Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Bites
Elevate your seasonal snacking with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Bites! Perfect as a festive appetizer or a fun side dish, these crispy, flavorful bites combine tender butternut squash and creamy potatoes, blended with aromatic herbs and melted cheddar cheese. Dressed with charming Jack O'Lantern faces, they not only taste delicious but also bring a whimsical touch to your holiday gatherings. Serve them hot and crispy, perfect for sharing with family and friends this autumn!
12
Servings
60
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
White potatoes
9 ounces (1/2-inch diced)
Butternut squash
9 ounces (1/2-inch diced)
Grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic
1/2 clove (minced)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Dried breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and dicing the white potatoes and butternut squash into 1/2-inch pieces.
2
In a large saucepan, add the diced potatoes and squash, covering them with an inch of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until both are tender, about 10 minutes.
3
Once cooked, drain the water and transfer the potato-squash mixture to a heatproof bowl. Mash them together until relatively smooth, leaving some texture for added bite.
4
Incorporate the grated cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into the mashed mixture. Combine until well integrated.
5
Spread the dried breadcrumbs evenly on a shallow dish or baking sheet.
6
Form the mixture into flat patties, about 3 inches across and about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
7
Once firm, take a sharp knife and carefully carve Jack O’Lantern faces into each patty.
8
Roll each patty in the breadcrumbs to coat both sides evenly.
9
In a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Gently add 2 to 3 patties at a time into the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Flip them carefully using an offset spatula to maintain their shape.
10
For each batch, replace the oil if necessary to prevent burning. Serve your Jack-O-Tots hot and crispy as a delicious fall treat!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Bites?
They are crispy, festive appetizers made from a blend of butternut squash, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs, shaped into Jack O'Lantern faces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in these bites?
The main ingredients include white potatoes, butternut squash, grated cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic, and dried breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in one serving of Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Bites?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
How should I prepare the squash and potatoes?
The white potatoes and butternut squash should be peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces before cooking.
How long do the vegetables need to boil?
Boil the diced potatoes and squash for about 10 minutes or until they are both tender.
Should the mash be completely smooth?
You should mash them until relatively smooth, but leave some texture for an added bite.
What type of cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The bites are seasoned with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
What size should the patties be formed into?
Form the mixture into flat patties about 3 inches across and 1/2 inch thick.
Why do the patties need to be frozen for 15 minutes?
Freezing the patties for 15 minutes helps them firm up, making them easier to carve and fry.
How do you create the Jack O'Lantern faces?
Once the patties are firm from the freezer, use a sharp knife to carefully carve faces into each one.
What coating is used for the exterior?
The patties are rolled in 1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs to coat both sides evenly.
How are the squash bites cooked?
They are pan-fried in a nonstick skillet using olive oil over medium heat.
How much olive oil is required for frying?
You will need approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil, adding more between batches if necessary.
How long should each side be fried?
Fry each patty for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
What is the best way to flip the patties?
Use an offset spatula to flip them carefully to ensure they maintain their carved shape.
Are these bites suitable for a party?
Yes, they are excellent for holiday gatherings, autumn parties, or as a whimsical Halloween snack.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do these bites contain any protein?
Yes, each serving provides 1.5 grams of protein.
What is the dietary fiber content?
Each serving contains 1 gram of fiber.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates a negligible or null sugar content.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While white potatoes are specified for their texture, you could experiment with other starchy varieties.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
The recipe calls for 1/2 clove of garlic, minced, to ensure it blends well into the mash.
Are these bites served hot or cold?
They should be served hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Tags include butternut squash, fall recipes, appetizers, halloween snacks, and comfort food.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this recipe consists of vegetables, cheese, flour, and seasonings, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How do I prevent the bites from burning while frying?
Replace the frying oil between batches if it starts to get dark or look burnt.