Yellow Squash Tots

These Yellow Squash Tots are a delightful way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even as a side dish, these tasty bites use yellow squash or zucchini to create a satisfying treat. Their crispy exterior and soft interior make them irresistible, and they are suitable for various occasions—from casual get-togethers to family dinners. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these tots come together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheese and spices brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them on their own, with dips, or as a side to your favorite dishes.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables, these tots are a nutritious option for everyone.
• Kid-Friendly: They’re an excellent way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation of Yellow Squash Tots even easier, gather the essential tools listed below. Having the right equipment can streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking and allows for even heat distribution.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Grater: Helps achieve finely grated squash and cheese for better texture in the tots.

Ingredients

These Yellow Squash Tots are perfect little veggie tots that use up a lot of yellow squash (or zucchini!). They’re so tasty, snackable, and are a great way to eat more veggies.

For the Tots

• 3 small yellow squashes or zucchini (about 1-1.5 lb yellow squash)
• 1 egg
• 4 oz grated cheddar cheese (or other meltable cheese (about ½ cup grated))
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons – 1/4 cup finely minced parsley leaves

For the Dipping Sauce

• ⅓ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp lemon juice (from about ½ lemon, or to taste)
• 1 tsp finely minced parsley (or dill, or ½ teaspoon dried parsley or dill)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (or use 1 small clove garlic, minced)
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)

How to Make Yellow Squash Tots

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Yellow Squash Tots will bake evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash

1. Wash the yellow squashes or zucchini thoroughly.
2. Grate them using a box grater or food processor.
3. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the grated squash with the egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. If desired, add minced parsley for extra flavor.

Step 4: Form Tots

1. Using your hands or a spoon, form small balls or patties from the mixture.
2. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Prepare Dipping Sauce

While the tots are baking:
1. In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced parsley/dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with your dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these delicious Yellow Squash Tots as a healthy snack!

How to Serve Yellow Squash Tots

These delightful Yellow Squash Tots are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, they can complement many dishes.

Appetizer Platter

• Dip it! Serve your Yellow Squash Tots with a variety of dips such as hummus, ranch dressing, or a tangy yogurt sauce for added flavor.
• Veggie Medley: Pair the tots with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a colorful and healthy platter.

Side Dish

• With Soup: Enjoy these tots alongside a warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
• Salad Companion: Add them to a fresh garden salad to enhance texture and nutrition.

Snack Time

• After School Snack: These tots make for a quick and nutritious after-school treat that kids will love.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect finger food for game day gatherings. Serve them warm for an irresistible snack.

How to Perfect Yellow Squash Tots

Perfecting your Yellow Squash Tots can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Grate squash finely: The finer you grate the squash, the better the tots will hold together.
• Squeeze out excess moisture: Use a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture from the squash before mixing; this helps achieve crispiness.
• Use the right cheese: Opt for meltable cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey center.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
• Bake at high temperature: Cooking at around 425°F (220°C) will help create crispy edges while keeping the insides tender.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake—flavors will meld beautifully!

Best Side Dishes for Yellow Squash Tots

Yellow Squash Tots pair well with many side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the tots.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition; try carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli tossed with olive oil.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon dressing makes for a hearty pairing.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast in taste and texture alongside the veggie tots.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and brightness, enhancing each bite of the tots.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and is perfect for balancing savory dishes like these tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you make the best Yellow Squash Tots. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Overcrowding the baking sheet: If you place too many tots on one sheet, they won’t cook evenly. Make sure to give them enough space for air circulation.
• Not squeezing out excess moisture: Failing to remove moisture from yellow squash can lead to soggy tots. Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out water before mixing.
• Skipping seasoning: Bland tots can be unappetizing. Season your mixture well and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Using low-quality cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Choose a good quality cheese that melts easily for the best texture and flavor.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect how the tots cook. Always preheat your oven for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the tots to cool completely before storing.

Freezing Yellow Squash Tots

• Freeze cooked Yellow Squash Tots for up to 2 months.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Reheating Yellow Squash Tots

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Yellow Squash Tots:

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Yes, zucchini works perfectly as a substitute in this recipe!

How do I make these tots vegan?

You can replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a plant-based egg substitute.

What dipping sauces pair well with Yellow Squash Tots?

These tots pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip.

How long do Yellow Squash Tots last in the fridge?

They last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I bake these tots instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baking is recommended for a healthier option and ensures they stay crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Yellow Squash Tots are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste. Enjoy these tasty treats as snacks or appetizers!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Yellow Squash Tots

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Yellow Squash Tots, a perfect way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a crispy, flavorful snack. Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to family dinners, these veggie bites are not only easy to prepare but also nutritious and kid-friendly. Combining grated yellow squash or zucchini with cheese and spices, they create a satisfying treat that appeals to all ages. Serve them with your favorite dips or as a side dish to elevate any meal.

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Ingredients

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• 3 small yellow squashes or zucchini (about 1–1.5 lb)
• 1 egg
• 4 oz grated cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Minced parsley for added flavor

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and grate the squash, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated squash with the egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley if using.
4. Form small balls or patties from the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snack/Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg