Crispy Veggie Tots (Printable Format)

Crispy, cheesy tots made from roasted spaghetti squash - a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a fun, snackable form.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 medium spaghetti squash
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite variety)
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg

→ Seasonings

06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Cooking

11 - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet.
02 - Roast the squash in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, until tender and can be easily scraped with a fork.
03 - Let the squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large bowl. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
04 - Add the shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the squash strands. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
05 - Shape the mixture into small tots or patties about the size of a golf ball. Line them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
06 - Lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the tots with olive oil to help them crisp up.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
08 - Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with or without your favorite dipping sauce.

# Important Tips:

01 - These tots make a great snack, side dish, or light meal option.
02 - Spaghetti squash is low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
03 - Try dipping these tots in ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli for extra flavor.
04 - You can customize this recipe by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.