Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to turn up the flavor on your comfort food favorites! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: Butternut Squash Tots! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have you doing a happy dance with every bite.

These Butternut Squash Tots were born out of a late-night craving and a fridge full of, you guessed it, butternut squash! I was experimenting, trying to find a healthy-ish snack that still brought that serious comfort food satisfaction. The anticipation was real and, let me tell you, the results were even better. It was a total happy accident that quickly became a Grill Drip staple.

Now, these aren’t your average vegetable tots. We’re talking about crispy outsides, creamy insides, and a flavor that’ll make you forget all about boring side dishes. This Butternut Squash Tots recipe is all about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. I’m inviting you to join me on this delicious flavor adventure. Let’s make some magic!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This ingredient list is where the delicious magic for these Butternut Squash Tots begins! No blandness allowed. This is all about bold flavors that work together.

1 medium Butternut Squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 large Egg
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

No worries if you don’t have Panko. I use regular bread crumbs all the time in my Butternut Squash Tots and they turn out great. You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip. This Butternut Squash Tots gets its amazing taste from the combination of sweet butternut squash and savory spices.

For busy weeknights, I often roast the butternut squash ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to my **Butternut Squash Tots** for an extra kick. It really adds depth to the flavor! Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

Let’s Make Some!

Let’s get cooking! Follow these super easy steps, and we’ll have some amazing Butternut Squash Tots in no time. I will guide you through this, step by step!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the **Butternut Squash Tots** from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Roast the butternut squash. Toss the cubed squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. In my kitchen, this usually takes about 22 minutes.
Mash the roasted squash. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, mash it well with a fork or potato masher. You want a smooth consistency with just a few small lumps. This is where the magic starts happening!
Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash, Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Don’t worry if the mixture seems a little wet; the bread crumbs will absorb the moisture.
Form the tots. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, cylindrical tots. They should be about 1-2 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. This **Butternut Squash Tots** recipe is so easy to handle.
Bake the tots. Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the tots. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy. This **Butternut Squash Tots** recipe is almost done!
Cool and serve. Let the tots cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This will help them firm up a bit. While your **Butternut Squash Tots** are doing their thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Don’t worry if your **Butternut Squash Tots** looks slightly different than the picture – every batch is unique. I discovered that letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before forming the tots helps them hold their shape better. Happy accident!

How to Serve Up This!

These Butternut Squash Tots are seriously versatile! They’re amazing as a snack, a side dish, or even a fun appetizer. People literally do happy dances when this **Butternut Squash Tots** hits the table with a creamy dipping sauce!

I love to serve them with a spicy mayo or a cool ranch dressing. A little sriracha in the mayo adds a fantastic kick! These **Butternut Squash Tots** are perfect for game nights, potlucks, or those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

For presentation, arrange the tots on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can chop them up and add them to a salad or use them as a topping for pizza.

I once tried a fusion variation with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. It was surprisingly delicious! When I serve these **Butternut Squash Tots**, I always get requests for the recipe. They’re a total crowd-pleaser! And for another comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about making these amazing Butternut Squash Tots.

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Butternut Squash Tots?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. If you can mash a squash, you can make these tots! I have faith in you, fellow food lover!

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?

A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mashing. Otherwise, your **Butternut Squash Tots** might be a little soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

A: No problem! You can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Or, for a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast.

Q: What if I mess up my Butternut Squash Tots? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess these up! Even if they’re not perfectly shaped, they’ll still taste amazing. And that’s what really matters, right? Remember my late-night kitchen experiments? Those didn’t all turn out perfect, but I always learned something!

Q: How can I prep this Butternut Squash Tots for busy weeknights?

A: You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also mix all the ingredients together and store the mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to form and bake the tots. This makes the process so much faster!

Q: Can I freeze these Butternut Squash Tots?

A: Yes, you can! Place the baked and cooled tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until they’re firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q: What dipping sauce goes best with Butternut Squash Tots?

A: I love a spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or even a simple yogurt dip. Get creative and experiment with different flavors! These **Butternut Squash Tots** recipes are ready for bold flavors! I found that a touch of lemon juice really brightens up a yogurt dip. Taste testing is key!

CONCLUSION:

These Butternut Squash Tots bring me so much joy because they’re the perfect combination of healthy and delicious. They’re a fun way to sneak in some extra veggies, and they always put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s comfort food that makes you feel good!

My Butternut Squash Tots Flavor Secrets:

Don’t skip the spices! The paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add so much flavor.
Roast the squash until it’s slightly caramelized. This brings out its natural sweetness.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This ensures that the tots get crispy all over.

Here are a few delicious Butternut Squash Tots variations I’ve tested:

Spicy Butternut Squash Tots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Perfect for game night!
Cheesy Butternut Squash Tots: Add extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Great for a potluck!
Sweet Butternut Squash Tots: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. Ideal for a cozy night in! For more delicious Butternut Squash recipes, check out Potato & Butternut Squash Tots | Easy Family Recipes.

Trust your taste buds and get creative with your own variations. The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen! Now it is time to make the best baked Butternut Squash Tots, for another recipe check out Butternut Squash Tots (Vegan – Paleo) | Every Last Bite, and Yellow Squash Tots with Garlicky Yogurt Dip | Babaganosh. I’m so excited for you to try this **Butternut Squash Tots** recipe and create your own flavor adventure. Happy cooking!

Butternut Squash Tots

Print Recipe

These Butternut Squash Tots are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato tots! They’re packed with flavor and are perfect for a snack or side dish.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Steam or boil the butternut squash until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the squash and mash well.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small tot shapes.
Place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve these tots with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.