Looking for a delightful snack that’s both easy to make and irresistible to taste? Meet your new favorite treat: Yellow Squash Tots. These crispy, cheesy little morsels are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying on a cozy afternoon. Packed with the goodness of fresh yellow squash, they’ll have everyone reaching for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh yellow squash, these tots add a nutritious kick to your snack game.
- Cheesy Goodness: With melted cheddar cheese, each bite is rich and savory.
- Kid-Friendly: These tots disguise veggies in a fun form that kids will actually eat!
- Versatile Dipping: Delicious when paired with a simple homemade yogurt dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Yellow Squash Tots so special? The ingredients are straightforward yet deliciously effective in delivering flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yellow Squash or Zucchini: Provides the base for our tots with its tender texture and mild flavor.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the tots, adding a rich, cheesy taste.
- Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the tots together while contributing to the crispy outer layer.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring everything holds together.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: Adds a pop of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of squash.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Parsley Leaves (Optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness to the mix.
Variations
One of the best parts about Yellow Squash Tots is how adaptable they are. Feel free to tweak the flavors to match any occasion or dietary need.
- Spicy Tots: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery version.
- Cheese Swap: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy experience.
How to Make Yellow Squash Tots
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with olive oil to ensure those tots don’t stick.
Step 2: Grate and Salt the Squash
Use a fine grater or food processor to grate the squash. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit in a colander. This will help draw out moisture, ensuring your tots are crisp, not soggy.
Step 3: Mix and Form the Tots
Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the squash. In a large bowl, combine it with the remaining tot ingredients and mix until you have a sticky mixture. Form into small tots with damp hands to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your tots on the baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps them firm up.
Pro Tips for Making Yellow Squash Tots
- Drain Thoroughly: Ensure you remove as much liquid as possible from the squash for crispy tots.
- Uniform Sizes: Try to make each tot roughly the same size to ensure even baking.
- Brick-Batch Technique: Bake a little longer if you’re looking for crispier edges.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Swiss for different flavors.
How to Serve Yellow Squash Tots
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of parmesan cheese can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor. It’s those tiny touches that can elevate your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these tots with a crisp salad or a bowl of hearty soup for a complete meal. Their crispiness contrasts wonderfully with softer textures, making for a balanced dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the tots on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of dipping sauce, or stack them in a pyramid for a party platter. Visual appeal often makes the flavors even more satisfying!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure they are completely cooled before sealing them up to maintain their crispiness.
Freezing
These tots freeze beautifully! Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last up to three months and are great for quick snacks.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use an air fryer for an extra crispy finish. Avoid the microwave if possible, to keep them from getting soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I make these Yellow Squash Tots vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a vegan cheese option, ensuring the tots hold together.
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What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
Crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko make great substitutes for bread crumbs, maintaining texture without flavor compromise.
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Can these tots be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture ahead, then form the tots when you’re ready to bake. They’ll be fresh and ready in no time.
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Is there a way to make them spicier?
Sure thing! Adding a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture will give them a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to win hearts and taste buds, these Yellow Squash Tots are your ticket. Perfect for any gathering or simply as a delightful snack, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
Print
Yellow Squash Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 24 tots 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and savory Yellow Squash Tots are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional tater tots. Made with fresh yellow squash, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection, they make a perfect snack or side dish. Paired with a tangy Greek yogurt dip, this recipe is both flavorful and nutritious, suitable for vegetarians.
Ingredients
For the Tots:
1.
- 3 small yellow squashes or medium zucchinis (about 1–1.5 lb total)
2.
- 1 large egg
3.
- 4 oz grated cheddar cheese or other meltable cheese (~1/2 cup grated)
4.
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
5.
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
6.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
7.
- 1/2 tsp salt
8.
- Ground black pepper to taste
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 cup) finely minced parsley leaves
For the Yogurt Dip:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon, or to taste)
- 1 tsp finely minced parsley (or dill, or 1/2 tsp dried parsley/dill)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grate the squash: Use a fine grater or food processor to grate the yellow squash. Place the grated squash in a bowl, add ½ teaspoon salt, and mix well. Let sit for a few minutes, then transfer to a cheesecloth or fine colander.
- Remove excess moisture: Squeeze the grated squash with your hands over the sink or a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid. The drained squash should be dry and sticky.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained squash, egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky; if too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
- Form the tots: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tots or patties, about 1.5-2 tablespoons each. Dip your hands in cold water if the mixture sticks to your hands.
- Bake the tots: Arrange the shaped tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prepare the yogurt dip: While the tots bake, in a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the hot tots with the yogurt dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy as a snack or side dish.
Notes
- For crisper tots, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time until it becomes firm enough to shape.
- You can substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative for a vegan version.
- Fresh herbs like dill or chives can be added to the yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- This recipe makes approximately 24 tots, serving about 4-6 people as a side or snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tot (~20g)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
