There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a humble vegetable and transforming it into a delicious, bite-sized snack. When I first discovered spaghetti squash, I knew it held the potential for something special, but I never imagined it could turn into these delightful Spaghetti Squash Tots. With their crispy edges and tender centers, they’re the perfect handheld treat for those of us tired of the same old options on busy weeknights.
Picture this: after a long day, you want something easy yet mouthwatering to whip up. That’s where these tots come in. Just a handful of simple ingredients—spaghetti squash, green onions, a sprinkle of salt, and pepper—and you can create a dish that will have friends and family raving. Whether it’s game day, a cozy family dinner, or a fun snack for kids, these bites bring versatility to the table.
Join me as we dive into this effortless recipe that promises not only flavor but a healthy twist on a classic favorite!
Why are Spaghetti Squash Tots so irresistible?
Satisfying Crunch: Once baked, these tots develop a delightful golden-brown crust that is both crunchy and satisfying.
Healthful Treat: Made from spaghetti squash, these tots are a guilt-free alternative to traditional potato tots, offering a nutritious twist without compromising on flavor.
Quick & Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a scrumptious snack without the fuss, making them a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Versatile Delight: Serve them as a standalone appetizer, a side dish, or a fun finger food for your next gathering. You’ll find they complement nearly any meal!
Kid-Friendly: These tots are not only tasty but also a sneaky way to get your kids to enjoy vegetables. Pair them with a favorite dipping sauce for extra fun!
Dive into this recipe and discover how quickly these Spaghetti Squash Tots become a family favorite!
Spaghetti Squash Tots Ingredients
• Get ready to whip up these delicious, guilt-free snacks!
For the Base
• 1 medium spaghetti squash – The star of the show, this squash forms the perfect base for your delightful tots!
• 1 medium green onion, thinly sliced – Adds a fresh, oniony zing to each bite.
For Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of the squash, making your tots irresistible.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – A dash of spice that elevates the taste while keeping it simple.
Embrace the joy of cooking with these Spaghetti Squash Tots, and savor the crunch that makes every bite a happy one!
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Tots
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Get ready for some crispy goodness!
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Prepare the Squash: Prick the spaghetti squash several times with a fork and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 7-8 minutes, until slightly soft to the touch, then let it cool.
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Cut and Scrape: Carefully halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to remove the spaghetti-like strands. Discard the skins and enjoy the transformation!
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Remove Moisture: Place the squash strands on a clean kitchen towel. Roll it up and wring out as much moisture as you can. This step is key for crispy tots! Transfer the dry squash to a large bowl and chop the strands a bit with a knife.
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Mix: Add the Scallions and Seasoning: Toss the thinly sliced green onions, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the squash. Stir well to evenly blend all the flavors and get your taste buds tingling.
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Fill the Muffin Tin: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop tablespoons of the mixture into each mini muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Flatten the tops gently with your fingers for an even bake.
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Bake the Tots: Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil cooking spray. Pop the tin into the oven for 10 minutes, letting them start to crisp up.
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Flip & Bake Again: After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tot over, spray them again lightly with cooking spray, and return them to the oven for another 10 minutes. They’re ready when golden brown on both sides.
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Cool & Serve: Allow the tin to cool on a rack for about 5 minutes, then invert it to release the fluffy tots. Dust with kosher salt to taste, and serve them warm for the best experience!
Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra deliciousness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash Tots?
Elevate your mealtime with these savory bites that pair beautifully with a range of complementary dishes!
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Tangy Dipping Sauces: A good tangy sauce like ranch or spicy aioli enhances the flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the tots.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the warm, crispy tots perfectly.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a hearty touch, with their natural sweetness creating a wonderful contrast to the savory crunch.
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Herbed Quinoa: The fluffy, nutty textures of quinoa, laced with fresh herbs, serve as a wholesome base to complement these delightful bites.
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Savory Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato basil or butternut squash soup for a cozy meal that warms the soul.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a touch of sweetness brings a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the tots beautifully.
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Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water with a hint of lemon or lime makes for a light, palate-cleansing drink to accompany your tots.
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Mini Meatballs: For a protein boost, mini meatballs served alongside add a fun and hearty touch, perfect for dipping and savoring!
