Baked Zucchini Carrot Tots

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.

Baked Zucchini Carrot Tots will make you forget about traditional tater tots! Loaded with veggies and a little cheese, these bites are a savory side or snack that your kids will love as well.

This post and recipe card were updated March 10, 2019

It’s no secret that I had a love/hate relationship with vegetables as a kid. When I liked a vegetable, I would eat it nonstop. If I didn’t like a vegetable, no matter the reason, you couldn’t pay me to touch it.

Zucchini was on the “no” list until about 10 years ago, because it was way too soft each time I tried it. Eventually I tried my dad’s zucchini stir-fry, and loved the tender-crisp texture, so I learned that’s what I needed to do.

Panko Parmesan Zucchini Chips is one of my favorite snacks. Another favorite is Corn, Zucchini and Red Pepper Cakes, a recipe I make every chance I get when sweet corn is plentiful.

I love tater tots, but rarely keep them in the house so I’m not tempted to eat them all the time. I discovered delicious frozen corn tots, and it hit me that I could make my own veggie tots. So I created Baked Zucchini Carrot Tots

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• This is a great recipe to get your kids into the kitchen
• They are so delicious, full of vegetables, and a perfect lower carb alternative to traditional tater tots
• They’re ready in under 30 minutes

These Baked Zucchini Carrot Tots are so delicious. They’re a perfect way to get your kids to eat more veggies. And because they’re baked, you don’t have the guilt of traditional tater tots.

INGREDIENT TIPS FOR BAKED ZUCCHINI CARROT TOTS

Buy whole vegetables and shred them yourself! It’s much less expensive than buying pre-shredded. And it takes about a minute with a Box Grater, or about 10 seconds with a Mini Food Processor, to get the same results.

Zucchini has a lot of water. Put the shredded zucchini in paper towels or Cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as possible

Red onion adds a very nice mild sweetness. I dice the onion very small so it incorporates throughout. If you have very picky kids, you may want to use yellow onion so they don’t even notice it!

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese adds a wonderful bite and creaminess. I don’t go crazy with the cheese, but you could certainly be more generous.

Kick up the spice with a bolder cheese! Pepperjack or Habanero would be great options if you like spicy cheese.

Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful, nutty flavor. I always use fresh-grated Parmesan, and you should too. It tastes so much fresher than the stuff in the can.

Panko Bread Crumbs and an egg act as a binder to keep the tots together

Seasonings are critical since the vegetables are bland on their own. I use onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil.

EASY STEPS FOR BAKED ZUCCHINI CARROT TOTS

Shred zucchini and carrots with a box grater or mini food processor. Add all ingredients into a large bowl, and mix to combine fully.

FORMING BAKED ZUCCHINI CARROT TOTS

This is a great way to get your kids involved!

• Measure 1 1/2 Tablespoons for each Baked Zucchini Carrot Tot
• Transfer the mixture into your hands, and lightly squeeze together to form the shape.  
• The full recipe will yield 18-20 tots. 

Don’t get hung up on the perfect size or shape!

• If you want to make them a little smaller, use a 1 Tablespoon measure.
• A little bigger? Use 1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoons instead.
• The shape doesn’t look exactly like a tater tot? Who cares! It’s all about the taste, and that’s the only thing that matters here.

COOKING TIPS FOR THE PERFECT TOTS

Skip the fryer! I baked these tots the first time, and they were so good I never even tried frying them.

Use Parchment Paper to line the baking sheet, and spray the tots lightly with Cooking Spray right before putting them in the oven. The tots stick to aluminum foil, even with the cooking spray, and you lose some of that beautiful crunch.

Turn the Baked Zucchini Carrot Tots at 10 minutes so both sides get golden brown.

Bake for 15-20 minutes. The time will depend on your oven and the size of the tots.

MORE DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN RECIPES

• Crispy Pan Fried Tofu
• Grilled Vegetable Fajitas
• Kale and Quinoa Patties
• Roasted Mushroom Green Bean Farro Salad
• Loaded Zesty Portobello Burger

MORE DELICIOUS SIDE DISHES

• Broccoli Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
• Baked Green Bean Fries
• Orzo with Onion, Garlic & Peppers
• Chili Garlic Baby Bok Choy
• Cilantro Lime Black Bean Rice
• Roasted Vegetable Couscous

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? COMMENT AND RATE BELOW, THEN TAKE A PICTURE AND TAG ME ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @KARYLSKULINARYKRUSADE

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST FOR MORE RECIPES!