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Crispy Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots with Irresistible Maple Mustard Dip

There’s something uniquely comforting about a batch of perfectly crispy tater tots. They evoke childhood memories, yet they are versatile enough to be a sophisticated side dish or a delightful appetizer for any gathering. My last tater tot recipe quickly became a fan favorite, so it was only natural to bring you another inventive take on this beloved classic. This time, we’re embracing the flavors of the season with a delicious twist: wholesome spaghetti squash!

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these incredibly easy-to-make Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots. They’re just as addictive as their potato-only counterparts, but with an added nutritional boost and a wonderfully subtle texture. Imagine tiny, golden cylinders, perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside – each bite a burst of flavor that will leave you reaching for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises a fun and rewarding cooking experience, culminating in a dish everyone will adore.

Why These Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots Will Be Your New Favorite

If you’re anything like me, you probably raise your hand high when asked if you love tater tots! While I often whip up homemade french fries, there’s an undeniable charm and playful appeal to a tater tot. Their compact, bite-sized shape and satisfying crunch make them simply irresistible. But why stick to the classic potato when you can infuse them with exciting, nutritious ingredients? This recipe takes everything you love about traditional tots and enhances it with the incredible versatility of spaghetti squash.

Incorporating spaghetti squash not only adds a delicate sweetness and a unique texture, but it also boosts the nutritional value of these savory bites. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetable in a completely new and exciting form, making these tots a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. These homemade tots are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary – a snack that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious.

The Perfect Pairing: Sir Kensington’s Maple Mustard Dip

What’s a delicious tater tot without the perfect dipping sauce? For these delightful spaghetti squash tots, I knew I needed something special, and Sir Kensington’s Spicy Brown Mustard was the obvious choice. This isn’t just any mustard; it already boasts a hint of sweet maple syrup, creating a flavor profile that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the spaghetti squash and the savory richness of the potatoes. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that elevates every single tot.

My admiration for Sir Kensington’s condiments began during a casual stroll down the grocery store aisle. What immediately caught my eye, beyond their distinctive packaging featuring a dapper man with a top hat and mustache (which, honestly, might be my favorite part!), was their commitment to quality. All of Sir Kensington’s ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard products are crafted with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. This dedication to wholesome, real food ingredients resonates deeply with my cooking philosophy, ensuring that every dip is not only bursting with flavor but also made with integrity. The Spicy Brown Mustard with its maple undertones created a truly perfect marriage of flavors with these crispy tots, transforming a simple snack into a gourmet experience.

Where to Find Sir Kensington’s Condiments

Ready to experience the exceptional taste of Sir Kensington’s for yourself? You can typically find their range of high-quality products at your local Whole Foods Market. Their commitment to natural, non-GMO ingredients makes them a staple in health-conscious kitchens. For added convenience, you can also order all Sir Kensington’s products online directly from their website here. Don’t forget to use the special coupon code “SPICY” at checkout to enjoy free shipping on your order. It’s an excellent opportunity to stock up on their fantastic condiments and elevate all your homemade dishes!

Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots with Maple Mustard Dip

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 reviewers

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 40-45 tots

Print Recipe

Ingredients

3 large russet potatoes (yields about 8 cups when grated)
1 medium sized spaghetti squash
2 teaspoons salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Sir Kensington’s Spicy Brown Mustard for dipping

