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
Units
Scale
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
