Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are the perfect healthy snack for any occasion! These crispy veggie tater tots are made with just three key ingredients: sweet potatoes and zucchini. Baked instead of fried, they offer a guilt-free treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party or looking for a fun side dish for your family meal, these tots are sure to please everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful tots.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome sweet potatoes and zucchini, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or add them to salads for extra crunch.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love their fun shape and flavor, making them an excellent choice for picky eaters.
• Healthy Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these tots are lower in calories and fat.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Grater
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your tots evenly.
• Baking paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove the tots once they’re golden brown.
• Grater: Ensures that the zucchini is finely grated for the right texture in your mixture.

Ingredients

For the Tots

• 2 (about 250g) grated zucchinis
• 1 cup/ 250g cooked mashed sweet potato
• 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 baking paper. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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 large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Form Tots

Using your hands, form tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them during baking to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish!

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these veggie tots pair well with many flavors and textures.

Dipping Sauces

• Avocado Dip – A creamy and rich avocado dip enhances the flavor of the tots.
• Spicy Ketchup – Add a kick with spicy ketchup for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Garlic Aioli – A garlicky aioli brings a gourmet touch to your veggie tots.

Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad – Serve the tots alongside a fresh mixed greens salad for a balanced meal.
• Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw pairs nicely with the soft texture of the tots.

Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken – Serve with grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal that complements the veggies.
• Stuffed Peppers – Pair them with stuffed peppers for a hearty and colorful plate.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

To achieve the best results when making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, consider these useful tips.

• Boldly squeeze out moisture – Ensure you remove excess moisture from zucchini to prevent soggy tots.
• Boldly preheat your oven – Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Boldly use fresh ingredients – Fresh zucchinis and sweet potatoes enhance flavor and texture.
• Boldly adjust seasoning – Feel free to tweak seasonings according to your taste preferences for extra flavor.
• Boldly monitor baking time – Keep an eye on the tots towards the end of baking for perfect crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

These baked veggie tots make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some side dishes that pair beautifully with them.

1. Crispy Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until crispy adds color and nutrition.
2. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs complements the flavors of the tots.
3. Sweet Potato Wedges – For sweet potato lovers, serve baked sweet potato wedges as a delightful side.
4. Hummus Platter – A platter of assorted hummus varieties offers a healthy and flavorful pairing.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry – A quick vegetable stir-fry provides vibrant colors and textures alongside the tots.
6. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor.

• Boldly ignore moisture: Failing to remove excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to soggy tots. Always squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing.
• Boldly skip seasoning: Not adding enough seasonings can result in bland tots. Use garlic powder, salt, and pepper generously for flavor.
• Boldly underbake: Taking the tots out too early may leave them soft and unappetizing. Bake until they are golden brown for the best results.
• Boldly use the wrong flour: Substituting coconut flour with another type can alter the texture. Stick to coconut flour for optimal binding and flavor.
• Boldly overcrowd the baking sheet: Placing too many tots on one tray can cause them to steam instead of bake. Give them space to cook evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/375F. Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but note this may change the texture slightly.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I add other vegetables to Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

Yes! You can incorporate grated carrots or finely chopped spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

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

This recipe is already gluten-free since it uses coconut flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if necessary.

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

These tots pair well with hummus, marinara sauce, or a spicy yogurt dip.

Can I use other types of flour instead of coconut flour in Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

While coconut flour is recommended, you can experiment with almond flour or oat flour; however, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.

Final Thoughts

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a great side dish or snack that caters to various dietary preferences. Feel free to customize them by adding herbs or spices that you enjoy!