Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip
Golden baked zucchini tots paired with a fresh herb and cheddar cheese dip, perfect for a kid-friendly snack or appetizer. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes blends medium (about 400g) zucchini, shredded (about 110g) cheddar cheese, (50g) breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 400g) zucchini
- 1 cup shredded (about 110g) cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grate 2 medium zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze tightly to remove excess moisture until mostly dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and form into small tots, about 1.5 inches long. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush or spray with 2 tbsp olive oil to help crisp the edges.
- Step 4: Bake the zucchini tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.
- Step 5: While tots bake, make the herb dip by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 6: Serve the warm zucchini tots alongside the creamy herb and cheddar dip for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Zucchini Tots with Cheddar and Herb Dip?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
