Apple Pie

on
0

Tater Tots

on

 The Ultimate Homemade Tater Tots Recipe: Crispy and Irresistible


Watch recipe video

Tater tots are the quintessential comfort food—crispy, golden nuggets of potato goodness that are beloved by kids and adults alike. While store-bought tater tots are convenient, there’s something special about making them from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a batch of homemade tater tots that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor.

Here’s how you can make your own tater tots at home!

Ingredients

  • Russet potatoes: 2 large (about 1½ to 2 pounds)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (optional, helps with binding)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1½ teaspoons (divided)
  • Pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Vegetable oil: For frying (about 2-3 cups, depending on pot size)
  • Optional add-ins: Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), shredded cheese, or bacon bits for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

  • Peel the russet potatoes (russets are ideal for their starchy texture, which makes for fluffier tots).
  • Place the potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil.
  • Cook the potatoes for about 6-7 minutes—you don’t want them fully cooked, just parboiled. They should be tender enough to grate but still firm.

2. Grate the Potatoes

  • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, grate them using the large holes of a box grater.
  • After grating, gently press the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots, as too much moisture will make them soggy.

3. Season the Potatoes

  • Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt (about 1 teaspoon), and pepper.
  • For extra flavor, consider mixing in optional add-ins like chopped herbs or shredded cheese. Stir the mixture gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Form the Tater Tots

  • To help the potatoes hold their shape, sprinkle in the flour (if using) and mix lightly. The flour will help bind the potatoes, but if you prefer a gluten-free version, you can skip this step or use a potato starch substitute.
  • Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently squeeze it into a small, cylindrical shape (the classic tater tot form). Repeat this process until you’ve shaped all your tots.

5. Fry the Tater Tots

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F for the perfect fry.
  • Fry the tots in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature and prevent the tots from crisping properly.
  • Cook the tater tots for about 3-5 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Immediately sprinkle the freshly fried tots with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt for added flavor.

6. Serve

  • Your homemade tater tots are ready to be served hot and crispy. Enjoy them with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or even sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.

Baking Option (Healthier Version)

If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the tater tots instead of frying them.

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Place the shaped tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Lightly spray or drizzle the tots with vegetable oil.
  • Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly.

While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried tater tots, baking them still yields a delicious result with less oil.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tots

  • Don’t over-boil the potatoes: Parboiling ensures the tots have just enough moisture without being mushy. If the potatoes are overcooked, they won’t hold their shape.

  • Shape gently: When forming the tater tots, don’t pack them too tightly, as this can make the inside dense. A light squeeze to form them is all you need.

  • Adjust seasoning: Feel free to get creative with the seasoning. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or even grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

  • Freezing for later: If you want to make a large batch, tater tots freeze beautifully. After shaping them, arrange the uncooked tots on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

A Brief History of Tater Tots

Tater tots have been a beloved American snack since their creation in the 1950s by the founders of Ore-Ida, an American frozen food company. The founders were looking for a way to use up leftover potato scraps from the french fry manufacturing process. They chopped up the scraps, added some flour, and fried them into the crispy little potato bites we know and love today.

What started as a way to reduce waste became a culinary sensation, with tater tots gaining popularity as a side dish in school lunches, diners, and even upscale restaurants, where they’re often reinvented with gourmet ingredients.

Conclusion

Making homemade tater tots is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying. With their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these homemade tots take the classic snack to a whole new level. Whether you fry or bake them, enjoy them as a side dish or snack, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Once you try this homemade version, you may never want to go back to the frozen variety again!


Comments

Post a Comment