Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

June 28, 2025

Updated:

June 28, 2025

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These Parmesan Zucchini Tots are a delightful twist on traditional snacks, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy appetizer, or simply craving something tasty, these tots are sure to impress. With their crispy exterior and cheesy flavor, they are not only fun to eat but also a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious tots in no time.
Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning brings out the best flavors in zucchini.
Healthy Snack Option: These tots are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional snacks.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. They pair well with various dipping sauces.
Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These tots are a great way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Parmesan Zucchini Tots, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Vegetable grater
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Vegetable grater: This tool is essential for shredding the zucchini quickly and evenly.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps combine all ingredients without spilling.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: Using these prevents the tots from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

These easy homemade parmesan zucchini tots are a fun and delicious way to eat zucchini. They make a great healthy snack or side dish.

For the Tots

1 1/2 cups shredded and lightly patted dry zucchini (about 1 1/2 medium zucchini)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 tbsp dry Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 large egg

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Step 1: Shred the Zucchini

Shred zucchini with a vegetable grater until you have about 1 1/2 cups. After shredding, pat the zucchini dry using several sheets of paper towels. You do not need to remove all moisture but aim for it to feel damp rather than soaking wet.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the patted dry zucchini with the egg, shredded parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and compress it between your palms. Squeeze gently until some moisture is released. Shape this into a cylinder resembling a tater tot. Place each shaped tot onto a prepared baking sheet lined with either silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Parmesan Zucchini Tots in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Flip them over carefully and bake for an additional 5 minutes for even crispiness. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce!

How to Serve Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Serving Parmesan Zucchini Tots is all about enhancing their delightful flavor and crispy texture. Here are a few creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dish and impress your guests.

With Dipping Sauces

Marinara Sauce – A classic choice, marinara adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy goodness of the tots.
Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch is always a hit, providing a cool contrast to the warm, crispy bites.
Sriracha Mayo – For those who like a kick, this spicy mayo brings heat and creaminess together.

As an Appetizer

Party Platter – Serve these tots on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
Game Day Snack – Perfect for watching sports, these tots can be the star of your Super Bowl food lineup.

In a Salad

Zucchini Tot Salad – Toss them in a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for added crunch and flavor.
Caesar Salad Twist – Replace croutons with Parmesan Zucchini Tots for a tasty twist on the traditional Caesar salad.

How to Perfect Parmesan Zucchini Tots

To ensure your Parmesan Zucchini Tots turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Zucchini – Using fresh zucchini will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, unblemished zucchinis.
Pat Dry Thoroughly – Removing excess moisture from the shredded zucchini is key to achieving crispy tots. Use paper towels effectively.
Uniform Size – Shape each tot uniformly for even cooking. This helps them bake properly and achieve that desired crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Space the tots out on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add different spices or herbs to customize flavors. Garlic powder or paprika can add extra depth.
Serve Immediately – These tots are best served hot out of the oven to retain their crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Parmesan Zucchini Tots pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their cheesy goodness. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the tots while adding freshness.
Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread offers an irresistible side that works well for dipping alongside your zucchini tots.
Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted veggies adds color and nutrition, making your meal more satisfying.
Potato Wedges – Classic potato wedges provide a hearty side that pairs nicely with the savory flavors of zucchini tots.
Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of the zucchini tots, enhancing your meal’s texture.
Quinoa Pilaf – A flavorful quinoa pilaf gives an elegant touch and provides additional protein for a balanced meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan Zucchini Tots, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

Not drying the zucchini enough: If you skip this step, your tots will be soggy. Make sure to pat the shredded zucchini dry until it’s moist but not soaking wet.
Using the wrong type of cheese: Avoid substituting with low-fat cheese. For the best flavor and texture, stick with shredded parmesan cheese.
Skipping the panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crispy texture. Panko adds the perfect crunch that makes these tots irresistible.
Overcrowding the baking sheet: If you place too many tots close together, they won’t bake evenly. Leave space between them for proper air circulation and crispiness.
Not flipping during baking: Flipping your tots halfway through ensures they cook evenly on both sides. Trust me; you’ll want them golden brown all around!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Ensure the tots are completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Place uncooked or cooked tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Note that this method may result in softer tots.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular zucchini instead of Italian zucchini?

Yes, regular zucchini works just fine! Just ensure you follow the drying steps carefully.

How can I customize Parmesan Zucchini Tots?

Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chopped herbs, garlic powder, or even different types of cheese for added flavor.

What dipping sauces pair well with Parmesan Zucchini Tots?

They taste great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick!

Can I make these Parmesan Zucchini Tots gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives available at most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

These Parmesan Zucchini Tots are not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve as a snack or side dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they offer endless customization options based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!