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Yellow Squash Tots

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These easy, crispy yellow squash tots are a kid-approved, veggie-packed snack or side dish. Baked instead of fried, they’re golden, cheesy, and perfect for sneaking more veggies onto your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium yellow squash (about 1 lb), grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred, or regular/gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the yellow squash. Trim the ends.
  2. Grate the squash using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor’s shredding blade (about 2 cups grated).
  3. Place grated squash in the center of a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  4. Transfer squeezed squash to a large bowl.
  5. Add egg, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion and shape the mixture into small cylinders (about 1.5 inches long, 3/4 inch wide). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart (makes about 20-24 tots).
  8. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
  9. Bake for 10 minutes, then gently flip each tot. Bake another 5-10 minutes, until golden-brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let tots cool for 2-3 minutes on the pan to firm up, then serve hot.

Notes

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the squash for the crispiest tots. For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and nutritional yeast. Tots can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven or air fryer. Add extra herbs or spices to customize flavor. If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk or extra egg white.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow squash tots, baked tots, veggie tots, healthy snack, kid-friendly, vegetarian, summer squash, easy recipe, gluten-free option, crispy tots

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/yellow-squash-tots-recipe-easy-crispy-homemade-snack-for-kids/