide the zucchini mixture evenly among the cups, pressing each portion down gently to compact it. This helps every tot bake up neat and tidy instead of crumbly.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Bake

Sprinkle a pinch of panko breadcrumbs over each tot. These little golden flakes are what give Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots that irresistible crispness. Pop the tin into a 400-degree oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges crisp up.

Step 5: Cool and Release

Once baked, immediately run a small knife around each tot to loosen it from the tin. This step is easiest while they’re piping hot! Let them cool for a minute before removing from the pan, giving them a chance to set and making them perfect finger food.

How to Serve Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots

Garnishes

These tots look beautiful with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives just before serving. You can also try a dash of Parmesan or a swirl of your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch, for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots go with just about anything. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, veggie burgers, or a big leafy salad for a well-rounded, healthy meal. They also shine as a fun appetizer or party snack on their own.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Skewer a few tots on cocktail picks for an easy finger-food appetizer, or nestle them into a colorful platter with an assortment of dipping sauces. For a family dinner, stack them high and watch them disappear in minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any cooled leftover Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making them a wonderful prep-ahead snack or lunchbox addition.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze these tots for later. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to maintain freshness—they’ll last up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect crunch, reheat Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots in the oven or air fryer at 375 degrees until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes. A quick reheat in the microwave works in a pinch, though the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, try substituting with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a fun twist. Just make sure to shred your cheese fresh for best melting and blending.

How do I prevent my zucchini tots from getting soggy?

It’s all about draining the zucchini well! Don’t skip salting and squeezing out as much water as possible. Wet zucchini leads to mushy tots, but this step keeps them crisp and delicious.

Are these tots gluten-free?

As written, Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots contain regular and panko breadcrumbs, which do have gluten. You can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a standard muffin tin, just increase the baking time by a few minutes and be sure to check the tots for doneness. They’ll be a little bigger, but just as tasty!

What’s the best way to shred zucchini for this recipe?

A classic box grater works great, or use the shredding disc on your food processor for larger batches. Go for a medium grate for the ideal texture that combines well and bakes up nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, cheesy bites out of the oven and knowing they’re packed with goodness. I hope you love making (and sharing!) these Easy and Healthy Zucchini Tots as much as I do. Trust me—they’ll become a staple in your kitchen in no time!