Yellow Squash Tots

Say hello to your new favorite snack or side dish—Yellow Squash Tots! These golden little bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh, subtly sweet squash flavor. They’re kind of like tater tots’ veggie-forward cousin—lighter, but still totally satisfying. Whether you’re sneaking more veggies into dinner or just craving something fun and dippable, these tots are the answer.

And don’t worry—they’re super easy to make and even easier to love. Trust me, once you pop one, you’ll be reaching for more. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a snack-time superstar.

Why You’ll Love Yellow Squash Tots

Veggie-Packed Goodness: A delicious way to get more vegetables onto your plate without sacrificing flavor or fun.
Crispy & Golden: Baked or air-fried to perfection, these tots have that irresistible crunch with a soft, cheesy center.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist a crispy tot—especially with a little ketchup or ranch on the side.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick snack or side.
Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or cheese to make them your own. Mild or bold—your call.

Ingredients in Yellow Squash Tots

These little guys come together with simple ingredients and big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Squash

The star of the show! Grated yellow squash adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and a gorgeous golden hue.

Egg

Helps bind everything together so your tots stay perfectly shaped during baking or frying.

Breadcrumbs or Panko

Adds structure and helps create that crispy exterior. Panko will give you a slightly crunchier texture.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar is a classic choice—melty, savory, and totally delicious—but feel free to play with parmesan or mozzarella, too.

Garlic Powder

Brings a savory kick and extra flavor to the mix.

Onion Powder

Adds depth and balances the sweetness of the squash.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for bringing out all the other flavors. Don’t skip ’em!

Optional: Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley, chives, or dill can add a pop of freshness if you want to take them up a notch.

Instructions

Let’s make some magic with squash—here’s how:

Prep the Squash

Grate the yellow squash using a box grater or food processor. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this step is key for crispy tots!

Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the grated squash, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs. Mix until everything is well combined and holds together when pressed.

Shape the Tots

Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a mini log or oval shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Bake or Air-Fry

• To Bake: Place tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• To Air-Fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Serve and Dip

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—think ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 20 tots
Calories per tot: ~35–45 (depending on cheese and breadcrumbs used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Yellow Squash Tots

These tots are endlessly versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:

As a Side Dish: Perfect with burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.
In Lunchboxes: Kids love them, and they hold up great in containers.
As a Snack: Serve with dips during game night or as an appetizer at parties.
With Eggs: Add them to a breakfast plate with scrambled eggs or an omelet.
On a Salad: Use them as a crunchy topping for a hearty grain or greens bowl.

Additional Tips

Really Squeeze That Squash: The drier the squash, the crispier your tots will be.
Try Different Cheeses: Pepper jack, feta, or even goat cheese can change up the flavor profile.
Spice Them Up: Add chili flakes, paprika, or cumin for a little kick.
Freeze for Later: Shape and freeze uncooked tots on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen when ready.
Mini Muffin Tin Hack: You can also bake them in a mini muffin tin for perfectly uniform tots.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
A1: Yes! Zucchini works just as well—just be sure to squeeze out all the moisture.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’re good to go.

Q3: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A3: Make sure you’ve squeezed out the squash and that your egg and breadcrumbs are well mixed in. Chilling the mixture before shaping can also help.

Q4: Can I fry these in oil instead?
A4: Yep! Heat oil in a skillet and fry tots for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Q5: How long do they last in the fridge?
A5: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.

Conclusion

Yellow Squash Tots are the kind of recipe that makes eating your veggies feel like a treat. They’re crispy, cheesy, totally dippable, and just plain fun. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side, or even a light meal, they’re bound to become a repeat request. Go grab some squash and let’s get tot-ally cooking!

Print