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If you’re on the hunt for a fun, tasty, and altogether irresistible snack, the Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden, crunchy bites are a fresh twist on traditional tots, bursting with the vibrant flavors of feta, oregano, and fresh green onions. The zucchini shines through as the star ingredient, delivering a wonderfully moist texture that’s perfectly balanced with a crispy panko crust. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a cozy treat with your family, these tots are guaranteed to bring joy and a touch of Greek flair to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe is in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color, making these tots both wholesome and delicious.
- 1 lb / 500 g zucchinis: The fresh and slightly sweet base of the tots, providing moisture and nutrients.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Helps draw out excess water from the zucchini for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup plain flour: Binds the mixture together perfectly; gluten-free flour works just as well.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives a wonderfully crunchy exterior to the tots; you can swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- 2 eggs: Act as a natural binder, holding all the ingredients together.
- 3/4 cup green onion: Adds a fresh, sharp bite, using only the white and pale green parts for perfect flavor.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese: Introduces a savory, nutty richness; cheddar or tasty cheese are good alternatives.
- 1 tbsp dried oregano: Infuses the tots with that unmistakable Greek herb aroma.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a burst of pungent warmth to balance the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Additional seasoning to taste.
- 150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese: Crumbled to add creamy tang and a salty punch.
- Olive oil spray: For that golden, crispy finish when baking.
- Lemon wedges and oregano leaves (optional): Perfect fresh garnishes that brighten every bite.
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt: Forms the base of a refreshing minted yogurt dip.
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped: Adds a cooling contrast in the dip.
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice: Brings zest and acidity to balance the yogurt’s creaminess.
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the dip’s richness.
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper: To season the dip perfectly.
How to Make Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F), or 180°C if you’re using fan-forced. Getting your oven ready early ensures your tots will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Sweat the Zucchini
Grate your zucchinis with a box grater and place them in a large colander. Sprinkle generously with salt and toss with your fingers. This salt draws out extra moisture from the zucchini, which is key to keeping the tots crisp. Let it sweat for about 30 minutes, giving the zucchini time to release its water.
Step 3: Squeeze Out the Excess Liquid
Using your hands or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini in small handfuls. Removing liquid is an important step to avoid soggy tots and to help the mixture hold together well when cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Tots Batter
Combine the squeezed zucchini with the plain flour, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, green onions, parmesan cheese, dried oregano, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Then gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese—this adds a gorgeous burst of salty creaminess in every bite.
Step 5: Form the Tots
Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Using heaping tablespoons of the mixture, dollop the batter onto the trays (you should get around 29 tots). Use your fingers to shape each dollop into the classic cylinder “tater-tot” style, creating cute little cylinders that are ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spray the tots generously with olive oil spray to encourage a golden, crunchy crust. Bake the trays for 30 minutes, switching their positions after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you want them extra golden, give them another spritz of olive oil halfway through. The bottom tray might need a few additional minutes, so keep a close eye on their color and crunch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your tots are beautifully golden and crispy, serve them immediately with a dollop of minted yogurt, lemon wedges for squeezing, and a sprinkle of fresh oregano leaves if you like. These garnishes elevate the whole experience and add an extra touch of freshness and zest.
How to Serve Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges are classic Greek touches that bring brightness to the tots. A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint on the minted yogurt dip really lifts the flavors, making each bite zing with freshness. Don’t be shy about adding these little extras—they make such a difference.
Side Dishes
These tots pair wonderfully with vibrant Greek salads, grilled meats like lamb or chicken, or simply alongside a platter of assorted dips. Serving them with tzatziki or a lemony garlic sauce transforms your snack into a full-fledged mezze feast. They’re incredibly versatile, making them a perfect match for many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe on a shared platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs. You might also thread a few onto small skewers with cubes of feta and cherry tomatoes to create eye-catching appetizers. The crispy tots also taste amazing crumbled over a leafy salad, adding crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have completely cooled before storing to keep them from becoming soggy. Before serving again, let them come to room temperature for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these tots after baking. Just let them cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and enjoy within 2 months. Freezing is perfect for prepping snacks ahead or saving a batch for later cravings!
Reheating
Reheat your tots in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10–15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain their delightful crunch. A quick spray of olive oil before reheating helps restore their golden exterior.
FAQs
Can I make the Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain flour and panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free versions. The texture might vary slightly, but the delicious flavors will remain intact.
Can I use regular cheese instead of feta?
While feta is a key ingredient for authentic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or a mild goat cheese. Just keep in mind that the unique tang and saltiness of feta really make these tots special.
Is it possible to bake these tots without eggs?
Eggs help hold the mixture together, but if you need an egg-free version, try using flax eggs or another vegan binder. You might need to tweak the quantities a bit to get the right consistency for shaping the tots.
Can I fry the zucchini tots instead of baking?
Yes! For a crunchier and quicker option, shallow frying in olive oil works beautifully. Just keep an eye on them as frying times are shorter, and flip them carefully to achieve an even golden crust.
How long do these tots keep fresh after baking?
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture. Stored properly in the fridge, they stay good for up to 3 days, but they might soften a bit over time. Reheating in the oven helps bring back their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe is a delightful way to bring a fresh, savory snack into your kitchen that’s bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and just perfect whether for a casual family dinner or impressing friends. Once you taste these golden bites, you’ll understand why they’ve quickly become a personal favorite and a must-make snack. So grab your zucchinis and give these tots a whirl – your taste buds will thank you!
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Print
Greek Zucchini Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 30 – 35 zucchini tots
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Zucchini Tots are crispy, golden bites made from fresh grated zucchini, feta cheese, and fragrant herbs. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer served with a refreshing minted yogurt dip and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Zucchini Tots
- 1 lb / 500 g zucchinis (courgettes)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for sweating zucchini)
- 1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour; can substitute gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup green onion, finely sliced (white and pale green parts only)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (store-bought sandy type, or shredded cheddar or tasty cheese)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tsp other dried herbs)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil spray
Minted Yogurt Dip
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt (or any plain unsweetened yogurt)
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnishes (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced) to ensure it’s ready for baking the zucchini tots evenly.
- Sweat Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis using a standard box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a large colander, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and toss with your fingers. Allow it to sweat for 30 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Squeeze Out Liquid: Working in handfuls, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini to prevent soggy tots. Transfer the drained zucchini to a mixing bowl.
- Make Tots Batter: Add the flour, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, green onion, parmesan cheese, dried oregano, minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt to the zucchini. Mix well to combine. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese without breaking it up too much.
- Form Tots: Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Using heaped tablespoons of the mixture, dollop onto the trays (about 29 tots total). Shape each dollop into a cylindrical ‘tater-tot’ or potato gem shape using your fingers.
- Bake: Generously spray the tots with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, swapping the trays around 20 minutes in for even baking. For extra golden and crispy tots, spray again with olive oil midway. The lower tray might require a few extra minutes; bake until tots are golden brown and crusty on the surface.
- Prepare Minted Yogurt Dip: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini tots warm with the minted yogurt dip alongside lemon wedges. Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves on top if desired for extra aroma and flavor.
Notes
- To ensure crispy tots, squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini is essential.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crunchy texture, but gluten-free options can be used as substitutes.
- The feta cheese adds a wonderful tang and creaminess; try not to over-mix once added.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a perfect golden crust during baking without excess oil.
- Minted yogurt dip complements the savory tots with a fresh, tangy contrast.
- These tots can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