Instructions

Place the russet potatoes in a large pot and cover them generously with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the potatoes until they are just fork tender. They should still have a slight resistance in the center, not be mushy. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to cool completely for approximately 20 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling and cooling, prepare the spaghetti squash. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. Using a spoon, scoop out and discard all the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Then, use a sturdy metal spoon to scrape out the “meat” of the spaghetti squash; it will naturally come out in noodle-like strands or small pieces. Aim for about 3 cups worth of cooked squash. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one teaspoon of olive oil. Add the scraped spaghetti squash to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is tender, which should take about ten minutes.
Once the cooled potatoes are comfortable to handle, carefully peel off their skins using a potato peeler or your hands. Grate each peeled potato using a box grater or food processor and transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash along with the salt to the bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly combined. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor throughout your tater tots.
Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the potato and spaghetti squash mixture and form them into classic tater tot cylinder shapes. You should be able to make approximately 40-45 tots, depending on their size. If your baking sheets are smaller, you may need to bake these in two batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Lightly brush the top of each formed tater tot with a small amount of olive oil. This helps achieve that desired golden-brown crispiness. Sprinkle a little extra salt over each tot for enhanced flavor. Bake the tater tots in the pre-heated oven for about 50 minutes, or until they are beautifully crispy and browned on the outside. Make sure to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure all sides get equally golden and crunchy.
Once baked to perfection, remove the spaghetti squash tater tots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up and become even crispier. Serve them warm with a generous side of Sir Kensington’s Spicy Brown Mustard for dipping. Enjoy these wholesome, homemade delights!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 90 mins
Category: Side, Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snack, Appetizer

Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Tater Tots

Creating truly crispy tater tots at home is an art, but one that is easily mastered with a few key techniques:

Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: After boiling, ensure your potatoes are as dry as possible. Letting them cool and air dry for a bit helps. Similarly, for the spaghetti squash, cooking it down to reduce moisture content is crucial. Excess water will steam the tots instead of frying them in the oven.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tots space! When baking, arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring there’s enough room between each tot. Overcrowding traps steam, preventing them from browning and crisping up. If necessary, bake in multiple batches.
Even Grating: Grate your potatoes evenly. This ensures consistent cooking and texture. Uneven pieces might result in some tots being soft while others are perfectly crispy.
Hot Oven is Key: A high oven temperature (425°F/220°C) is essential for achieving a golden, crunchy exterior. This high heat helps to quickly crisp up the surface.
Flip Them: Don’t forget to flip your tots halfway through baking. This allows both sides to get direct contact with the hot air and brown evenly, ensuring an all-around crispy finish.
Oil for Shine and Crisp: Brushing the tots with a little olive oil before baking not only aids in crisping but also gives them a beautiful golden sheen.

Creative Variations & Customizations for Your Tots

While these Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots are delicious as is, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking:

Cheesy Goodness: Fold in a quarter cup of shredded dairy-free cheddar or nutritional yeast into the mixture for a cheesy flavor boost.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Herbaceous Notes: Incorporate finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Different Dipping Sauces: While Sir Kensington’s Spicy Brown Mustard is a perfect match, feel free to experiment with other dips like vegan ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a homemade avocado cream.
Add Veggies: Finely grated carrots or zucchini (ensure they are squeezed dry) could also be incorporated for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Tots

These versatile Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots are more than just a snack; they can be the star of many meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

Classic Side Dish: A perfect accompaniment to your favorite plant-based burgers, sandwiches, or veggie dogs.
Breakfast Booster: Serve them alongside a tofu scramble or a savory vegan breakfast burrito for a wholesome morning meal.
Appetizer Extravaganza: Arrange them on a platter with various dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Bowl Builder: Add them to a grain bowl with roasted vegetables, a protein source, and a flavorful dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Soup Dippers: Enjoy them as a crunchy accompaniment to a creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil stew.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

If you happen to have any of these delicious tater tots left over, don’t worry! They store and reheat beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy their crispy goodness later.

Storage: Allow the tater tots to cool completely to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating in the Oven: For the best results and to regain their crisp texture, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and re-crisped.
Reheating in an Air Fryer: An air fryer is another excellent option for reheating tots. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and hot.
Avoid the Microwave: While convenient, the microwave will make the tots soft and mushy, so it’s best avoided if you want to maintain their delightful crispiness.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots or simply want to try a new and exciting vegetable-forward dish, these Spaghetti Squash Tater Tots with Maple Mustard Dip are an absolute winner. They combine the familiar comfort of a classic snack with the wholesome goodness of seasonal produce, all enhanced by a truly exceptional dipping sauce. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this unforgettable recipe. Happy cooking!

If you like these, you will also love my 4-Ingredient Zucchini Tater Tots!