If you’ve been searching for crispy, flavorful snacks that balance comfort food with fresh seasonal produce, these are the Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love. They bring together the creamy heartiness of potatoes with the light, slightly sweet flavor of yellow squash—creating little bites that are golden on the outside and soft in the middle. Whether you’re looking for a kid-approved weeknight side or a party-friendly appetizer, these tots tick every box. For me, they’re more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder of family dinners where squash always had a starring role in making simple meals feel special.
A Family Story Behind Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love
Memory of Taste at Home
Growing up, yellow squash was always stacked high in a basket on the counter during the summer months. My family’s garden seemed to produce more than we knew what to do with, which meant squash landed on the table in dozens of creative forms. At first, I’ll admit, I wasn’t always excited when I saw that bright yellow vegetable appear yet again. But that changed when my mom experimented with mixing it into potato tots. Suddenly, the dishes I knew so well had a fun, crispy twist—and it became something that everyone, from kids to grandparents, would reach for at dinner.
These crunchy little bites quickly turned into some of the Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love because they carried both flavor and memory with every batch. They were playful enough to satisfy snack cravings, but they also tied us back to tradition in the kitchen. Whenever I make them today, the aroma of squash baking with potatoes still feels like home. It’s one of those recipes that simply sticks with you, partly because of taste but mostly because of the stories bound up in it.
What makes these tots unbeatable is the way yellow squash balances with the potatoes. The squash lightens the texture, keeps the inside tender, and adds just a touch of sweetness, while the potatoes bring that classic, hearty bite we expect in a tot. The two work together like a natural team—one soft and vibrant, the other grounding and familiar.
Print
Yellow Squash and Potato Tots
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 tots (4–6 servings) 1x
Description
Crispy baked veggie tots that blend yellow squash and russet potatoes for a light, golden bite. Easy, kid-approved, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
2 medium yellow squash, shredded (about 2 cups), squeezed very dry
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and shredded, squeezed very dry
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment; set a wire rack for cooling.
2. Grate squash and potatoes on a box grater. Place in a towel and wring out as much liquid as possible until very dry.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Scoop about 1 tbsp of mixture per tot; shape into small cylinders and arrange on the prepared sheet.
5. Lightly spray or brush the tots with olive oil.
6. Bake 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
7. Transfer to a wire rack, season to taste, and rest 3 minutes. Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.
8. To freeze: cool completely, freeze on a sheet until solid, then store in a sealed bag. Reheat from frozen at 400°F until hot and crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
When shredded, drained, and then gently folded together, they transform into golden nuggets that crisp beautifully in the oven. The result is a snack that manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, bridging comfort food you grew up with and the desire for veggie-forward recipes today. Every time you bake a tray, the smell that fills the kitchen promises the same thing: a batch of Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love that never fails to deliver.
Ingredients and Steps for Tasty Squash Appetizer Recipes
Simple Ingredients You Already Have
One of the best things about making these Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love is that you don’t need anything complicated. Most of the ingredients are pantry and fridge staples, with yellow squash stepping in as the seasonal highlight. Here’s a full list with approximate amounts to get you started:
- 2 medium yellow squash – shredded and drained well
- 2 medium russet potatoes – peeled and shredded
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – regular or panko for extra crunch
- 1 large egg – to bind the mixture together
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds a gentle savory touch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – for balancing flavor
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional) – for a nutty, cheesy kick
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (optional) – adds freshness
Step-by-Step Preparation for Golden Tot Bites
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash the yellow squash and potatoes. Using a box grater, shred them into strands. Place the shredded squash and potato in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the Base: Combine the drained vegetables in a large mixing bowl with the breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and optional Parmesan or herbs. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Shape the Tots: Scoop a tablespoon of mixture, roll lightly, and press into a cylinder or nugget shape. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Bake for Crisp Perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with olive oil, and bake 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Cooling & Serving: Cool briefly on a rack before serving to maintain crispness. Enjoy with your favorite sauces.
Things to Make With Squash and Zucchini That Feel Fresh and Fun
Variations and Flavor Swaps
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for the Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love, you can have fun with endless variations. Try adding zucchini, cheese, or spices to give the tots a new personality.
| Variation | What to Add/Change | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar Squash Tots | Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese | Cheesy, savory, kid-approved |
| Zucchini-Squash Mix | Replace 1 yellow squash with 1 zucchini | Light, colorful, slightly earthy |
| Spicy Jalapeño Tots | Add 1–2 finely minced jalapeños | Bold, with a little kick |
| Herb & Garlic Tots | Fold in fresh dill, thyme, or extra garlic powder | Bright, herby, Mediterranean-inspired |
| Parmesan-Pesto Bites | Stir in Parmesan and drizzle with pesto before serving | Tangy, nutty, aromatic |
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
- Game Day Snack Table – Serve in baskets with dipping sauces like spicy ketchup or buffalo ranch.
- Holiday Appetizer Spread – Platter them with garlic aioli, ranch, or even cranberry dip.
- Easy Weeknight Side – Pair with baked chicken, fish, or a vegetable stir-fry.
- Kids’ Lunchbox Treat – Pack cooled tots with carrot sticks and ranch.
- Party-Friendly Bites – Add toothpicks and sauces like honey mustard for easy garnishing.
Frequently Asked Questions + Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you keep squash tots from getting soggy?
Drain the shredded squash and potato well by squeezing in a towel or cheesecloth before mixing.
2. Can you freeze yellow squash and potato tots?
Yes. Bake, cool fully, freeze in a layer, then store in a sealed bag. Reheat from frozen at 400°F until crispy.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use almond flour or gluten-free crackers in place of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I cook them in an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once midway for crispiness.
5. What other veggies work with this recipe?
Zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, or broccoli mix in beautifully for variety.
Conclusion
The Yellow Squash and Potato Tots You’ll Love go beyond being just a snack—they bring together comfort food nostalgia and fresh seasonal produce in one golden, crispy bite. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, they shine as everything from a weeknight dinner side to a lively party appetizer. With countless flavor variations and serving options, these squash bites can easily become a staple in your kitchen.
So next time you’re thinking of tasty squash recipes or searching for things to make with squash and zucchini, reach for this recipe. Crisp, tender, and packed with flavor, they’re a delicious reminder of how even the simplest foods can bring the most joy.
