Baked Yellow Squash Tots: 1 Crispy Secret

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Baked yellow squash tots have become my go-to way to sneak more veggies into my family’s diet, and honestly, they’re just plain delicious! I remember trying to find a healthier alternative to potato tots for my little ones, and this recipe was a game-changer. The smell of them baking – a little savory, a little cheesy – is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. They bake up golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful inside, making them the perfect yellow squash finger food. If you’ve been wondering how to make baked yellow squash tots that are both healthy and kid-approved, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Yellow Squash Tots

I’m so excited for you to try these amazing baked yellow squash tots! They’re a total win-win:

• Incredible Flavor: They have a delightful savory taste with a hint of cheese that everyone adores.
• Super Quick Prep: You can whip up the mixture in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Choice: Packed with veggies and baked, not fried, they’re a guilt-free way to enjoy a favorite snack.
• Budget-Friendly: Yellow squash is often affordable, making this a cost-effective appetizer or side dish.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters will love these, making them a fantastic option for kid friendly squash recipes.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: This crispy yellow squash tots recipe delivers that satisfying crunch you crave.
• Versatile Snack: Serve them as a side, appetizer, or even a light lunch – they’re that good!
• A fantastic crispy yellow squash tots recipe that satisfies those tater tot cravings.

Ingredients for Healthy Baked Squash Tots

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making the best baked yellow squash tots. I love how accessible they are! You’ll need:

• 2 cups grated yellow squash – this is about 2 medium squash. Make sure to grate them finely and squeeze out all the excess moisture; it’s crucial for getting that perfect texture!
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – this adds a subtle savory depth.
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese – this brings a lovely cheesy flavor and helps bind everything. Use your favorite or a dairy-free version if needed.
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs – these are key for creating that golden, crispy exterior. For a lower-carb option, almond flour works wonderfully.
• 1 egg – this acts as our binder to hold all the delicious ingredients together.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – for a little extra zing and savory flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – season generously to bring out the best in the squash.
• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons grated parmesan – if you want an extra cheesy, salty kick, but feel free to skip this if you’re keeping it dairy-free.

How to Make Baked Yellow Squash Tots

Making these delicious baked yellow squash tots is surprisingly simple, and I promise, the effort is totally worth it for that amazing crispy texture! Let’s get started.

1. Step 1: Prep the squash. Start by grating your yellow squash. I usually use a box grater, but a food processor works great too. The most important part here is to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Wrap the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and give it a really good squeeze. Seriously, squeeze out every last drop you can! This is the secret to getting those oven baked yellow squash bites nice and crisp.
2. Step 2: Mix the ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained squash with the finely chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, the egg, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together with a spoon or your hands until it’s just combined and holds together nicely. If it feels a little too loose, don’t worry, we’ll chill it briefly.
3. Step 3: Shape the tots. Grab a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon. Scoop out portions of the squash mixture and gently shape them into little tot-sized cylinders or nuggets. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to make them all about the same size so they bake evenly. You’re aiming for that perfect oven baked yellow squash bites shape.
4. Step 4: Bake to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 22 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, flip them over so they get nice and golden brown on all sides. You’re looking for them to be firm and have those lovely crispy edges.
5. Step 5: Cool and serve. Once they’re done, let the oven baked yellow squash bites rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set up even more. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce – they’re fantastic!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Yellow Squash Tots

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these baked yellow squash tots absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips, and you’ll be amazed at the results!

• Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze!: Don’t underestimate the power of squeezing out the moisture from the grated squash. This is the single most important step for achieving crispiness.
• Chill the Mixture: If your squash mixture feels too wet or loose to shape, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. It makes forming the tots much easier.
• Even Sizing is Key: Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure all your tots are roughly the same size. This helps them bake evenly for consistent crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tots some space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy yellow squash tots?

The absolute secret to achieving that perfect crunch is thoroughly draining the grated yellow squash. Removing as much moisture as possible prevents them from becoming soggy. This is key to how do you get baked squash tots crispy!

Can I make baked yellow squash tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time! Mix all the ingredients together, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This can actually help the flavors meld. Form them into tots just before baking for the best crispness. For more information on food preparation and safety, you can refer to FoodSafety.gov.

How do I avoid common mistakes with baked yellow squash tots?

The most common mistake is not squeezing out enough moisture, which leads to soggy tots. Always drain your squash very well! Another pitfall is overcrowding the baking sheet; give them space for air to circulate. These steps help prevent why are my baked yellow squash tots soggy.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Yellow Squash Tots

These delightful baked yellow squash tots are so versatile! They’re fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with a creamy garlic aioli or a zesty ranch dip. For a complete meal, they make a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. They’re also a hit as part of a fun appetizer spread. When thinking about kid friendly squash recipes, these tots are perfect alongside mini turkey meatballs or a simple pasta salad for a balanced and appealing meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. You can find more kid friendly recipes on our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Yellow Squash Tots

Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown for these tasty baked yellow squash tots, per tot (this recipe makes about 20-24 tots):

• Calories: 35 Kcal
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 60mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more details on nutritional information, you can consult the MyFitnessPal database.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Yellow Squash Tots

I’ve found the best way to enjoy these baked yellow squash tots is fresh from the oven, but they store and reheat beautifully! Proper storage for baked squash bites is key to keeping them tasty. Once they’ve cooled completely on the baking sheet, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, bake them first, let them cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For more information on food storage, check out our privacy policy which touches on food handling.

To reheat and get that lovely crispness back, I highly recommend popping them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. An air fryer also works wonderfully for reheating these! Just a few minutes at a similar temperature should do the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Yellow Squash Tots

What makes baked yellow squash tots soggy?

The most common culprit for soggy baked yellow squash tots is excess moisture. If you don’t squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated yellow squash, it will turn to steam as it bakes, preventing crispiness. Always wring out the squash thoroughly!

Can I make yellow squash tots without breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! For a version of yellow squash tots no breadcrumbs baked, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour, coconut flour, or even crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option. You might need to adjust the amount slightly, but they’ll still bind well thanks to the egg and cheese. You can learn more about keto-friendly substitutions in our affiliate disclaimer.

How do I get my oven baked yellow squash bites extra crispy?

To achieve that perfect crispiness in your oven baked yellow squash bites, ensure you squeeze out all the moisture from the squash. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them space so air can circulate. Baking at a high temperature like 400°F (200°C) and flipping them halfway through also helps achieve that desired crunch.

Can I add other vegetables to my baked yellow squash tots?

Yes, that’s a great idea! You can easily incorporate other finely grated and well-drained vegetables like zucchini or even a little carrot into the mixture. Chopped spinach or herbs like parsley and chives also add wonderful flavor and color to your baked yellow squash tots.

Variations of Baked Yellow Squash Tots You Can Try

I love how adaptable these baked yellow squash tots are! You can easily customize them to fit your dietary needs or just to try new flavors. Here are a few ideas I’ve experimented with:

• Gluten-Free Baked Yellow Squash Tots: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture remains wonderfully similar, and they’re just as delicious.
• Keto & Low Carb Baked Yellow Squash Tots: If you’re following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these are perfect! Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or finely crushed pork rinds. You can also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor without the dairy. These low carb baked yellow squash tots are a fantastic snack!
• Spicy Kick Variation: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. It adds a lovely warmth that complements the squash.
• Herb Garden Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs make everything better! Try adding finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a little basil to the squash mixture. They add a burst of freshness and color.

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