These Crispy Yellow Squash Tots are a fun twist on the classic tater tot! Made with fresh yellow squash, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for snacking.
Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast—everyone loves them! I like to dip mine in ranch sauce. It’s a tasty way to sneak some veggies into your day without anyone noticing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the show! Look for firm squash with a bright yellow color. If yellow squash isn’t available, zucchini can work as a great substitute, offering a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice cheesy flavor. However, for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. I find that a sprinkle of nutritional yeast works wonders in enhancing flavor!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work too. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. They both yield great results if you want to keep it light and crispy!
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor and moisture. If you want a milder taste, try using green onions instead. They have a gentler bite and add a nice touch!
How Do You Make Sure Your Tots Are Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is key! Here’s how:
- Squeeze Out Moisture: After grating the squash, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents soggy tots and keeps them crispy during cooking.
- Even Shape: Form uniform shapes, around 1 to 1.5 inches long. They’ll cook evenly that way!
- Preheat Properly: Preheating your oven or skillet is crucial. This ensures your tots start cooking as soon as they hit the heat, helping to lock in their crunch.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If frying, give your tots space. Too many in the pan at once can drop the temperature of the oil and lead to soggy outcomes.
These simple steps will help you achieve crispy, delicious yellow squash tots every time!
How to Make Crispy Yellow Squash Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups yellow squash, grated (about 3 medium squash)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- C cooking oil spray or 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying/baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes for cooking (if baking), making it a quick option. If you decide to fry them, the cooking time per batch might be less, so be sure to keep an eye on them. All in all, you’ll enjoy crispy, golden yellow squash tots in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash. Once grated, place the squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to ensure your tots are crispy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grated squash, salt, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, beaten egg, flour, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Mix everything together until the mixture is well combined and looks consistent.
3. Add the Breadcrumbs:
Next, stir in the breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together well. If it feels too wet, just add a little more breadcrumbs or flour until you get the right consistency.
4. Preheat the Oven or Skillet:
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer pan-frying, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Shape the Tots:
Now it’s time to shape your mixture! Take a spoonful and form it into small logs or tot shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Don’t worry about making them perfect—just have fun with it!
6. Baking or Frying Time:
For baking, arrange the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. If frying, carefully add the shaped tots to the hot oil.
7. Cooking:
Bake the tots for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through until they are golden and crispy. If frying, cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
8. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re done cooking, carefully remove the tots from the oven or skillet. If you fried them, let them drain on paper towels. This step helps remove any excess oil.
9. Enjoy with Dips!
Serve the tots warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo. Enjoy every tasty bite of your crispy yellow squash tots!
FAQ for Crispy Yellow Squash Tots
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works as a great substitute for yellow squash, offering a similar texture and flavor. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture as you would with yellow squash!
How Can I Make These Tots Vegan?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting the egg and using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as a binding agent. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before mixing it in.
Can I Prepare These Tots in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and shape the tots. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped tots, then bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Serve with These Tots?
These crispy tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces! Think ranch, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or even a spicy mayo. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a side dish to your favorite protein.
