There’s a certain joy that sweeps through my kitchen when I decide to experiment with veggies, and my latest creation—Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots—has quickly become a family favorite. The moment you pop them into the oven, an irresistible aroma of baked goodness fills the air, promising a satisfying crunch and the comforting flavors of childhood.
It’s amazing how easily these colorful tots sneak into our meals without anyone batting an eye. With just three simple ingredients, they embody a healthy snacking approach that everyone can enjoy, making them perfect for school lunches or an afternoon treat. You’d never guess how a little sweet potato and zucchini can join forces to transform your snack time into something nutritious and fun!
Allow me to share my go-to recipe for these Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots—an absolute game-changer for those of us who want to step away from fast food and infuse our diets with wholesome goodness. Let’s dive into this delightful, kid-friendly dish that even picky eaters can’t resist!
Why Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?
Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a delightful way to enjoy vegetables!
Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: Their perfect texture makes them a hit with both kids and adults.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins from sweet potatoes and zucchini, they’re a guilt-free treat.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With just three ingredients, they can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Kid-Friendly Fun: These tots are a sneaky way to get your kids to eat vegetables without a fuss.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite dips like ketchup or mustard for a tasty snack.
For more veggie inspiration, check out my Easy Vegetable Recipe section!
Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Ingredients
Craft these delightful tots in no time with this simple ingredient list!
For the Tots
- Sweet Potato – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; make sure to use cold, well-mashed sweet potatoes for the best texture.
- Zucchini – Adds bulk and nutrition while being mild in flavor; don’t forget to squeeze out any excess water to achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Coconut Flour – Serves as a binder and absorbs moisture; you can swap it with all-purpose flour or oat flour based on your dietary needs.
These Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are not just easy to make, they’re also a nourishing treat that everyone in the family will love!
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking these delightful tots.
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Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater, then squeeze out the excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture!
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potato, squeezed zucchini, and coconut flour. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
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Shape Tots: Grab small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval-shaped tots. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Flip the tots halfway through until they’re golden brown and crispy.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious with ketchup or mustard for dipping!
Optional: For an added kick, sprinkle garlic powder or onion powder into the mixture before shaping your tots.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots
- Moisture Control: Always squeeze out excess water from the zucchini; not doing this can lead to mushy, soggy tots instead of crispy baked goodness.
- Right Temperature: Use cold, well-mashed sweet potatoes to ensure a great consistency; warm potatoes can make the mixture too runny.
- Crispiness Boost: For perfectly crispy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Mixing Well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for even flavor and texture, avoiding any dry pockets in your tots.
- Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve with homemade or store-bought dips to elevate your snack experience and make it even more enticing!
Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful tots to suit your taste!
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of coconut flour for a gluten-free twist.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a spicy kick, enticing adventurous eaters in your family.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, adding a fragrant touch.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for an extra savory flavor. This cheesy twist elevates the taste without overpowering the vegetables.
- Veggie Boost: Experiment by mixing in some finely chopped spinach or kale into the mixture for added nutrition and a vibrant color.
- Baked vs. Fried: While baking is healthier, you can pan-fry these tots for a deliciously crispy finish if you prefer a classic frying method.
- Savory Additions: Add minced garlic or onion powder for a flavor bump that complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
- Roasted Veggies: Combine diced bell peppers or carrots for an exciting texture twist that adds vibrant color and sweetness.
These variations make the Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots even more delightful and can cater to everyone’s preferences in your family!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots
Fridge: Keep leftover Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled tots in a ziplock bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake frozen tots at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Tip: To prevent sogginess, ensure the tots are completely cooled before freezing.
What to Serve with Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?
Elevate your snacking experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement these crispy veggie bites.
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Creamy Avocado Dip: A smooth, rich avocado dip adds a buttery touch that enhances the sweetness of the tots.
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Spicy Salsa: A fresh and zesty salsa brings a tangy kick, balancing the mild flavors of the sweet potatoes and zucchini.
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Homemade Hummus: The nutty, savory flavor of hummus is a fantastic accompaniment that’s both nutritious and satisfying for the palate.
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Roasted Vegetable Medley: A side of colorful, roasted vegetables not only adds nutrition but also brings a variety of textures and flavors to the table.
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Fragrant Quinoa Salad: This light, refreshing salad with herbs and lemon offers a delightful contrast to the warm, crispy tots, making it a perfect pairing.
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Crisp Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the tots’ flavor while adding a refreshing crunch.
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Kid-Approved Fruit Skewers: Juicy fruit skewers filled with berries and melon create a sweet contrast, making snack time even more appealing for kids.
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Chilled Sparkling Water: A bubbly, refreshing drink like sparkling water with a slice of lemon elevates the meal, offering a light and invigorating sip.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, serve a creamy chocolate avocado mousse that’s both healthy and indulgent, satisfying those sweet cravings.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mixture (mashed sweet potatoes, zucchini, and coconut flour) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix your ingredients, form the tots, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the tots for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through. This method ensures you have healthy snacks ready to go, saving you precious time during busy weeknights while keeping them just as delicious!
Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right sweet potatoes?
Choosing sweet potatoes is simple! Opt for firm potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. Smaller potatoes tend to be sweeter, while larger ones can be a bit starchier. Also, remember to store them in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh.
How should I store the Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?
After enjoying your yummy tots, keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to make them last longer, consider freezing them!
Can I freeze Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?
Absolutely! Once you’ve cooked and cooled the tots, simply place them in a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to snack, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the frozen tots for about 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crisp again.
What if my zucchini is too watery?
Very! If you end up with watery zucchini, your tots might turn out mushy. Ensure you grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this is crucial to the recipe. You can use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to help with this step.
Are these Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots suitable for kids with allergies?
Yes! These tots are nut-free, making them a great option for kids with nut allergies. However, always check labels and consult with your healthcare provider regarding any specific allergies. They’re also vegan, making them suitable for various dietary restrictions!
What can I dip my Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots in?
I often serve these delightful tots with classic ketchup or zesty mustard. For a creative twist, try a homemade avocado dip or a tangy salsa for a fresh, flavorful experience!
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Your Kids Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, zucchini, and coconut flour.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped tots and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
- Let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving.