Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a delightful and healthy snack that everyone will love. These veggie tater tots are not only easy to make, but they are also baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option for any occasion. With just three simple ingredients—zucchini, sweet potato, and a few seasonings—these tots are perfect for both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish or a nutritious finger food for gatherings, these baked sweet potato zucchini tots shine with their vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Option: These baked sweet potato zucchini tots are nut-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.
• Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious tots ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: They are perfect for little ones transitioning to solid foods, making mealtime fun.
• Versatile Use: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish at any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes and zucchini creates a wonderful taste that everyone enjoys.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Grater
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: A sturdy baking tray ensures even cooking and prevents the tots from sticking.
• Grating tool: A good grater helps you achieve the right texture for the zucchini, ensuring moisture is properly removed.

Ingredients

For the Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini 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) and line a baking tray with baking paper. This step is crucial for ensuring your tots bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Use your hands to squeeze out all the moisture from the grated zucchini. This step helps prevent soggy 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 well combined.

Step 4: Form the Tots

Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized tots. Make sure they hold together well before placing 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 to ensure they don’t overcook.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy this healthy snack with family and friends.

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a versatile and delicious snack or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces and sides, making them perfect for any meal or gathering.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup: A classic choice that adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch brings a cool contrast to the warmth of the tots.
• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and a fresh taste.
• Salsa: A zesty salsa can add a burst of flavor to each bite.

As Part of a Platter

• Veggie Platter: Serve the tots alongside fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a colorful display.
• Cheese Board: Pair with assorted cheeses for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• Snack Board: Combine with nuts, olives, and fruits for a complete snacking experience.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

• Wraps: Add the tots to a whole grain wrap with greens and your favorite sauce for a filling meal.
• Sandwiches: Use them in place of fries in your sandwich for an extra veggie boost.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

To make sure your Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and sweet potatoes will give the best flavor and texture.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial to avoid soggy tots.
• Uniform Size: Shape the tots evenly so they cook at the same rate for consistent results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Leave space between each tot on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the tots.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil provide depth and flavor.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds texture and nutrients to your meal.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: For sweet potato lovers, fries made from sweet potatoes are an ideal match.
5. Hummus Plate: Hummus alongside pita chips or veggies makes for a nutritious pairing.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can offer a sweet contrast that complements savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots can be easy, but certain mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping moisture removal: Not squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini can make your tots soggy. Always ensure you remove as much liquid as possible.
• Incorrect baking temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to 160C (350F) for best results.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too much can make the texture off. Combine just until everything is well mixed.
• Not using parchment paper: Failing to line your baking tray may cause sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Ignoring size consistency: Making tots of different sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform tablespoon-sized portions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots

• Oven: Preheat to 180C/350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes for crispy texture.
• Microwave: Heat for 30-60 seconds until warm, but this may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots, here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I use other vegetables in Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots?

Yes! You can experiment with carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower for different flavors and textures.

How do I ensure my Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are crispy?

Make sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini and bake them at the right temperature until golden brown.

Are Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe uses coconut flour, making it gluten-free and perfect for various dietary needs.

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

You can serve them with ketchup, hummus, or a zesty yogurt dip for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots are a delightful and healthy snack that everyone will love. They’re versatile and allow you to customize flavors by adding herbs or spices of your choice. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a wholesome treat that satisfies cravings!