Skip the freezer aisle and ditch the deep-fryer (and the potatoes!) in favor of this family favorite recipe for Baked Butternut Squash Tots.
There’s just something about the tot shape that transforms nearly any starch and vegetable into an irresistibly perfect vessel for dipping and dunking in a rainbow of condiments.
We’ve conquered cauliflower tots. We’ve mastered broccoli tots. And now, we’re giving potatoes an even longer rest from the spotlight with my latest and most favorite variety of the bunch: Baked Butternut Squash Tots!
These bite-sized nuggets are totally potato-free. And in place of all those spuds? Creamy butternut squash, minced onions and a touch of chopped fresh sage, which takes this flavor profile straight into your fall appetizer-snack-lunchbox-dinner lineup.
Baked butternut squash tots score big wins across the board:
- They’re baked and not fried.
- They’re super easy to freeze and rewarm as needed.
- They’re just as tasty when baked in a mini muffin pan (read: time-saver!).
So if you’re concerned about the prep time, you can roast the squash a day in advance and then skip the shaping and rolling into tot form and simply scoop the mixture into a greased mini muffin pan (more notes below on cook times).
And for all those who are not members of the Fresh Sage Fan Club, you can easily leave it out or sub in any other fresh herb, such as thyme or rosemary.
When it comes to dipping and dunking, the sky’s the limit. I’m partial to ketchup, but ranch dressing and spicy mustard come in a close second and third place.
Ready to skip the spuds and still satisfy your tot craving? Preheat your oven for fresh and finger-friendly Baked Butternut Squash Tots, and don’t miss their culinary cousins with additional recipes for 5-Ingredient Baked Cauliflower Tots and Easy Baked Broccoli Tots. (And don’t worry, potato-lovers. I’ve still got you covered with Fully Loaded Tater Tot Nachos!)
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Ingredients
- 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced onions
- 1/3 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it with cooking spray.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the baking sheet then drizzle it with the olive oil and toss to combine. Sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper then roast it for about 15 minutes or just until itโs fork tender but still fairly firm.
- Transfer the butternut squash to a food processor and process just until roughly pureed. (Do not over-process the squash or it will be too loose to hold its shape when in tot form.) Measure out 3 packed cups and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Stir in the minced onions, breadcrumbs, egg, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350ยฐF.
- Using your hands, portion out 1- to 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture and shape it into tots. Arrange the tots on the lined baking sheet, spacing them 1/2-inch apart.
- Bake the tots for 20 minutes then flip them once and bake them an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until crispy. Remove the tots from the oven and serve them with ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce.
Kelly's Note:
- To save time, the tot mixture can be portioned out and baked inside a greased mini muffin pan. Follow the same baking instructions noted above, but decrease the baking time based on how crispy you prefer your tots.
- โ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
I found that the tots stuck to the baking tray and were very sticky underneath when I tried to turn them. They taste great but Iโll need to have another go to see if I can get the consistency right so they crisp up correctly.
Hi Rebecca – Did you line the tray with foil and grease it?
I used italian breadcrumbs instead of sage was perfect
So glad you enjoyed it, Keri!
Can they be made gluten free?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any sort of gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed up pretzels.
This recipe looks amazing. I just wanted to ask if these tater tots taste alright when they are cold?
I’m planing to take these tater tots to a potluck and I don’t know if there will be an option to rewarm them.
Hi Gabi! I personally prefer them warm but they’re definitely still tasty room temp or cold.
What is the best way of warming these tots up after being kept in the fridge/freezer? My little one loved this so thanks!
Hi Ivy – The quickest way to reheat the tots is to microwave them in 30-60 second intervals until thawed and warm. I’m so thrilled your little one enjoyed them!
At what point do you freeze… before any baking, after, half way?
I’d bake them, cool completely then freeze. Enjoy!
How meny cal are the tots each
Hi Janet! You can find the estimated nutritional info by clicking on the purple button below the recipe that says ESTIMATED NUTRITION INFORMATION. :)
Great! I didnโt add an egg because my batch wasnโt thick enough & I added 1/2 c bread crumbs! Delicious
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Brenda!
These are good!! I made them just as written here and they turned out perfectly!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed them, Rachael!
so 50 tots is only 16 calories ummm thats hard to believe…what is the actually serving size for the 16 calories?
Hi Dana – The Estimated Nutrition Facts provides nutritional information for one tot.
Looks great but I can’t locate the serving sizes of your recipes. I see the nutritional info but I can’t tell for what quantity. Any tips? Thanks
Hi Megan! It’s at the top of the recipe, right by the cooking/prep times :)
My tots would not stay together, despite adding another egg and more breadcrumbs. The tiny pieces of squash just fell apart. The taste was great, though!
So glad you enjoyed the flavor, Catherine! Happy to troubleshoot them not staying together. Did you really puree the mixture?
I live in Portland which is like the tater tot capital of the world. OK, I just made that up, but it seems like it. We have tots available in every restaurant. Although I love a good tot, I need to refrain from eating them since they are so fattening. Your recipe is awesome b/c it’s so much healthier! I’ll have to make these so I can get my tot fix on without blowing my diet!
Thanks so much, Christina!