These Mediterranean Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots have a crispy outside and cheesy texture. We prepare these baked tots with fresh zucchini, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil. These baked tots contain approximately 9g of protein and 165 calories. We bake these zucchini tots in just 45 minutes. These Mediterranean Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots are ideal for family dinners, party platters, healthy entertaining, vegetarian meals, and Mediterranean-style eating. We refrigerate these zucchini tots for 4 days and freeze them for 3 months, so you can prepare them earlier. You can serve these baked tots with Tzatziki Sauce, Classic Hummus, Greek Salad, Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, or Mediterranean Lentil Soup.
STATS:
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 6 zucchini tots
- Cooking Method: Oven
- Difficulty: Easy
TOOLS:
- Box grater
- Bowl
- Kitchen towel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sheet
- Baking paper
- Mixing spoon
- Cookie scoop
- Oven
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup feta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Olive oil
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
ZUCCHINI:
- We use zucchini because it provides moisture, fiber, and a tender texture while keeping the tots light and nutritious. As a substitute, you can use yellow squash or summer squash.
FETA CHEESE:
- Feta cheese gives these tots their signature Mediterranean flavor with a creamy, salty taste. Alternatively, you can use goat cheese, ricotta salata, or shredded mozzarella.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy golden exterior. As a replacement, you can use Pecorino Romano or grated Asiago cheese.
BREADCRUMBS:
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and give the tots structure. Instead, you can use panko breadcrumbs, oat flour, or almond flour.
EGGS:
- Eggs bind all the ingredients together and help the tots hold their shape while baking. As an alternative, you can use flax eggs, chia eggs, or an egg replacer.
GARLIC:
- Fresh garlic adds a bold, savory flavor that complements the Mediterranean herbs. If needed, you can substitute it with ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
PARSLEY:
- Parsley provides freshness, color, and a mild herbal flavor. You can replace it with fresh basil or cilantro.
DILL:
- Dill gives these tots a fresh Mediterranean aroma and bright herbal taste. Alternatively, you can use fresh mint or chopped chives.
OREGANO:
- Oregano enhances the classic Mediterranean flavor with its earthy, aromatic taste. As a substitute, you can use thyme or Italian seasoning.
OLIVE OIL:
- Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats, moisture, and authentic Mediterranean richness. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil or melted butter.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Warm the oven to 200° Celcius, cover a sheet with baking paper, and gently coat with oil.
- We grate the zucchini, garnish with salt, and cool for almost ten minutes.
- Then squeeze out additional moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
- Put the strained zucchini in a big dish.
- Include the olive oil, feta, smoked paprika, Parmesan, black pepper, breadcrumbs, oregano, dill, eggs, parsley, and garlic.
- Stir them perfectly till completely blended and make small oval tots from the mixture with a tbsp.
- Put them on a sheet and gently coat the surfaces with olive oil.
- Bake for almost twenty minutes and then change the tots’ sides and bake for an extra seven minutes.
- Gently cool and then serve these tots hot.
TIPS:
- We utilize fresh herbs to get a perfect flavor.
- Change the sides of the tots during baking for perfect browning.
- Serve these baked tots quickly to provide the crispest texture.
- Include red pepper flakes to make these tots spicier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
MEDITERRANEAN DIPS:
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Classic Hummus
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Baba Ganoush
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip
FRESH SALADS:
- Greek Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Arugula Lemon Salad
- Quinoa Tabbouleh
PROTEIN PAIRINGS:
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Herb-Baked Salmon
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Grilled Turkey Kebabs
GRAIN & BREAD SIDES:
- Lemon Herb Rice
- Couscous Pilaf
- Whole Wheat Pita Bread
- Brown Rice Pilaf
- Warm Garlic Flatbread
SOUP PAIRINGS:
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Creamy White Bean Soup
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put these baked tots in a closed box and stock them for more than four days.
FREEZER:
- Store these baked tots for almost ninety days.
FAQs:
Will we prepare these baked tots by air-frying?
- Yes, you can air-fry these tots for almost twelve minutes at 190°Celcius.
Which sauces could we utilize?
- You can use marinara sauce, Tzatziki, whipped feta, hummus, and garlic yogurt sauce.
Could we include different veggies?
- Yes, you can use cauliflower, finely grated carrots, or spinach.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 165 kcal
Sodium: 430 mg
Total Carbs: 11 g
Net Carbs: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Fat: 10 g
Protein: 9 g
Serving Size: 5–6 zucchini tots