If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s wholesome, satisfying, and downright delicious, you’re going to fall hard for my Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe. These little bites are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and packed with nutritious veggies. I absolutely love how approachable this recipe is — it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies while still feeling like a treat. Trust me, once you try these tots, they’ll become your go-to for snack time or even as a fun side dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious yet delicious: Combines sweet potato and zucchini for a fiber-rich, vitamin-packed bite that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Baked, not fried: Healthier cooking method means you get crispy tots without the extra oil and guilt.
- Kid and adult approved: My family goes crazy for these tots, making it a perfect snack for all ages.
- Simple ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies makes it easy to whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of sweet potatoes and zucchini gives these tots a lovely balance of sweetness and mild earthiness, plus a great texture when baked. Just a few key pantry staples help enhance the flavors while keeping things light and healthy.
- Grated zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy tots.
- Cooked mashed sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and creamy texture that binds perfectly with zucchini.
- Garlic powder: Provides subtle savory depth without overpowering the veggies.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, balancing the sweetness.
- Coconut flour: A fantastic gluten-free binder that keeps the tots together with a light finish.
Variations
I love that this Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe is so versatile — it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Add herbs: Sometimes I throw in fresh parsley or thyme for an herby lift, which adds a fresh pop of flavor that’s just delightful.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper — my family loves the added warmth.
- Make it cheesy: Adding a bit of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast can boost that savory umami taste without overwhelming the dish.
- Gluten-free swaps: I stick with coconut flour for binding, but almond flour works too, just keep an eye on moisture levels.
How to Make Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Drain Your Zucchini Like a Pro
Start by grating your zucchinis and then this part is key: squeeze out as much water as you can. I usually wrap the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist until only dry shreds remain. This step prevents soggy tots and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Mix it All Together
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with your cooked mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape — if it’s too wet, add a little more coconut flour.
Step 3: Shape Your Tots
Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized tots — I find using slightly damp hands helps with rolling without sticking. Place them evenly spaced on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes. You want to see a light golden brown color and feel a slight crisp on the outside. If you like them extra crispy, feel free to bake a few minutes longer, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Serve these warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, once you’ve had one fresh from the oven, you’ll see why this Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe is a total game changer.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
- Dry the zucchini thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—wet zucchini is the enemy of crispy tots.
- Use coconut flour sparingly: Too much coconut flour can make tots dry, so start with the recommended amount and adjust only if needed.
- Even sizing matters: Try to make the tots uniform in size so they bake evenly and all come out perfectly.
- Cool slightly before serving: Letting the tots cool for 5 minutes helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to dip.
How to Serve Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
Garnishes
I usually dust these tots lightly with a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving — it adds color and an extra burst of flavor that makes a difference. You can also offer lemon wedges for a bright citrus touch that really pops!
Side Dishes
These tots pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. For an extra fun dipping combo, try a creamy avocado dip, a tangy yogurt-based sauce, or classic ketchup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe in mini cupcake liners on a platter — it makes them look festive and keeps them contained. You could also skewer a few tots on small sticks as bite-size appetizers for parties. Presentation is half the fun, right?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I let the tots cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is a breeze and they hold up nicely without getting soggy.
Freezing
I often freeze these tots before baking — I place them on a baking sheet separated so they don’t stick, freeze solid, then transfer to a large ziplock bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just add a few more minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes — this helps preserve the crispiness much better than microwaving. I learned the hard way that microwaves make them limp and sad, so heating on a tray is my secret!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of cooked mashed ones?
It’s best to use cooked mashed sweet potatoes because raw sweet potato’s moisture content can affect the texture of the tots. Cooking first ensures the right softness and that classic creamy binding.
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What if I don’t have coconut flour? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute coconut flour with almond flour or oat flour, but keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust amounts to get the perfect consistency.
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How do I prevent the tots from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the zucchini and measure your binders carefully. If the mixture feels too loose, add a bit more coconut flour a teaspoon at a time until it holds together well.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe as-is is vegan-friendly since there are no animal products included. Just double-check any dipping sauces you serve alongside to keep it plant-based.
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What dipping sauces work best with these tots?
I adore a simple garlic aioli, a cool yogurt dill dip, or a smoky chipotle mayo. You really can’t go wrong — try your favorites and see what your family loves the most!
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe has become one of those easy, feel-good recipes I’m always excited to make when I want a tasty snack that doesn’t derail my healthy eating goals. The way the sweet potato sweetness blends with zucchini and crispy edges gives each bite a cozy, homey vibe. I wholeheartedly recommend giving these tots a try—you’ll love how simple, delicious, and versatile they are. Plus, your family, friends, or even picky eaters will thank you for serving up something this good and good-for-you.
Print
Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 32 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a healthy and delicious snack or side dish, combining the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the fresh flavor of grated zucchini. Lightly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional fried tots, perfect for a gluten-free and wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 zucchini (about 250g), grated
- 1 cup (250g) cooked mashed sweet potato
Seasonings and Flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper to prepare for baking the tots.
- Prepare Zucchini: Use your hands to squeeze out all the moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent sogginess and ensure the tots hold together properly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained zucchini, mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Tots: Take tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into tot shapes with your hands. Place each tot onto the lined baking tray, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tots turn slightly golden brown on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the tots warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- These tots freeze well. Freeze before cooking and make sure to separate them to avoid sticking together.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months when stored in a large zip lock bag.
- For best texture, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tots (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg