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Yellow Squash Crispy Tots Recipe

4.6 from 79 reviews

These Yellow Squash Crispy Tots are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish featuring grated yellow squash mixed with panko breadcrumbs and seasoned with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Baked to a perfect golden crisp, they offer a delightful combination of tenderness inside and crispy edges outside, making them a great vegetarian option for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash Mixture

  • 2 medium yellow squash, grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Grate squash: Use a standard grater to grate the yellow squash evenly, which will form the base texture of the tots.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the grated squash, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Shape tots: Form the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch diameter tot shapes, handling gently so they hold together but aren’t compacted too tightly.
  5. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush each tot with olive oil to help achieve a crispy exterior during baking.
  6. Bake: Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and tender inside.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze excess moisture out of the grated squash with a clean kitchen towel to avoid soggy tots.
  • For extra crispiness, you can turn the tots halfway through the baking time.
  • These tots can be served with a dipping sauce such as ranch, ketchup, or a garlic aioli.
  • If you want to make these gluten-free, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Leftover tots can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture retention.

Keywords: yellow squash tots, crispy squash tots, baked squash recipe, vegetarian snack, healthy side dish