Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Healthy veggie tater tots are a delightful snack or side dish, and these Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots fit the bill perfectly! With just three main ingredients, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. These delicious tots are nut-free, paleo-friendly, and vegan, making them an excellent choice for various occasions—from family dinners to meal prep. Enjoy their crispy texture and savory flavor without the guilt of frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can whip these up in no time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome zucchini and sweet potatoes, they’re packed with vitamins.
• Versatile Flavor: Perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack, these tots go well with any dipping sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These veggie tots are a fun way to sneak in some veggies.
• Batch-Friendly: With 32 servings per recipe, they’re great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Grater
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your tots cook evenly.
• Baking paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Grater: Helps you quickly prepare fresh zucchini for the perfect texture in your tots.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 2 (about 250g) grated zucchinis
• 1 cup/ 250g cooked mashed sweet potato

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding Agent

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160C/350F. Line a baking tray with baking paper to ensure that the tots do not stick during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Use your hands to squeeze out all the moisture from the grated zucchini. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, cooked mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Form the Tots

Using your hands or a tablespoon, form the mixture into small tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once baked, serve your Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Avocado Dip – A creamy avocado dip complements the tots perfectly, adding richness and healthy fats.
• Sriracha Mayo – For those who enjoy a kick, mix mayo with sriracha for a spicy dipping sauce.
• Hummus – Pairing with hummus adds a nutritious element while providing a smooth texture.

As Part of a Balanced Meal

• Green Salad – Serve the tots alongside a refreshing green salad for a light and nutritious meal.
• Quinoa Bowl – Add the tots to a quinoa bowl with veggies and beans for added protein and fiber.
• Wraps – Include the tots in lettuce or whole grain wraps with fresh vegetables for a satisfying lunch.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

For the best results when making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, consider these helpful tips:

• Boldly Squeeze Excess Water – Ensuring you remove moisture from the zucchini is key to achieving crispy tots.
• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh zucchini and sweet potatoes enhance the flavor and texture of your tots.
• Boldly Preheat Your Oven – Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even baking and browning.
• Boldly Shape Uniformly – Forming the tots into equal sizes ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Pairing side dishes with Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots can elevate your meal experience. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli stir-fried in soy sauce makes for a vibrant side.
2. Crispy Kale Chips – Lightly seasoned kale baked until crisp adds a crunchy contrast to the soft tots.
3. Roasted Chickpeas – Seasoned roasted chickpeas provide protein and crunch, making them an excellent addition.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a fresh, crunchy complement that balances the flavors of the tots.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – For sweet potato lovers, homemade sweet potato fries make a delicious pairing.
6. Guacamole Salad – A zesty guacamole salad brings creaminess and zest that pairs nicely with the veggie tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are delicious, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch for:

• Ignoring moisture: Not squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to soggy tots. Always remove as much liquid as possible for a crispy texture.
• Skipping seasoning: Forgetting to season the mixture might result in bland tots. Make sure to include garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
• Inconsistent sizing: Forming unevenly sized tots can cause uneven cooking. Aim for uniform tablespoon-sized portions for consistent baking.
• Overcrowding the tray: Placing too many tots on the baking sheet can prevent them from browning properly. Space them out to allow air circulation.
• Underbaking: Not baking long enough may leave the tots soft and uncooked inside. Keep an eye on them and bake until golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked sweet potato zucchini tots in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Place cooled tots in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots.

Can I customize my Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or spices like paprika or oregano for extra flavor.

How do I make these Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots gluten-free?

These tots are naturally gluten-free if you ensure your coconut flour is certified gluten-free.

What dipping sauces go well with Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

These tasty tots pair well with avocado dip, hummus, or your favorite sauce for a delightful touch.

Can kids enjoy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

Yes! They’re a healthy option that kids often love due to their crispy texture and fun shape.

How do I know when my Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are done?

Look for a golden-brown color; this indicates they are crispy outside and cooked through inside.

Final Thoughts

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are not only healthy but also versatile. You can enjoy them as a snack or side dish and customize them with various flavors. Give this recipe a try, and delight your taste buds with these nutritious veggie bites!