If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s both nourishing and downright addictive, this Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how these tots come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without frying or any heavy oils. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with veggies—which means you can enjoy them guilt-free any time you please. Stick with me here, and I’ll share everything you need to nail this recipe at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with real veggies and coconut flour, these tots keep it clean and nourishing.
- Baked, Not Fried: You get that satisfying crispiness without the guilt of frying.
- Kid-Approved Snack: My family—even the picky eaters—goes crazy for these tots every time.
- Freezer Friendly: Make extra, freeze them uncooked, and reheat whenever cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe lies in its simple yet complementary ingredients—you’ll find they work beautifully together to create texture and flavor without any fuss. When shopping, try to get firm zucchinis and naturally sweet potatoes for the most vibrant results.
- Zucchinis: Choose fresh, firm zucchinis. Since they hold a lot of water, squeezing out the moisture is key to getting crispy tots.
- Cooked Mashed Sweet Potato: I usually roast or steam my sweet potato ahead of time—it’s naturally sweet and creamy, adding gentle sweetness and binding power.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory punch without overpowering the gentle flavors.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch to keep things interesting.
- Coconut Flour: This is my go-to flour for a gluten-free option that absorbs moisture well and helps hold the tots together.
Variations
I’m all about tweaking this Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe to fit whatever mood or dietary need pops up. It’s super forgiving to substitutions and additions, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Add Some Cheese: I love sprinkling a bit of grated Parmesan or cheddar into the mix for a richer flavor and that melty goodness inside.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some smoked paprika or chili flakes if you want a little kick. My family enjoys that subtle heat, especially for afternoon snacks.
- Herbal Boost: Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme brightens these tots tremendously. It’s a small step that totally elevates them.
- Different Flours: If coconut flour isn’t your favorite, almond or oat flour work well too—just watch the moisture levels.
How to Make Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Squeeze Out the Zucchini
This is a critical step—when I first tried this recipe, I skipped squeezing the zucchini, and the tots turned out soggy. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Trust me, it makes all the difference in getting that crispy texture.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the grated and dried zucchini, cooked mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated. The mixture should be sticky but manageable—if it feels too wet, add a touch more coconut flour.
Step 3: Shape Your Tots
Grab a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into little tot shapes with your hands. I like to keep them uniform for even baking. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with baking paper—this prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 160°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, so they hold their shape better.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
- Squeeze Twice, Bake Once: I’ve learned that pressing the zucchini twice—once before mixing and once after shaping—helps minimize sogginess.
- Don’t Skip Coconut Flour: At first, I tried these without any flour, but tots fell apart; coconut flour is a game changer for binding while keeping it light.
- Space Them Out: Make sure tots aren’t crowded on the baking tray to get the best crispy edges.
- Use Fresh Sweet Potato: Stale or overly watery sweet potato mash can make the mixture too loose—freshly cooked works best every time.
How to Serve Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or chopped fresh herbs—like parsley or chives—right after baking. It adds freshness and a pop of color that makes these tots even more irresistible in my opinion.
Side Dishes
For a quick lunch, I pair these tots with a crisp green salad and a tangy yogurt-based dipping sauce. They also play well alongside grilled chicken or salmon for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Serve your Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots on a wooden board with bowls of colorful dips—think avocado crema, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup. It’s a guaranteed hit and super fun to snack on while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in a toaster oven or on a hot skillet to bring back their crispiness.
Freezing
This Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe freezes wonderfully! I like to freeze them before baking—just pop them on a tray separated so they don’t stick, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. They keep for up to 3 months, and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave if you want to preserve that crisp texture. Instead, use a preheated oven or air fryer set at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes—your tots will taste just as fresh as the first time.
FAQs
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Can I make these tots vegan?
Absolutely! This particular recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses no eggs or dairy. Just double-check your coconut flour brand if you’re strict about ingredients, but generally, these tots are ready-to-go vegan snacks.
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What if I don’t have coconut flour?
If coconut flour isn’t on hand, almond flour or oat flour can be a good substitute, but keep an eye on the moisture—some flours absorb liquid differently, so you might need a bit more or less to get the right consistency.
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How do I prevent tots from falling apart?
Most common cause is excess moisture—so squeezing the zucchini thoroughly is crucial. Also, coconut flour helps bind the mixture, so don’t skip it. Finally, let the tots cool slightly after baking to firm up before handling.
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Can I add other veggies?
Yes! Grated carrots or finely chopped spinach work well. Just keep the total moisture in check by squeezing or draining any added veggies to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Zucchini Tots Recipe is one I reach for again and again when I want a wholesome, tasty snack that the whole family enjoys. They’re straightforward to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, which is exactly what I need for busy days. I hope you give them a try—you might just find yourself adding these little bites into your regular rotation like I did. Happy cooking!
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
Deliciously soft and flavorful baked sweet potato zucchini tots made with simple ingredients, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish. These tots combine the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potato with the fresh taste of zucchini, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baked to a golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 zucchinis (about 250g), grated
- 1 cup (250g) cooked mashed sweet potato
Seasonings & Flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 160°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove Moisture from Zucchini: Using your hands, squeeze out all the moisture from the grated zucchini. This step is crucial to help the tots hold together and become crispy during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, cooked mashed sweet potato, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a firm mixture.
- Form Tots: Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized tots by rolling small portions between your hands. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden brown and are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or side.
Notes
- These tots freeze well. Freeze them before cooking and ensure they are separated to avoid sticking together.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months in a large zip-lock bag.
- For best texture, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
- You can substitute coconut flour with almond flour if desired, but note the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tots (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg