I still remember the first time I tried squash tots at a family gathering. Someone had brought a big platter to the table, and within minutes, they were gone. At the time, I didn’t think too much about what went into them—I just knew they were crunchy, golden, and addictive. But as our family started exploring more dairy-free and allergy-friendly cooking, I realized how important it was to adapt favorite dishes so that everyone could enjoy them.
That’s when dairy free squash recipes like these easy appetizer tot bites came into play. Once I learned how simple it was to make them without cheese or heavy cream, they quickly transformed into a go-to dish for holidays, potlucks, and casual get-togethers. It turned out no one missed the dairy—in fact, the squash itself brought so much natural flavor that the lighter recipe became the new family favorite.
What I love most about squash bites is how they blend comfort food satisfaction with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Traditional tots are often fried and packed with dairy, but these dairy free squash bites are baked and balanced, making them both lighter and easier to digest. They offer that familiar crispy outside and tender center, but with natural sweetness from yellow squash or zucchini.
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Dairy Free Baked Yellow Squash Bites
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden bites made from grated yellow squash, almond flour, and dairy-free binders. These versatile appetizer tots are baked to perfection, vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grate squash and squeeze in a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Mix ground flaxseed and water; let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Combine grated squash, flax mixture, almond flour, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized tots and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Lightly spray tots with olive oil and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
7. Let cool 5 minutes before serving to allow tots to firm up.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 4
These little bites also fit seamlessly into squash appetizer recipes for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game night, bringing a dish to a friend’s house, or just looking for creative things to make with squash and zucchini, they check all the boxes: fast to prepare, kid-friendly, and crowd-approved.
Dairy Free Baked Yellow Squash Bites Recipe
Ingredients and substitutions
- 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini (grated)
- 1 cup almond flour – or substitute oat flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (or green onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
Optional add-ins: chopped fresh parsley, grated carrot, or a touch of red pepper flakes. These swaps make the recipe adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free diets.
Preparation method step-by-step
- Wash and grate the squash. Place into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Mix flaxseed with water to create flax eggs; rest for 5 minutes.
- Combine squash, flax eggs, almond flour, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Scoop tablespoon portions, shape into tots, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Making Dairy Free Squash Bites Crispy and Flavorful
Tips for best texture
- Squeeze the squash well to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; allow room for airflow.
- Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Choose almond flour for a nutty flavor or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
For extra crispiness, broil the bites for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Pairing ideas for serving
- Serve with hummus, cashew queso, salsa, or dairy-free ranch.
- Pair with fresh salad for a light meal.
- Offer as a kid snack with ketchup or simple sauces.
- Mix with zucchini fritters or roasted veggie skewers for variety.
Zucchini can easily replace yellow squash for slightly milder-flavored bites.
More Squash Appetizer Recipes to Try
Things to Make with Squash and Zucchini
Beyond squash tots – fun snack variations
- Zucchini fritters: Seared patties paired with dairy-free dips.
- Squash chips: Oven-baked thin slices for healthier crunchy snacks.
- Dairy-free stuffed squash cups: Tiny squash halves filled with quinoa or vegetable mixes.
Using yellow squash vs zucchini
Yellow squash offers sweeter flavors and tender skins, ideal for baked recipes. Zucchini provides a neutral taste perfect for bold dips. Combined, they give color contrast and flavor variety.
Simple Squash Recipes for Entertaining
Quick-prep dishes for gatherings
- Grilled zucchini skewers with olive oil and herbs.
- Oven-roasted squash wedges with smoked paprika.
- Mini squash “pizzas” topped with tomato sauce and dairy-free cheese.
Squash bites for kids and family meals
Make tots in fun shapes, serve with ketchup or barbecue sauce, or pair them with veggie fries. They sneak in veggies while still feeling like a comfort food snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make squash tots ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mixture in advance, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then shape and bake when ready.
How do you store and reheat dairy free squash bites?
Store baked tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp.
Do I have to peel the squash?
No. Both zucchini and yellow squash have soft, edible skins that add nutrition and color.
Can I freeze them for later?
Yes. Freeze baked and cooled tots on a sheet until solid, then bag and store up to 2 months. Bake or air fry directly from frozen.
What are the best dairy free dipping sauces for squash bites?
- Cashew queso
- Hummus or tahini
- Dairy-free ranch
- Salsa or chipotle mayo
Final Thoughts on Dairy Free Squash Recipes
Why these bites are a must-try
Dairy free squash bites prove that healthier cooking can still deliver satisfying comfort food. Crispy, flavorful, and allergen-friendly, they work as snacks, appetizers, or side dishes loved by both adults and kids. They also fit into vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free lifestyles without sacrifice.
Whether you want dairy free squash recipes for parties, are experimenting with new squash appetizer recipes, or just need fun things to make with squash and zucchini, these bites deserve a spot on your menu. They’re fast, versatile, and delicious—a recipe you’ll make on repeat.
