Homemade Veggie Tots: Your New Favorite Crispy, Healthy Snack!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! As a food writer, I’m always on the lookout for clever ways to make healthy eating fun and appealing, especially for families. And if you’re searching for a snack or side dish that’s perfectly crispy, packed with vibrant veggies, and utterly irresistible, then these Homemade Veggie Tots are an absolute game changer! Forget the frozen aisle; making these from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that deliver on flavor and nutrition without feeling like a chore, and these Veggie Tots hit every single mark. What I particularly love about them is how they manage to be so light and crispy on the outside, yet tender and packed with wholesome goodness on the inside. The combination of carrots, spinach, and peas provides a fantastic color and nutrient boost, while the simple seasoning blend of garlic, onion, and parsley ensures they’re bursting with savory flavor. They’re a fantastic way to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables, and honestly, adults will love them too! Plus, they bake up beautifully in the oven, meaning less mess than frying.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these fun and healthy Homemade Veggie Tots:
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and trimmed)
- 2 cups baby spinach (loosely packed)
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw; can also use fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional; reduce or omit as needed, especially if your Panko is seasoned)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Swaps and Notes
- Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other finely chopped vegetables like corn, finely diced broccoli florets, or even a small amount of grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture).
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko provides a superior crispness due to its flaky texture, but regular fine breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Salt: Adjust the amount of salt based on your dietary needs and preference. If your Panko or any other ingredients are pre-salted, reduce or omit.
- Seasoning: The garlic powder, dried parsley, and onion powder create a classic savory profile. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of black pepper for more depth.
- Eggs: The eggs act as a binder, helping the tots hold their shape.
Directions
Making these Homemade Veggie Tots is straightforward, mostly involving chopping, mixing, and baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Finely Chop Veggies (Food Processor): In a food processor fitted with an S blade, toss in the peeled and trimmed carrots and the baby spinach. Pulse until they are finely chopped.
- Combine All Ingredients: Next, add in the frozen peas, eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, salt (if using), garlic powder, dried parsley, and onion powder to the food processor. Pulse a few times until everything comes together into a cohesive, chunky mixture. You want it chunky, not a smooth puree – the peas should still have some texture. If the mixture feels a bit too wet to hold its shape (test a small amount in your hand), sprinkle in another tablespoon or so of breadcrumbs and pulse again briefly.
- Shape the Tots: Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture for each tot. Shape it into cute little oval tots using your hands. Press firmly enough so they hold together. Place each one on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced out (aim for about 20 tots).
- Bake: Bake those beauties for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around the 10-12 minute mark) to ensure they’re lightly browned and crispy on all sides. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you want to save some for later, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: For best crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) or an air fryer (350°F/175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can also freeze shaped but unbaked tots! Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Puree: The goal is a chunky texture, not a paste. Pulse the food processor, don’t run it continuously.
- Adjust Moisture: If your veggies release a lot of water (especially if using fresh spinach that wasn’t well-dried), you might need that extra tablespoon of Panko to ensure the tots hold their shape.
- Uniform Shaping: Try to make your tots similar in size for even baking.
- Single Layer: Always bake in a single layer on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
- Flip for Evenness: Flipping halfway through ensures both sides get beautifully golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Homemade Veggie Tots are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic healthy snack on their own, a fun and flavorful side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or fish, or a playful addition to a kids’ meal. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce: ketchup, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or even a creamy avocado dip. For other easy veggie-packed sides, you might enjoy my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor (you can omit the sausage for a veggie-focused dish!).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the wholesome and creative twist of these Veggie Tots, here are a few more fantastic savory and easy-to-make recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For an effortless way to impress guests with a cheesy appetizer, check out my This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
- If you love hot, gooey cheese, my This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers is a must-make.
- For a fun, customizable, and no-fuss meal perfect for entertaining, my This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is a fantastic choice.
- And for an incredibly cheesy and easy-to-make casual meal, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Veggie Tots are a true game-changer for healthy snacking and effortless side dishes. They’re crispy, flavorful, and a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables in a fun, appealing format. Give them a try, and get ready for some happy munching!
What’s your go-to hidden veggie recipe for picky eaters (or just for yourself!)? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave a rating or review by clicking the stars above or drop a comment at the end of the post. Happy munching!
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