Whichever pairing you choose, these Spaghetti Squash Tots are sure to shine in any meal setting!
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Squash Tots
Moisture Matters: Before baking, ensure you wring out as much moisture as possible from the spaghetti squash. Excess water can make the tots soggy instead of crispy.
Mini Muffin Tin: Using a mini muffin tin is key for perfect portion control and uniform cooking. It helps achieve those delightful bite-sized shapes!
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from adding your favorite spices along with salt and pepper. A dash of garlic powder or paprika can elevate your Spaghetti Squash Tots even further!
Cooling Time: Allow the tots to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps them firm up and develop that satisfying crunch we all love.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture—it’ll keep them crispy!
Storage Tips for Spaghetti Squash Tots
Fridge: Store leftover Spaghetti Squash Tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat from frozen or refrigerated by baking in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Room Temperature: If you’re serving at a gathering, keep the tots out for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Spaghetti Squash Tots in advance is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can cook the spaghetti squash up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply microwave, shred, and wring out the moisture (this step is critical for maintaining that crispy texture later). Store the prepared squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, mix in the green onions, salt, and pepper right before filling the muffin tin. The final baking process will only take 20 minutes, ensuring fresh, delicious results. This way, you’ll have a satisfying snack ready to pop in the oven with minimal effort!
Spaghetti Squash Tots Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful bites and make them truly yours!
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for a gooey, melty surprise in each tot.
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Garlic Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture to enhance the taste with a lovely aromatic finish.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added layer of freshness and vibrant flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that elevates each bite.
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Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and a variation in texture in your tots.
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Gluten-Free Flour: If you want a firmer texture, add a tablespoon of almond flour or coconut flour to bind everything beautifully.
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Sweet Potato Mash: Blend in cooked, mashed sweet potato for a sweeter, earthier flavor that’s irresistible to kids and adults alike.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to keep it dairy-free, while giving that cheesy flavor everyone loves.
With these variations, your Spaghetti Squash Tots will never be boring! Each twist adds a personal touch that will excite your family and friends each time you whip them up.
Spaghetti Squash Tots Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best spaghetti squash?
Absolutely! Look for a spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size, with a smooth, firm rind. Avoid any that have dark spots, wrinkles, or soft spots, as these may indicate overripeness.
How should I store leftover Spaghetti Squash Tots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps retain their flavor and texture. I often recommend reheating them in the oven to maintain that crispiness, rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze Spaghetti Squash Tots?
Yes, you can! After they cool completely, place the individual tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
What if my Spaghetti Squash Tots are too soggy?
No worries! If you find your tots are soggy, that usually means too much moisture was retained from the squash. To fix this in the future, ensure you wring out the squash strands thoroughly with a clean towel. You might also try adding a bit more seasoning or breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture.
Are Spaghetti Squash Tots safe for people with food allergies?
Very much! These tots are generally gluten-free and made from wholesome ingredients, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, always check the cooking spray and any added spices for potential allergens if you’re serving guests with specific dietary restrictions.
Can I add other ingredients to the Spaghetti Squash Tots mixture?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative and add ingredients like shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, or herbs like parsley or basil. Just remember to adjust the moisture level accordingly, as additional ingredients may require extra wringing out or may change the cooking time slightly.
Spaghetti Squash Tots: A Crunchy, Guilt-Free Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Squash: Prick the spaghetti squash several times with a fork and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 7-8 minutes, until slightly soft to the touch, then let it cool.
- Cut and Scrape: Carefully halve the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to remove the spaghetti-like strands. Discard the skins.
- Remove Moisture: Place the squash strands on a clean kitchen towel. Roll it up and wring out as much moisture as you can. Transfer the dry squash to a large bowl.
- Mix: Toss the thinly sliced green onions, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the squash. Stir well to evenly blend.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop tablespoons of the mixture into each mini muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Flatten the tops gently.
- Bake the Tots: Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes, until they start to crisp up.
- Flip & Bake Again: After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tot, spray again lightly with cooking spray, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Allow to cool on a rack for about 5 minutes, then invert to release the tots. Dust with kosher salt to taste.