Tater-Less Parmesan Zucchini Tots

Tater-Less Cheesy Zucchini Tots — You’ll never miss the taters! Crispy, crunchy, and sooo good! You’ll forget you’re eating zucchini!

Recipe for Zucchini Tater Tots

I have fond childhood memories of tater tots. What kid doesn’t love tater tots? Submerging and smothering them in oodles of ketchup is the best.

It’s amazing how closely the texture of these baked zucchini tots resembles real tater tots, and after being dipped in ketchup you’ll totally forget you’re eating zucchini. I did as I proceeded to eat half the batch.

Bite-for-bite zucchini has far less calories and carbs than potatoes so you can eat way more of it. Nevermind that it’s breaded in Parmesan, but at least it’s baked rather than fried.

The tots are surprisingly crispy and crunchy on the outside, while the zucchini inside softens but retains some texture. 

Best tots ever. You’ll never miss the taters!

Zucchini Tots Ingredients

To make the zucchini tater tots, you’ll need: 

• Zucchini
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Jerk or Creole seasoning (optional)
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make Zucchini Tots

This cheesy zucchini tots recipe is easy to make, although coating the zucchini chunks in the breading mixture does require some patience. 

Here’s how the lower carb zucchini tots are made: 

1. Slice the zucchini (I quarter it into long spears, then slice the spears into 1-inch long segments).
2. Sprinkle the zucchini with flour, salt and pepper, any optional seasonings or spices, and toss to coat evenly; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs.
4. In a separate large bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and stir to combine.
5. Using your hands, add about half of the floured zucchini pieces to the eggs for a quick dunk.
6. Remove zucchini from eggs and transfer to breadcrumb mixture. Toss with hands or a spoon to coat evenly.
7. Place zucchini on parchment paper-lined baking tray, spaced evenly and without touching. 
8. Repeat battering process with remaining zucchini and place on baking tray. 
9. Bake until lightly golden brown.

What to Serve with Zucchini Tots

These cheesy zucchini tots pair well with lots of different dipping sauces, including: 

• Ketchup 
• Parmesan dip
• Ranch dip
• Wasabi dip

Can You Freeze Zucchini Tots? 

Yes, but I recommend baking the tots, letting them cool to room temp, and then freezing them. Don’t freeze them prior to baking as the zucchini will release moisture once frozen and change texture. 

Tips for Making Zucchini Tater Tots

I used and recommend Panko breadcrumbs. They’re Japanese-style breadcrumbs and are sold next to regular breadcrumbs, but they’re larger, coarser, and get crispier in the oven. 

You can spice up the breading mixture with jerk or Creole seasoning, or add chili powder or cayenne for extra oomph.

There are mild Parmesan undertones in these cheesy zucchini tots, and you could make Creamy Parmesan Dip to intensify the Parmesan flavor, but I love the tots with good old-fashioned ketchup.

More Zucchini Side Dishes: 

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters — Lightly crisped on the outside, tender on the inside, and makes use of summer’s most abundant vegetable!

Baked Zucchini Corn Poppers – Celebrating the flavors of summer in these EASY poppers that are slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Layered with flavor thanks to not only zucchini and corn, but also shredded cheese, fresh herbs and spices, and serrano chili for a kick making you want to pop just one more!

Mexican Zucchini, Corn, and Peppers (Calabacitas) — An EASY Mexican-inspired recipe ready in 15 minutes with zucchini, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green chiles!! HEALTHY, vegan, and naturally gluten-free!

Creamy Mexican Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad — A healthy EASY salad that’s ready in 15 minutes and so flavorful!! Corn, zucchini, cilantro, queso fresco and more are tossed in a DELISH creamy lime sauce!!

Mexican Corn and Black Bean Salad — An EASY corn salad with black beans, zucchini, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and more!! So much Mexican-inspired FLAVOR in every bite of this family favorite recipe that’s sure to be a hit!!

Grilled Vegetables with Basil Vinaigrette – Grilling gives these simply prepared vegetables the perfect amount of SMOKY flavor!! The basil vinaigrette is LOADED with layers of flavor and ready in 1 minute!