Homemade Tater Tots

Forget the frozen bagged version and make these Homemade Tater Tots on your own. Easy ingredients, big on flavor, and super simple to prepare, these tater tots are perfect for game day snacks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they stand out as a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients at home, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
• Flavorful Experience: Infused with garlic and onion powder, these tater tots pack a punch of flavor that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: Serve them as a side for burgers, chicken chicken hot dogs, or alongside a fresh salad; they fit perfectly in any meal.
• Fun for Everyone: Making tater tots is an engaging activity for kids and adults alike, perfect for family cooking sessions.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make them uniquely yours!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Homemade Tater Tots, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that help streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Box shredder
• Mesh sieve or colander
• Cheese cloth or thin dish towel
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Necessary for boiling potatoes evenly and ensuring they cook properly.
• Box shredder: Provides consistent potato shreds for an ideal texture in your tater tots.
• Mesh sieve or colander: Helps drain excess moisture from the shredded potatoes, crucial for crispy results.

Ingredients

Forget the frozen bagged version and make these Homemade Tater Tots on your own. Easy ingredients, big on flavor, and super easy.

For the Tater Tots

• 3-4 whole medium russet potatoes (peeled)
• 3-4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt + more for topping and processing potatoes
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) (optional)

How to Make Homemade Tater Tots

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add peeled potatoes to a large stockpot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 6-7 minutes until parboiled but still firm.

Step 2: Shred the Potatoes

Allow the boiled potatoes to cool. Using a box shredder, shred the potatoes into fine pieces.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Line a mesh sieve or colander with cheese cloth or a thin dish towel. Place it over a bowl. Salt the shredded potatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes. Press down halfway through to help remove moisture.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean mixing bowl. Discard any collected water. Add flour and seasonings to the shredded potatoes. Mix well using your hands or a large wooden spoon.

Step 5: Form Tater Tots

Using your hands, squeeze portions of the potato mixture into balls, then roll each into a tube shape about 4–6 inches long. Repeat with remaining mixture. Cut tubes into 1 ½ inch long pieces resembling tater tots and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Heat Oil

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, fill with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 370-375 degrees F.

Step 7: Fry the Tots

Carefully add tater tots to the hot oil in batches of 7-8 at a time. Fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown, moving frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Drain and Season

Once cooked, transfer tater tots to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with salt on top while they cool slightly. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Tater Tots!

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. You can elevate their appeal by pairing them with dips or incorporating them into main dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup: A classic pairing that complements the crispy texture of the tots.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch adds a delicious flavor contrast.
• Sriracha Mayo: For a spicy kick, mix mayo with sriracha for an exciting dip.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
• Burger Companion: Pair tater tots with your favorite burger for a fun twist on the classic combo.

In a Breakfast Bowl

• Loaded Breakfast Tots: Top with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado for a hearty breakfast option.
• Breakfast Burrito Filling: Use as a filling in breakfast burritos for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Tater Tots

To ensure your Homemade Tater Tots come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold choice of potatoes: Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Bold salting technique: Salting the shredded potatoes helps draw out excess moisture, making them crispier when fried.
• Bold frying temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 370-375 degrees F for even cooking and browning.
• Bold batch frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause sogginess.
• Bold cooling method: Let cooked tots rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving.
• Bold seasoning finish: Season immediately after frying for maximum flavor retention.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots make an excellent addition to any meal, but they pair especially well with certain side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy salad that balances the richness of tater tots.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with seasonal grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
3. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine create a perfect contrast to crispy tater tots.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge in comfort food by serving tater tots alongside rich mac and cheese.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the savory flavors of tater tots beautifully.
6. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds another layer of flavor and is easy to prepare alongside tater tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Tater Tots can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Boiling the potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for parboiled potatoes that are still firm enough to shred easily.
• Not Removing Enough Moisture: Failing to press out excess moisture can result in soggy tater tots. Remember to salt the shredded potatoes and let them sit, pressing down halfway through.
• Skimping on Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your tater tots bland. Use enough salt and spices during mixing to enhance the flavor.
• Incorrect Oil Temperature: Frying at too low a temperature will lead to greasy tots, while too high can burn them. Use a thermometer to maintain oil between 370-375°F.
• Cutting Uniform Sizes: Irregular sizes will cook unevenly. Make sure all tater tots are cut consistently for even cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Homemade Tater Tots will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Tater Tots

• Freeze tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Tater Tots

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes; however, this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a bit of oil over medium heat until heated through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Homemade Tater Tots that might help you.

What type of potatoes are best for Homemade Tater Tots?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.

Can I make Homemade Tater Tots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and freeze it. Just shape them into tots and store before frying.

How do I ensure my Homemade Tater Tots stay crispy?

Ensure they are well-drained after boiling, fry them at the correct temperature, and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.

Are there variations for Homemade Tater Tots?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cheese, herbs, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor and customization.

Conclusion

Homemade Tater Tots offer a delicious twist on a classic snack that is simple yet satisfying. With endless customization options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy it is!

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