Imagine a sunny afternoon filled with laughter. The kitchen fills with a delicious smell. This is the perfect time to make homemade yellow squash tots. They are a tasty treat that brings everyone together.
With just a few ingredients, you can turn yellow squash into crispy, yummy tots. They are great for a healthy side dish or a fun lunch addition. These yellow squash tots recipe show that eating well can be exciting.
Key Takeaways
- Yellow squash tots are a simple, kid-friendly squash recipe that even picky eaters can enjoy.
- This easy squash recipe combines taste and nutrition, making it ideal for family meals.
- Homemade yellow squash tots are a great way to sneak veggies into your child’s diet.
- These tasty tots are perfect for snacking or as a side dish at dinner.
- You can customize the recipe to include your family’s favorite ingredients.
Introduction to Yellow Squash Tots
Yellow squash is a great base for tasty and healthy squash tots. It’s versatile and full of good stuff for your body. Adding yellow squash to your meals can help kids eat more veggies.
Many kids don’t get enough veggies, but squash tots can change that. They’re tasty and packed with nutrients. This makes them a hit with both kids and grown-ups.
Squash tots can be a regular part of your meals. They’re nutritious and delicious. Make healthy eating fun for your family with these tasty tots.
Step by Step Yellow Squash Tots Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy yellow squash, this recipe is for you. It turns a basic veggie into a tasty snack. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll make crispy tots that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 small yellow squashes or zucchinis (about 1-1.5 lb)
- 1 egg
- 4 oz grated cheddar cheese (about ½ cup)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons – ¼ cup finely minced parsley leaves
- ⅓ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
- 1 teaspoon finely minced parsley (or dill, or ½ teaspoon dried parsley or dill)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Each ingredient is key to the flavor and texture of your homemade yellow squash tots.
Instructions
Benefits of Homemade Yellow Squash Tots
Homemade Yellow Squash Tots are a fun way to get kids to eat healthy. This recipe is full of nutrients, making it easy to add veggies to their meals. You’ll be happy to serve a dish that kids love and is good for them.
Healthy Tots Recipe for Kids
By making your own Yellow Squash Tots, you can pick the ingredients. This means they are both healthy and tasty. These tots are full of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice.
They’re perfect for kids who don’t like veggies. By mixing veggies with flavors kids enjoy, you can sneak in important nutrients.
Crispy Tots Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Baked Yellow Squash Tots have a crispy outside that everyone loves. They offer a crunchy texture without the need for frying. This recipe makes a healthy snack or side dish that tastes great.
Watching your family enjoy these baked squash tots is rewarding. They get to enjoy a tasty treat that’s also good for them.
Serving Suggestions for Squash Tots
Yellow Squash Tots are perfect for any meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or with dips. They also make a great side dish for your favorite dishes.
Pairing with Dips
Try different dips to make your squash recipe even better. Yogurt-based dips are creamy and refreshing. Try tzatziki for a Mediterranean flavor or zesty ranch for something classic.
For a unique twist, make your own spicy mayo or guacamole. This way, you can please everyone’s taste buds. It’s a fun way to entertain guests.
Serving as a Side Dish
Yellow Squash Tots are a great side dish for family meals. They go well with grilled chicken, beef, or fish. They also pair well with fresh salads or on a veggie platter for parties.
This easy recipe is not only tasty but also adds color to your table. Feel free to try different combinations to make your meals more exciting.
Making Baked Squash Tots Gluten-Free
Turning your yellow squash tots gluten-free is easy and fun. Just a few simple swaps can make a tasty gluten-free tots recipe. The trick is finding the right substitutes for breadcrumbs.
Try using almond flour, gluten-free oats, or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs. These options add a crispy texture to your healthy tots.
Begin by using 1 cup of your chosen gluten-free substitute for every cup of breadcrumbs. This change helps those with gluten sensitivities and boosts your dish’s nutrition.
When making your gluten-free tots, add some flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast. Don’t forget to mix in herbs like parsley or oregano. This way, every bite will be full of taste.
With these tips, you can make your baked yellow squash tots gluten-free. They’re great as a snack or side dish. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a healthy option that’s still delicious.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegetable Tots
Making the perfect vegetable tots takes some care. You want that golden crispiness and a soft inside. Here are some tips to help you.
Achieving the Right Consistency
For a great texture, balance moisture and breadcrumbs. First, dry out your grated squash. Use a clean cloth to squeeze out water. Then, mix in breadcrumbs until it’s just right.
