Say goodbye to store-bought frozen tater tots and hello to this easy, homemade version! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these tater tots are packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or freezer-friendly treat for later.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried dill
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Parboil Potatoes: Place the peeled potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until parboiled, about 6-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool.
2. Shred and Dry: Using a box grater, finely shred the cooled potatoes. Use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as possible.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture is workable but still dry.
4. Shape the Tots: Form the potato mixture into small cylindrical shapes to create tater tots.
5. Heat Oil: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 360°F (182°C) using a deep-fry thermometer.
6. Fry Tots: Working in batches, add the shaped tots to the hot oil and cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving, for 6 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg

The History of Tater Tots

Tater tots originated in the United States in the 1950s as a creative way to use leftover potato scraps from French fry production. Introduced by Ore-Ida, a brand specializing in frozen potato products, tater tots quickly gained popularity due to their convenience and irresistible taste. Over the years, they’ve become a staple in diners, school lunches, and family dinners across the country.

Homemade tater tots bring a fresh perspective to this classic favorite, offering superior flavor, texture, and the ability to customize ingredients. By making them from scratch, you can recreate this nostalgic dish while controlling the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

Why Make Homemade Tater Tots?

1. Superior Taste:
   Homemade tater tots are far more flavorful than store-bought options, thanks to the use of fresh potatoes and customizable seasonings. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide a satisfying texture that rivals even the best restaurant versions.
2. Healthier Options:
   Store-bought tater tots often contain preservatives, additives, and excess sodium. When you make them yourself, you can adjust the seasoning and control the type of oil used for frying.
3. Customizable Flavors:
   From garlic and onion powders to herbs like dill and oregano, homemade tater tots allow you to tailor the seasonings to your taste. Prefer a spicy kick? Add cayenne or paprika. Craving a cheesy twist? Incorporate grated Parmesan.
4. Versatility:
   Tater tots aren’t just for snacking. They can be served as a side dish, used as a base for casseroles, or even transformed into a crowd-pleasing appetizer with creative toppings.

Perfect Pairings for Tater Tots

Homemade tater tots are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sauces, sides, and main courses. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with classic ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. For a gourmet touch, try truffle aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy honey mustard.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Tater tots make the perfect side for juicy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or crispy chicken sandwiches.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair tater tots with scrambled eggs, bacon, or avocado toast for a hearty breakfast.
• Loaded Tots: Turn your tater tots into a loaded appetizer by adding shredded cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
• Casserole Base: Use your homemade tater tots as the foundation for a cheesy tater tot casserole, combining them with ground beef, vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup.

Tips for Perfect Tater Tots

Making tater tots at home can be simple and rewarding with a few key tips:

1. Proper Parboiling:
   Parboiling the potatoes is essential for achieving the right texture. It softens the potatoes slightly, making them easier to shred while ensuring they hold together during frying.
2. Remove Excess Moisture:
   Squeezing out as much water as possible from the shredded potatoes is crucial for crispiness. A clean dish towel or cheesecloth works best for this step.
3. Consistent Shaping:
   Aim for uniform cylindrical shapes when forming your tater tots. This ensures even cooking and a professional appearance.
4. Monitor Oil Temperature:
   Maintaining the right oil temperature (around 360°F or 182°C) is key to achieving a golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
5. Batch Cooking:
   Fry the tater tots in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tots.

Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is always a hit, experimenting with variations can bring a new twist to your homemade tater tots:

• Cheesy Tater Tots: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the potato mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Tater Tots: Incorporate cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Tater Tots: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant, herbaceous taste.
• Sweet Potato Tots: Swap out russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and vibrant alternative.
• Vegan Tots: Use plant-based flours like chickpea or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour, and fry in vegetable oil for a vegan-friendly option.

Why Tater Tots are Loved Across Generations

Tater tots evoke a sense of nostalgia for many, bringing back memories of childhood meals and school lunches. Their universal appeal lies in their simplicity and versatility. Whether enjoyed by kids as a fun finger food or by adults as a gourmet appetizer, tater tots bridge the gap between comfort food and culinary creativity.

Homemade tater tots take this beloved dish to new heights, allowing you to savor the authentic taste and texture while incorporating your personal touch. They’re a symbol of how even the simplest ingredients, like potatoes, can create something extraordinary.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best features of homemade tater tots is their freezer-friendly nature, making them a convenient option for meal prep and future cravings:

• Freezing: Arrange cooked or uncooked tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat frozen tater tots in an oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the potato mixture and shape the tots in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying or freezing.

Conclusion

Homemade tater tots offer a fresh and flavorful alternative to the frozen variety, proving that classic comfort food can be elevated with a little effort. Their crispy exterior, tender interior, and customizable flavors make them a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into any meal or occasion.

Whether you’re serving them to family, impressing guests at a party, or simply enjoying them as a snack, homemade tater tots are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. By following simple techniques and experimenting with seasonings, you can create tater tots that are uniquely your own.

Say goodbye to store-bought shortcuts and embrace the satisfaction of making this beloved dish from scratch. Once you’ve tried these crispy, golden bites, you’ll never look back. Homemade tater tots aren’t just food—they’re a celebration of flavor, creativity, and nostalgia.