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Say goodbye to store-bought frozen tater tots and hello to a world of homemade deliciousness with our Homemade Tater Tots recipe. These golden, crispy bites of potato perfection are a nostalgic favorite that both kids and adults adore. Crafting these tater tots from scratch allows you to customize flavors, use quality ingredients, and relish the satisfaction of creating a beloved snack at home. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, these homemade tater tots are sure to steal the spotlight. Join us on this culinary journey to crispy, irresistible goodness.
Tater Tots, those beloved bite-sized potato treats, have a story that’s deeply rooted in American culinary history:
- Tater Tots were invented by two brothers, F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, in the 1950s. The Grigg brothers were the founders of Ore-Ida, a company known for its frozen potato products.
- The invention of Tater Tots came about as a solution to utilize leftover slivers of cut potatoes that were too small to be used for French fries. They decided to mix these potato scraps with other ingredients, form them into bite-sized cylinders, and then fry them.
- Tater Tots quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in American households and school cafeterias. They are loved for their crispy exterior and fluffy potato interior, making them a classic comfort food.
Tater Tots are a testament to the innovation that can arise from minimizing food waste and turning humble ingredients into a beloved snack.
Tater Tots
Homemade Tater Tots are the epitome of comfort food, embodying the simplicity of grated potatoes transformed into delectable nuggets of crispy delight. These versatile tots can be seasoned and flavored to your liking, ensuring a snack that suits your taste buds perfectly. Whether paired with ketchup, served alongside a burger, or enjoyed on their own, these homemade tater tots are bound to become a family favorite.
Tools and Equipment
- Food processor or grater: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Large mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
- Kitchen towel or cheesecloth: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheet : Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Baking rack (optional): Buy On Amazon
- Deep-fry thermometer: Buy On Amazon
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Slotted spoon: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by peeling and grating the russet potatoes using a food processor or a box grater.
Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated and drained onion, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Shape the potato mixture into small cylindrical tots, about 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the tater tots to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the tater tots from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Allow the tater tots to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps them become extra crispy.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 263.73kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.71g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.34g2%
- Trans Fat 0.61g
- Sodium 630.46mg27%
- Potassium 1262.69mg37%
- Total Carbohydrate 54.98g19%
- Dietary Fiber 7.86g32%
- Sugars 4.16g
- Protein 6.13g13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with seasonings by adding herbs like parsley, chives, or grated Parmesan cheese to the potato mixture for unique flavors.
- For a healthier twist, consider baking the tater tots in the oven instead of frying. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Make sweet potato tater tots by substituting russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Create a dipping sauce station with ketchup, Sriracha mayo, or ranch dressing for a fun and flavorful experience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Homemade Tater Tots as a delightful side dish with your favorite burger, hot dog, or sandwich. They also make an irresistible snack for game days or movie nights. Pair them with dipping sauces for added enjoyment.
Allergen Information:
- Tater Tots are primarily made from potatoes, vegetable oil, and seasonings. While they are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients may occur during processing. It's essential to check the packaging for any allergen warnings or consult the manufacturer for specific allergen information.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
- Tater Tots are often enjoyed as a casual and satisfying snack, making them versatile for pairing with a range of beverages. Here are some options:
Storage and Leftovers:
- To store leftover Tater Tots, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Reheat Tater Tots in a preheated oven to help maintain their crispiness. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy again.
