Tater tots recipe (Best Homemade)

Tater tots are a type of food made from grated potatoes that have been shaped into small cylindrical pieces and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were first created in the United States in the 1950s by the Ore-Ida company as a way to use up leftover bits of potato that were too small to be turned into french fries.

These have since become a popular side dish in the United States and can often be found on the menus of fast food chains and casual restaurants. They are also sometimes used as a topping for hot dogs or as a component in casserole dishes.

The recipe is typically made from a mixture of grated potatoes, flour, and seasonings. Some variations may also include cheese, onions, or other ingredients. They are typically deep-fried until golden brown and served hot.

Contents hide

1 Ingredients for Tater tots:

2 Instructions for Tater tots:

3 Serving suggestions

4 Tips and Variations

4.1 Tips:

4.2 Variations:

5 Potential health benefits to consider:

6 FAQs about Tater tots

7 Nutrition:

8 follow us on instagram, facebook and youtube

Ingredients for Tater tots:

2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions for Tater tots:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, mix together the grated potatoes, flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
Using your hands, shape the potato mixture into small cylindrical pieces, about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
Once the oil is hot, add the pieces to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the tots from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Once all of the tater tots are fried, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
Serve the tater tots hot and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Tater tots are often served as a side dish to burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. Simply serve them hot and crispy on the side of your main dish.
Use tater tots as a base for a hearty casserole dish. Layer them with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve them as a breakfast side dish, alongside eggs and bacon. You could even top them with scrambled eggs and salsa for a delicious breakfast bowl.
Serve as an appetizer for a party or game day gathering. Provide dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing to make them even more enjoyable.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

Use a food processor to grate the potatoes quickly and easily.

Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the tater tots. This can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy, soggy tater tots.
For a healthier version, you can bake them in the oven instead of frying them. Just spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Variations:

Cheesy: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture before shaping and frying.
Sweet potato: Use grated sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter and healthier option.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the potato mixture for some heat.

Ranch tater tots: Toss them in a mixture of ranch seasoning and olive oil before baking for a delicious and easy seasoning.
Loaded breakfast: Top it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a filling and delicious breakfast dish.

Potential health benefits to consider:

Source of Potassium: Potatoes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.

Source of Fiber: Potatoes also contain some fiber, which can aid digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes contain several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.
It’s important to note that tater tots are often deep-fried, which can add extra calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. Eating them in moderation and pairing them with healthier options, such as a salad or grilled vegetables, can help balance their nutritional value.

FAQs about Tater tots

Are tater tots vegan?

Most of them are vegan, but some brands may contain animal products or be cooked in animal fat. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

How do you store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated and crispy.

Can you freeze tater tots?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked tater tots for up to 2 months. To cook, simply fry them in hot oil as usual.

Are tater tots healthy?

While they are not generally considered healthy food, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Homemade tater tots can be a healthier option than store-bought ones, and baking instead of frying can also reduce the calorie and fat content.