Yellow Squash Tots

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots, then yellow squash tots are about to become your new favorite snack. These crispy, golden bites pack all the satisfying crunch you crave while sneaking in extra vegetables that even picky eaters will love. Moreover, they’re incredibly versatile, working perfectly as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch option. In fact, once you try these homemade yellow squash tots, you’ll never look at summer squash the same way again.

A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Tots

Traditional potato tots, while delicious, are often deep-fried and loaded with excess calories and unhealthy fats. In contrast, these baked squash tots offer the same satisfying crunch with significantly less guilt. The baking method reduces oil consumption dramatically while still achieving that coveted crispy exterior. Consequently, you can enjoy tots more frequently without worrying about derailing your health goals.

Ingredients

Selecting and Preparing Your Yellow Squash

Choosing the Perfect Squash for Maximum Flavor

The success of your squash tots starts at the produce section or farmer’s market. Look for medium-sized yellow squash that feel firm to the touch with bright, unblemished skin. Avoid overly large squash, as they tend to have more seeds and a watery texture that won’t hold together well. Generally, squash measuring six to eight inches long provides the ideal balance of flavor and texture.

Fresh squash should have a slight shine to its skin and feel heavy for its size. Check the stem end to ensure it’s not dried out or moldy, which indicates the squash has been sitting too long. If you’re growing your own, harvest when the squash reaches medium size for the best results. Remember, younger squash has a sweeter, more delicate flavor that works wonderfully in this recipe.

The Critical Step of Removing Excess Moisture

Once you’ve grated your yellow squash, removing moisture becomes absolutely essential for achieving crispy tots. Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth, then squeeze firmly over the sink. You’ll be amazed at how much liquid comes out. This step cannot be skipped or rushed, as excess moisture will result in soggy, falling-apart tots that won’t crisp up properly.

After the initial squeeze, let the squash sit for about five minutes, then squeeze again. Some cooks even press the wrapped squash between two cutting boards with weights on top. The drier your squash mixture, the better your tots will hold together during baking. This technique applies to any vegetable-based fritter or tot recipe you might try in the future.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper Storage Methods for Maximum Freshness

Leftover squash tots store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. Place a paper towel in the bottom of your storage container to absorb any excess moisture. Layer the tots carefully, separating layers with additional paper towels if stacking is necessary.

For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Freeze the tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to remove just the amount you need. Properly frozen tots maintain their quality for up to three months. Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Techniques That Restore Crispiness

The oven remains the best method for reheating these tots while maintaining their crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange tots on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which steams the tots and makes them rubbery rather than crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

Classic Dipping Options That Complement Squash

Ranch dressing remains the most popular choice for dipping these golden bites, and for good reason. The creamy, tangy flavor balances the mild sweetness of the squash perfectly. Alternatively, a spicy sriracha mayo adds heat and creaminess in one convenient package. Simply mix equal parts mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, adjusting the ratio to match your heat preference.

Marinara sauce offers a lighter option that lets the vegetable flavor shine through while adding Mediterranean flair. Warm the marinara slightly for a comforting dipping experience. For something different, try a honey mustard sauce that combines sweet and tangy notes. The versatility of these tots means they pair well with virtually any dipping sauce you enjoy with regular tots or chicken nuggets.

Creative Serving Ideas Beyond Traditional Dipping

Transform your yellow squash tots into a complete meal by serving them over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The warm, crispy tots contrast beautifully with cool, fresh lettuce. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a protein like grilled chicken for a satisfying lunch bowl. This approach turns a simple side dish into a nutritious main course.

Another creative option involves building a tot-based breakfast hash. Arrange baked tots in a skillet, top with fried eggs, and sprinkle with cheese and herbs. The runny yolk creates a natural sauce that coats the tots deliciously. You can also use these as a substitute for croutons in soup, adding a fun textural element to creamy tomato or vegetable soups.

FAQ About Yellow Squash Tots

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well as yellow squash in this recipe. The texture and moisture content are nearly identical, so you can substitute one for the other without any adjustments. You can even use a combination of both squashes for variety. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly, as zucchini can sometimes be even more watery than yellow squash.

Why are my squash tots falling apart during baking?

The most common reason for falling-apart tots is insufficient moisture removal from the grated squash. Make sure you’re squeezing the squash very thoroughly, removing as much liquid as possible. Additionally, ensure you’re using enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs. If the mixture still seems too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs before forming the tots.

Are yellow squash tots suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the panko. Almond flour also works as a low-carb alternative, though the texture will be slightly different. Make sure your other ingredients, including seasonings, are certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

How can I make these tots vegan?

To make vegan yellow squash tots, replace the eggs with flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes) or use commercial egg replacer. Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. The nutritional yeast provides a similar umami taste while keeping the recipe completely plant-based.

Conclusion

Yellow squash tots represent the perfect marriage of nutrition and indulgence, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored every aspect of creating these crispy, golden bites, from selecting the perfect squash to achieving restaurant-quality results at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Yellow Squash Tots

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• Author: Angie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 tots 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden-brown baked yellow squash tots that are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer that the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups yellow squash, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil cooking spray, as needed

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
2. 2. Grate the yellow squash and place in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible. Let sit for 5 minutes, then squeeze again.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried squash, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4. Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add to the squash mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and holds together when pressed.
5. 5. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and form into tot-shaped nuggets, about 1-2 tablespoons each.
6. 6. Place the formed tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about half an inch apart. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
7. 7. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each tot using a spatula. Bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. 9. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These tots freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Serve with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for dipping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 tots
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 285mg
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g