Yellow Squash Tots

$- 2 medium yellow squash, finely grated - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil) Yellow squash serves as the star of this dish. It adds moisture and a lovely, mild flavor. The cheeses give the tots a rich taste and a nice melt. Using breadcrumbs helps create that crispy exterior. The egg binds everything together, ensuring your tots hold their shape. Seasonings are key for flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you want a bit more crunch, green onions provide a bright touch. You can fry the tots for a crispy bite or bake them for a lighter option. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Happy cooking! Start by grating the yellow squash. Use a box grater for even pieces. After grating, it's time to squeeze out excess moisture. Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel tightly to remove water. This step helps the tots stay crispy. In a large bowl, combine the grated squash with the cheeses. Add sharp cheddar and Parmesan for great flavor. Next, crack in one egg. Then, mix in the breadcrumbs and seasonings. Use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Now it's time to form the mixture into tots. Scoop about one tablespoon of the mix and roll it into an oval shape. Place each tot on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. This space helps them cook evenly. You can choose to bake or fry the tots. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the tots for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the tots in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels. For the full recipe, check the comprehensive guide provided! To make your yellow squash tots crispy, start by removing the moisture. Grated squash holds a lot of water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze it hard to get rid of excess liquid. This step is key for a great texture. Next, control the frying temperature. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the tots will soak up oil and become soggy. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding. This way, each tot gets even heat and crispiness. To boost the flavor, try adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices add a nice kick to your tots. You can also mix in some Italian herbs for a different taste. Experimenting with cheese can enhance your dish. You might swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella. Each cheese gives a unique twist. This makes your tots exciting every time you make them. For dipping sauces, I suggest creamy ranch or zesty marinara. These sauces pair well with the crispy tots. You can also try a spicy aioli for something different. Pair your tots with side dishes like a fresh salad or vegetable sticks. This adds some crunch and freshness to your meal. Serve your yellow squash tots hot for the best taste! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the veggies in your yellow squash tots. Try adding zucchini or carrots. Zucchini brings a nice flavor, while carrots add a touch of sweetness. You can also add spinach for a green twist. Spinach adds color and boosts nutrition. Just be sure to chop it fine and remove excess moisture. If you need a gluten-free option, use alternative breadcrumbs. You can find gluten-free panko or make your own with gluten-free bread. For those who want a dairy-free version, substitute cheese with non-dairy options. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy. If you’re hosting a party, you can easily scale the recipe. Double or triple the amount of ingredients to feed more guests. For presentation, serve the tots on a colorful platter. Add small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. You can even garnish with chopped herbs. This makes your dish pop with color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions earlier in the article. To store leftovers, let the tots cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for future snacking. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for best results. You can freeze these delicious tots either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked tots, shape them and lay them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For baked tots, let them cool, then place them in a container. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw unbaked tots in the fridge overnight. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. For baked tots, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. In the fridge, these tots last about 3-5 days. For the best taste, eat them within this time. To maintain freshness, always keep them sealed tight. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for long periods. You can make Yellow Squash Tots without cheese by using plant-based options. For a vegan version, replace cheese with nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use mashed avocado or silken tofu to help bind the mixture. Both options add creaminess and flavor. Yes, you can prepare these tots ahead of time. Form the tots and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to cook them fresh later. You can also freeze the tots before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. Yellow Squash Tots pair well with many dips. Try serving them with ranch dressing or marinara sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or veggie sticks. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or fish as a side. The options are endless! You'll know the tots are done when they turn golden brown. If you fry them, check for a crispy outer layer. For baked tots, look for a firm texture and a nice golden color. A toothpick can help check if the insides are cooked through. If it comes out clean, they are ready to eat! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Yellow Squash Tots. We discussed the main ingredients, seasonings, and optional additions that enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, mixing, shaping, and cooking your tots. Remember to try my tips for a crispy texture and experiment with different vegetables. You can also store leftovers or freeze them for later. These tots are not just tasty; they can fit into any meal or party. Enjoy making these healthy snacks and impress your family with your cooking!$

Discover the deliciousness of Crispy Yellow Squash Tots with this easy recipe! Made with fresh yellow squash, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavored with garlic and onion powder, these tots can be baked for a healthier treat or fried for that irresistible crunch. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Click to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your cooking game today!

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Ingredients

2 medium yellow squash, finely grated

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you intend to bake the tots for a healthier alternative. If you choose to bake them, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the grated yellow squash, finely chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.

To achieve crispy tots, it's essential to remove excess moisture from the grated squash. Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and firmly squeeze out any moisture.

Once the moisture is removed, crack the egg into the squash mixture. Add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix all ingredients together until they are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture.

Using your hands, scoop approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small, oval-shaped tots. Place each formed tot onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking.

If opting to fry, heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully add the tots in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a delightful golden brown and become crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tots and drain any excess oil on paper towels.

For baking, drizzle the formed tots lightly with olive oil, then place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Once cooked, allow the tots to cool for a couple of minutes before serving to enhance their flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy yellow squash tots alongside a small bowl of creamy ranch or zesty marinara sauce for dipping. For a vibrant touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil to add color and freshness to your dish!