Get ready to revolutionize your snacking game with these incredible Yellow Squash Tots! Forget the frozen potato kind – these delightful bites are made from fresh yellow squash (or zucchini), baked until golden and crispy, and packed with savory flavor. Paired with a refreshingly bright and garlicky yogurt dip, they’re the perfect healthy snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why I Love This Recipe
I am absolutely obsessed with these Yellow Squash Tots because they are a brilliant way to enjoy vegetables in a fun, satisfying format. It’s hard to believe something so simple can be so utterly delicious! The process of squeezing out the moisture from the squash is key to their crispy texture, and the addition of cheddar cheese and onion creates a savory depth that’s irresistible. The garlicky yogurt dip is the perfect cool, tangy counterpoint, making every bite a burst of fresh flavor. They’re lighter than traditional tots, but just as addictive, making them a true win-win for healthy and delicious eating!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Yellow Squash Tots and their delicious dip:
For the Yellow Squash Tots:
- 3 small yellow squashes or zucchini
- 1 egg
- 4 oz grated cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons minced parsley leaves
For the Garlicky Yogurt Dip:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely minced parsley or dill
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Squash/Zucchini: You can use all yellow squash, all zucchini, or a mix. Ensure they are small to medium for the best texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a dairy-free shredded cheese would work.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy texture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Onion: Finely chopping the onion is important so it blends smoothly into the tots.
- Herbs (Tots): Fresh minced parsley adds a nice touch, but it’s optional. You could also try a touch of dried dill or chives.
- Greek Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is crucial for the dip. Don’t use flavored yogurt! Sour cream or even a blend of sour cream and mayo could work for the dip, though the flavor profile would change.
- Herbs (Dip): Fresh parsley or dill are fantastic. Chives would also be a great choice.
Directions
Let’s get these crispy, savory tots and their delightful dip ready!
- Prepare Oven & Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is key for easy cleanup and ensures the tots crisp up nicely without sticking.
- Grate and Drain Squash: Grate the yellow squash or zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated squash in a colander and toss it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step is super important as the salt helps draw out excess moisture from the squash, which is vital for crispy tots!
- Squeeze Out Moisture: After 10-15 minutes, gather the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Give it a really good, firm squeeze to eliminate as much extra liquid as possible. The drier the squash, the crispier your tots will be!
- Combine Tot Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed squash, the egg, grated cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the optional minced parsley. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Tots: Take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into small, bite-sized tot shapes. You can make them cylindrical or slightly flattened oval shapes, similar to classic tater tots. Lay them out evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each tot.
- Bake the Tots: Pop those beautiful tots into the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. For an even crispier finish, you can flip them halfway through the baking time.
- Whip Up the Dip: While the tots are baking, prepare your garlicky yogurt dip! Simply combine the unsweetened Greek yogurt, lemon juice, finely minced parsley or dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the dip is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the tots are done baking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for just a couple of minutes before serving them warm alongside the irresistible garlicky yogurt dip. Watch them disappear – they’re that good!
Tips for Success
- SQUEEZE THAT SQUASH! I can’t emphasize this enough. The more moisture you remove, the crispier your tots will be.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your tots space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Finely Chop Onion: Larger pieces of onion might make the tots fall apart. Fine chopping helps them integrate seamlessly.
- Taste the Dip: Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and garlic in the dip to your personal preference.
- Broil for Extra Crisp: If you want an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the tots for 1-2 minutes at the very end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Yellow Squash Tots are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Appetizer or Snack: Serve them as a party appetizer with the dip, alongside other crowd-pleasing nibbles like This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Side Dish: They make a fantastic healthier alternative to fries or potato tots with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
- Light Meal: Enjoy a larger serving as a light vegetarian meal.
- Brunch Addition: Serve them as a savory side to eggs or a frittata.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, these tots can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dip will keep for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the tots on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer, until crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked shaped tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, crispy, and dip-friendly nature of these squash tots, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fun and flavorful recipes:
- For another creative take on cheesy snacks, check out These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win!.
- If you’re into unique and impressive appetizers, don’t miss This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
- And for a completely different kind of dip (a sweet one!), our Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings is a must-try!
Final Thoughts
These Yellow Squash Tots with Garlicky Yogurt Dip are truly a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce, a perfect party appetizer, and a delightful snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So easy to make, yet so incredibly flavorful – they’re a must-try for your next gathering or just for a fun treat!
I hope you enjoy making and devouring these crispy beauties as much as I do! Please share your thoughts and any creative twists you try in the comments below. And remember to visit Chefmaniac.com for more exciting and easy recipes to brighten your kitchen. Happy snacking!
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