Delicious Butternut Squash Tots: Perfect Recipe!

Okay, mamas, gather ’round! Let’s talk about one of my go-to sanity savers: Butternut Squash Tots! These little guys are a game-changer in my house, especially when I’m battling the dreaded “veggie resistance.” I swear, some days it feels like my kids have a built-in radar for anything green or orange!

I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday – you know, the kind where you’re juggling work calls, school pickups, and a mountain of laundry threatening to take over the living room. My youngest, bless his heart, decided that dinner was public enemy number one.

I was trying to get him to eat his squash and he said ‘ I hate squash’. I decided to try a new way to trick him into getting his vegetables. I decided to make butternut squash tots. And he loved them!

That’s when the Butternut Squash Tots idea was born! Seriously though this changed my kid’s mind overnight. Who would have thought this would have changed everything?

Now, I’m not promising miracles, but these Butternut Squash Tots are pretty darn close. They’re a fun, tasty way to sneak in some extra nutrients, and even my pickiest eater gives them a thumbs-up (most of the time!). If you are like me and want an extra hack try these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots too!

These Butternut Squash Tots fit perfectly into our crazy family life. It’s about finding those little wins, those recipes that make life a little easier and a lot tastier. And trust me, these tots deliver on both fronts.

So, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s dive in and conquer dinner together! I promise, this Butternut Squash Tots recipe is totally doable, even on the busiest of weeknights.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need to whip up a batch of these tasty Butternut Squash Tots. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet – because who has time for complicated?

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds): The star of the show! I usually grab one from the store, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even roast your own.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs, but panko would work great too for extra crispiness. You can get this at Target while doing your regular grocery run.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice little salty kick. No worries if you don’t have parmesan – I use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast all the time in my Butternut Squash Tots.
• 1 egg: Helps bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of savory flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For baking.

Here’s a trick that saved my sanity: I often roast the butternut squash ahead of time! It means that when it’s time to make the tots, it’s so much faster. These Butternut Squash Tots don’t have to break the bank either. I always buy seasonal produce to save a few dollars. My family loves when I add a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture – gives it a warm, cozy flavor!

Storage wisdom: These Butternut Squash Tots keep well in the fridge for a few days. Just store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Trust me, this ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to transform that butternut squash into delicious Butternut Squash Tots. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In my chaotic kitchen, this Butternut Squash Tots process usually takes me about 40 minutes, from start to finish.
2. Prepare the butternut squash. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. You can roast it until it’s soft and easily mashable (about 20-25 minutes). Alternatively, you can steam it until tender. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
3. Mash the squash. Once the squash is cooked and slightly cooled, mash it well with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed squash.
4. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This Butternut Squash Tots mixture should smell amazing by now!
5. Form the tots. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a small tot. Place the tot on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Don’t panic if your Butternut Squash Tots looks a little rustic – they’ll still taste great!
6. Bake the tots. Drizzle the tots with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy, flipping halfway through.
7. Cool and serve. Let the tots cool slightly before serving.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Butternut Squash Tots – I wouldn’t mash the squash enough! Make sure it’s really smooth, or the tots will be lumpy. While your Butternut Squash Tots is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! For another way to incorporate butternut squash into your diet, check out this Butternut Squash Soup!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of golden-brown Butternut Squash Tots. Now what? Here’s how we love to enjoy them in my house:

The kids devour this Butternut Squash Tots when I serve it with some yummy dipping sauces!

• Dipping sauces: My kids are obsessed with dipping sauces! We love ketchup, ranch, or a simple yogurt dip.
• Side dish: These tots make a great side dish for burgers, chicken nuggets, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Lunchbox treat: Pack a few tots in your kid’s lunchbox for a healthy and fun surprise.
• Snack attack: Sometimes, we just pop a few tots straight from the oven for a quick and satisfying snack.

This Butternut Squash Tots is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners! They’re also a hit at potlucks and parties. I’ve even made them for Thanksgiving as a fun alternative to mashed potatoes.

Seasonal variations: In the fall, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture for a cozy, autumnal flavor. In the summer, I’ll sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh taste.

Leftover ideas: If you have any leftover Butternut Squash Tots (which is rare in my house!), you can chop them up and add them to salads or omelets.

My friends are always asking me for this recipe after trying them at our backyard barbecues!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about these Butternut Squash Tots. Here are some of the most common ones I get asked:

Can my picky eater handle this Butternut Squash Tots?

It’s worth a try! The sweetness of the butternut squash and the fun tot shape can be surprisingly appealing to picky eaters. You can also try serving them with a dipping sauce your child loves.

What if I don’t have butternut squash?

No problem! You can substitute sweet potato or pumpkin. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make these Butternut Squash Tots ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tot mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Or, you can bake the tots and then reheat them when you’re ready to eat.

What if I burn my Butternut Squash Tots? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If your tots are starting to burn, you can lower the oven temperature and cover the baking sheet with foil.

Can I freeze these Butternut Squash Tots?

Yes! Freeze the baked tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

I usually use plain breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give you extra crispy tots. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

My Butternut Squash Tots are too mushy. What did I do wrong?

You may have added too much liquid to the mixture. Try adding a little more breadcrumbs to help absorb the excess moisture.

My family prefers these Butternut Squash Tots with a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can get more great recipe ideas at Yellow Squash Tots with Garlicky Yogurt Dip | Babaganosh

Final Thoughts:

These Butternut Squash Tots are more than just a recipe to me – they’re a symbol of those small victories we celebrate in the beautiful chaos of family life. They represent a moment of peace amidst the 5 PM panic, a way to nourish our loved ones (and ourselves!) without losing our minds. For more help getting vegetable’s into your diet, see these Potato & Butternut Squash Tots | Easy Family Recipes

Here are some mom hacks I can share with you: Roast the squash in advance. Double the batch and freeze half for later. Let the kids help form the tots. My oldest loves the version with a little bit of chili powder, while my youngest prefers them plain.

Here are 3 more family-tested Butternut Squash Tots variations:

• Spicy Tots: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little kick.
• Cheesy Tots: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
• Herb Tots: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for a savory flavor. This Butternut Squash Tots reminds me of another family favorite Butternut Squash Soup

Remember, these Butternut Squash Tots are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make them your own. I found another recipe at Butternut Squash Tots – Unbound Wellness!

I hope this recipe brings a little joy (and maybe even a few veggies!) to your dinner table. You got this, mama!

And don’t forget – perfect is the enemy of good. Even if your Butternut Squash Tots aren’t picture-perfect, they’ll still be delicious! Keep experimenting and don’t give up! These Butternut Squash Tots are worth it!

 

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