Greek Zucchini Crispy Bites (Printer-Friendly)

Golden baked zucchini bites loaded with feta, herbs, and parmesan topped with a refreshing minted yogurt dip.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb (500g) zucchini, grated
02 - 1/4 tsp salt (for sweating zucchini)
03 - 3/4 cup finely sliced green onions (white and pale green parts)
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup plain flour (can substitute gluten-free)
06 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 - 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
08 - 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tsp thyme or preferred dried herbs)

→ Dairy & Eggs

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
11 - 5 oz (150g) crumbled Greek feta cheese

→ Other

12 - Olive oil spray, for baking

→ Minted Yogurt Dip (Optional)

13 - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
14 - 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
15 - 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
17 - 1/4 tsp salt
18 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

19 - Lemon wedges
20 - Fresh oregano leaves

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Grate zucchini using a box grater, then toss with 1/4 tsp salt and let rest in a colander for 30 minutes to release moisture.
02 - Using your hands, firmly squeeze the zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible until mostly dry.
03 - In a large bowl, mix zucchini with flour, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan, green onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt until well incorporated.
04 - Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese to maintain visible chunks within the mixture.
05 - Shape mixture into heaped tablespoon-sized mounds, then form into short cylindrical shapes. Arrange on baking trays lined with parchment paper.
06 - Spray the shaped tots generously with olive oil. Bake at 390°F (200°C; 180°C fan) for 30 minutes, rotating trays after 20 minutes. Bake longer if necessary to achieve desired crispness.
07 - Combine Greek yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
08 - Serve zucchini tots hot alongside minted yogurt dip, lemon wedges, and fresh oregano leaves as garnishes.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Sweating zucchini removes excess moisture to ensure the tots become crispy when baked.
02 - Grated carrots can be used as a substitute for zucchini.
03 - Reheat tots in the oven for best crispiness; avoid microwaving.
04 - These tots can be cooked ahead but are not suitable for freezing.
05 - Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, fluffier texture than regular breadcrumbs.

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