Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a delightful and healthy snack or side dish that everyone will love. These veggie tater tots combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the freshness of zucchini, making them perfect for various occasions—from family dinners to game day snacks. They are also nut-free, paleo, and vegan-friendly, ensuring that they fit into many dietary preferences. Plus, they are baked instead of fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: These baked sweet potato zucchini tots are a nutritious option compared to traditional fried tater tots.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a large batch in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a side dish, snack, or even as part of your meal prep for the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These tasty tots are great for kids and are perfect for introducing more veggies into their diet.
• Freezer Friendly: Make extra and freeze them! They reheat well for a quick, healthy snack later.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious baked sweet potato zucchini tots, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: A sturdy baking tray ensures even cooking and browning of your tots.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove the tots after baking without any mess.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spilling.
• Grater: Helps efficiently shred the zucchini into fine pieces for better texture in the tots.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Vegetables

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

Spices & Flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 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 parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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 Ingredients

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

Step 4: Form Tots

Using your hands or a spoon, form tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into tot shapes. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Them

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until they are slightly golden brown and firm to touch.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy your healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots!

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or a side, these veggie tater tots pair well with many accompaniments.

With Dipping Sauces

• Avocado Dip: Creamy and rich, avocado dip adds a fresh flavor that complements the tots.
• Spicy Ketchup: A classic choice with a kick, spicy ketchup enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Garlic Aioli: This smooth and garlicky sauce brings a gourmet touch to your healthy bites.

As Part of a Meal

• With Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a nutritious and balanced meal.
• In a Salad: Toss them in your favorite salad for added texture and flavor.
• On a Platter: Create a fun platter with various veggies and dips for an appetizer at parties.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

To achieve the perfect Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, follow these handy tips. They will ensure your tots are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Starting with fresh zucchini and sweet potatoes improves taste and texture.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess moisture from the zucchini prevents soggy tots. Use your hands to wring out as much liquid as possible.
• Form Even Sizes: Make sure each tot is uniform in size for even cooking. Aim for tablespoon-sized portions.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: A fully preheated oven ensures even baking, leading to crispy edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Space them out on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots make an excellent addition to many meals. Here are some great side dishes that pair well with them.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the tots.
2. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with veggies provides protein and texture.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your plate.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with baked tots.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: For sweet potato lovers, fries make an excellent complementary side.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a satisfying base for your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome.

• Ignoring moisture – Failing to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to soggy tots. Always ensure you remove as much water as possible.
• Not measuring ingredients – Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the texture. Stick to the measurements for consistency.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too many tots on the sheet can cause them to steam instead of bake. Give them enough space for even cooking.
• Skipping preheating – Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat before putting your tots in.
• Underbaking – Taking them out too soon might make them mushy. Bake until they are golden brown for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Freeze cooked tots in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Oven – For best results, reheat at 180°C/350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.
• Stovetop – Warm in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other vegetables besides zucchini?

Yes! You can experiment with other veggies like carrots or cauliflower, but adjust moisture content accordingly.

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

These tots are already gluten-free since they use coconut flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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

Sweet potato tots go well with sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for some extra flavor.

Can I make these baked tots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the mixture, then store it in the fridge before baking when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. Their delightful taste makes them a perfect side dish or snack. Feel free to customize by adding spices or herbs according to your preference!