Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots Recipe

“`html

If you’ve been on the lookout for a fun, healthier twist on a classic comfort food, you’ve absolutely got to try these Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots. Imagine the crispy, golden exterior you love in traditional tots paired with a tender, slightly gooey interior that packs the subtle sweetness and delicate texture of spaghetti squash. Not only are these tots a fantastic way to sneak more veggies onto your plate, but they also bring a surprising burst of flavor and a delightful crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re craving a snack, side, or party bite, these Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly to create these tots. Each one plays an important role: from the tender strands of spaghetti squash to the crispy crunch provided by panko, and the rich savory lift from parmesan cheese – it’s a beautiful balance of flavor and texture.

• Spaghetti squash: about one medium squash provides the perfect tender base for the tots.
• Panko bread crumbs: these extra-crispy crumbs give the tots their irresistible crunch without weighing them down.
• Shredded parmesan cheese: adds a salty, nutty flavor that melts perfectly in each bite.
• Eggs: act as the binder, holding all the ingredients together into perfect tot shapes.
• Seasoning (garlic salt and black pepper): these simple spices bring out the natural sweetness of the squash and complement the cheese beautifully.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Spaghetti Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise, remove the seeds, then place the halves flesh-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily shredded. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then use a fork to scrape out the delicate strands that will form the base of your tots.

Step 2: Drain and Chop the Strands

Once you have about 2 cups of the spaghetti squash strands, it’s important to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. I find placing them in a large measuring cup and pressing down with the back of a spoon works perfectly to release that extra water — this step ensures your tots get crispy and hold their shape when baking. Then, roughly chop the strands to create small, manageable pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spaghetti squash strands, panko bread crumbs, shredded parmesan, eggs, and seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture is well incorporated and sticky enough to hold together.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Tots

Using your hands, form the mixture into small cylinder shapes, roughly the size of traditional tater tots. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. You should be able to shape about 30 tots from this batch. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each tot and bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, until the outsides are golden and crisp.

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots

Garnishes

The charm of these tots can be elevated with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that complements their savory taste. For a bit of extra indulgence, a dusting of parmesan after baking enhances the cheesy goodness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots work brilliantly as a side to just about any meal! They pair especially well with comfort meals like baked chicken, meatloaf, or even a fresh green salad. Their crispiness and flavor bring wonderful texture contrast to creamy soups or smooth dips as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve these tots as bite-sized appetizers on a decorative platter with a trio of dipping sauces such as spicy aioli, classic ranch, and tangy ketchup. You can also top them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of bacon bits for a fun loaded-tot twist. The possibilities for Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect quick snack or addition to your weekday meals.

Freezing

If you want to keep these tots on hand for even longer, you can freeze them. Place the uncooked tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen.

Reheating

To bring back their original crispy texture, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp. This method ensures your Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots remain crunchy and delicious every time.

FAQs

Can I substitute other cheeses for parmesan in Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots?

Absolutely! While parmesan adds a wonderful nutty flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sharp Asiago. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will affect the taste and melting quality slightly.

Is it possible to make these tots vegan?

Yes, with a few swaps. Use a flax or chia egg substitute in place of the eggs and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. Also, double-check your breadcrumbs are vegan-friendly. The texture will be similar but the flavor profile will shift a bit.

How can I make sure my Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots hold together well?

The key is removing as much moisture as possible from the cooked squash strands before mixing. Also, be sure to use enough panko crumbs and eggs as binders. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time.

Can these tots be fried instead of baked?

You can certainly shallow fry or deep fry the tots for extra crispiness, but baking keeps them lighter and healthier. If frying, watch them closely to avoid burning, as they cook quickly due to the tender squash inside.

What dipping sauces pair best with Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots?

The classic options like ranch dressing, ketchup, or spicy aioli are fantastic. You can also experiment with honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a creamy garlic dip. These tots are versatile and love a good sauce partner!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots enough — they’re just a brilliant way to enjoy something crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed all at once. If you’re after a snack or side dish that’s as fun to eat as it is good for you, give this recipe a try. Once you taste their perfect crunch and savory flavor, I’m pretty sure they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too!

“`

Print