If you’re on the hunt for a delightful snack that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe. These little bites are crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and loaded with fresh chives that add a subtle kick. Perfect for a quick snack, a fun lunchbox addition, or even baby-led weaning, this recipe is simple enough for any home cook while delivering an irresistible taste that keeps me coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these tots just right is all about the quality and simplicity of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from bringing moisture and freshness to giving that rich, melty cheese goodness and a touch of green from the chives that brightens every bite.
- Zucchini: Fresh and firm, grated zucchini is the star, providing moisture and a subtle veggie sweetness once squeezed dry.
- Chives: These delicate herbs add a fresh, mild onion flavor, making each tot pop with freshness.
- Onion Powder: A pinch of this enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: Helps to bind the ingredients for that perfect tot shape; you can use plain, gluten-free, or even rice flour.
- Grated Cheese: Cheddar or Colby works wonderfully here, melting beautifully and giving that creamy, cheesy center.
- Eggs: One or two eggs bring everything together, acting as the glue for the texture and structure.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Zucchini
Start by heating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius to get it ready for baking. While it warms up, grate your zucchini and then take a moment to squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this is the secret to ensuring your tots aren’t soggy and hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with the chives, onion powder, flour, grated cheese, and eggs. Use a wooden spoon to blend everything together until you get a uniform batter that’s slightly sticky but holds together well—add the second egg here only if needed, depending on the moisture level of your zucchini.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and carefully spoon the tot mixture in tablespoon-sized scoops, shaping them into little cylinders or rounds. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for about 15 minutes. When they’re done, you’ll notice a gorgeous golden crust forming on the outside, promising the perfect crunch.
How to Serve Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped extra chives or a dusting of parmesan cheese right after baking adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. You can also serve them with a side of fresh herb dip or a dollop of sour cream to complement their cheesy undertone perfectly.
Side Dishes
These baked zucchini tots pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or alongside a hearty soup for a light lunch. For a more indulgent spread, they’re a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats or grilled chicken, making them a versatile addition to nearly any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe skewered on colorful cocktail sticks, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Alternatively, serve them stacked with layers of fresh tomato slices and basil leaves for a fun twist on a snack platter that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep their texture just right.
Freezing
These tots freeze beautifully! Once fully baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead snack when life gets busy.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated zucchini tots back to life, reheat them in an air fryer or oven for the best crispy results. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but the tots won’t retain the same crunch, so use that option with a little caution.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar and Colby are great for melting, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey softness, or parmesan for a sharper tang. Just keep in mind how strong the flavor is so it complements the zucchini and chives well.
Do I have to peel the zucchini before grating?
Not at all! The peel adds a lovely green color and extra nutrients. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly, and once grated, squeeze out the liquid well to avoid soggy tots.
Is this recipe suitable for baby-led weaning?
Yes, it’s perfect! Just omit the salt and adjust the cheese type and quantity to ensure it’s mild and safe for little ones. The tots are soft enough for babies to hold and chew, making them a fantastic finger food.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free or rice flour alternative, and these zucchini tots will still turn out great. Sometimes you might need to tweak the egg quantity slightly to keep the batter binding well.
What can I serve with Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe for a full meal?
A fresh salad, some grilled chicken, or even a simple tomato soup make beautiful complements. The tots add a cheesy veggie touch that rounds out a balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe a whirl—it’s a snack that brings joy from the first golden bite to the last crumb. Perfect for any occasion and easy enough to whip up anytime, these tots just might become your new go-to crowd-pleaser. Happy baking and delicious snacking!
PrintBaked Zucchini Tots with Cheese and Chives Recipe
These baked zucchini tots are a simple, vegetable-packed snack perfect for lunch boxes and baby-led weaning. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they offer a wholesome, cheesy flavor with hints of chives and onion powder, making them a nutritious and delicious treat for kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1–2 medium zucchinis (about 100 grams grated and squeezed)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup (75 grams) plain flour (can substitute gluten-free or rice flour)
- ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or colby)
Wet Ingredients
- 1–2 eggs (depending on size and moisture of zucchini)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius to prepare for baking the zucchini tots evenly and achieve a golden crust.
- Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands to ensure the tots hold together well and aren’t soggy.
- Mix Ingredients: Place 100 grams of the squeezed zucchini in a large mixing bowl, add chives, onion powder, flour, grated cheese, and 1 egg. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine into a cohesive batter. Add the second egg if the batter feels too dry and isn’t sticking together.
- Shape Tots: Line a baking tray with baking paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the batter and place them spaced on the tray to form small tot shapes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or until the zucchini tots turn golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out the grated zucchini thoroughly; the drier the better for crispy tots.
- Egg quantity may vary from 1 to 2 depending on moisture; start with one and add more if needed.
- Omit salt when preparing for baby-led weaning; seasoning with salt and pepper can be done for older kids or adults.
- Store baked zucchini tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen tots in the microwave or air fryer for best results.
- Plain flour can be substituted with gluten-free or rice flour as needed.
- Chives can be replaced with grated onion or finely sliced spring onions.
- Cheese used is typically grated cheddar or colby cheese.