This balance is key for crispiness.
Customizing Your Tots with Different Ingredients
Make your vegetable tots your own. Add spices like garlic powder or paprika for flavor. Try different cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, for creaminess.
Don’t forget to mix in other veggies like carrots or zucchini. This makes your recipe more interesting.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Suggested Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Squash | Base ingredient for vegetable tots | Zucchini or carrots |
| Breadcrumbs | Bind the mixture and add crispiness | Oats or crushed crackers |
| Cheese | Add flavor and creaminess | Parmesan, feta, or cheese blends |
| Spices | Enhance overall taste | Italian herbs, cumin, or chili powder |
Storage and Reheating Tips
You want your homemade yellow squash tots to stay fresh and delicious. Proper storage is key to keeping their flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you store your tots well.
How to Store Your Squash Tots
To keep your homemade yellow squash tots tasty, consider these tips:
- Allow the tots to cool completely before storing them to prevent condensation.
- Place them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their quality and prevent them from drying out.
- Label the container with the date you made them. This ensures you use them while they are still good.
- Refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage (up to three months).
Reheating Techniques for Best Results
Reheating your squash tots correctly ensures they stay crispy. Here are some recommended reheating techniques:
- Use an oven or toaster oven set to 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This allows for even heating while maintaining crispiness.
- A skillet works well for reheating. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and add the tots, cooking for 3-5 minutes on each side.
- A microwave is convenient, but might leave your tots a bit soggy. If you choose this method, use a microwave-safe plate, and cover them with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
Health Benefits of Squash as a Vegetable
Yellow squash is a great addition to your diet. It’s not just colorful; it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s good for your health and is perfect for kids. Let’s look at why squash is such a great choice.
Nutrition Facts about Yellow Squash
Yellow squash is full of important vitamins and minerals. A serving size gives you:
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (cooked) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 36 |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Vitamin C | 35% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin A | 9% of Daily Value |
| Potassium | 8% of Daily Value |
These yellow squash benefits help keep your diet balanced. They aid digestion and boost your immune system. The fiber and vitamins C and A are key to a healthy body.
Why Squash is Great for Kids
Adding yellow squash to your child’s meals is a smart move. It’s full of vitamins and minerals that support growth. Here’s why it’s good for kids:
- Rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
- Contains fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.
- Low in calories, making it a smart choice for nutrient-dense meals.
Getting kids to eat yellow squash can help them develop healthy eating habits. The nutrients in this vegetable are too good to ignore.
Conclusion
The yellow squash tots recipe is a great way to add veggies to your meals. It’s also an easy recipe that everyone can enjoy. These tots have a crispy outside and a soft inside, making them perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
By making homemade yellow squash tots, you’re giving your family a tasty way to enjoy squash. It’s a fun way to cook with fresh ingredients and make memories in the kitchen.
So, why not start eating healthier? Try this amazing yellow squash tots recipe today. See how fun and rewarding it is to eat wholesome foods every day!
For more veggie-packed ideas, try our ranch cauliflower salad or enjoy bite-sized fun with cheddar bacon ranch pinwheels. If you’re looking for another crispy veggie side, don’t miss our cheesy baked asparagus — it pairs beautifully with any main course.
Yellow Squash Tots
Ingredients
For the tots:
- 3 small yellow squashes or zucchinis about 1-1.5 lb
- 1 egg
- 4 oz grated cheddar cheese about ½ cup
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ medium onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons - ¼ cup finely minced parsley leaves
For the yogurt dip:
- ⅓ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice from about ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon finely minced parsley or dill, or ½ teaspoon dried parsley or dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with olive oil.
- Grate the squash using a fine grater or a food processor. Add ½ teaspoon salt and mix well. Place the grated squash in a colander and let it sit to drain excess liquid.
- Squeeze out all the extra liquid from the grated squash using your hands. Discard the liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine all the tot ingredients and mix thoroughly. The mixture should be sticky and wet. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Form small tots with your hands (about 1.5-2 tablespoons of squash mixture per tot). Dip your hands in cold water occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden on top and lightly browned on the bottom. Let them rest for 5 minutes before removing to prevent sticking.
- While the tots bake, make the yogurt dip by combining all the dip ingredients in a small bowl.
- Serve the dip with the warm squash tots.
Notes
For a crispier texture, you can broil the tots for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.