Homemade Tater Tots

Forget the frozen bagged version and make these Homemade Tater Tots on your own. These delightful bites are perfect for any occasion, whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. With simple ingredients and a crispy exterior, they are big on flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and customize, these tater tots will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious homemade tater tots without any fuss.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder and onion powder adds an irresistible flavor that elevates these tots.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even topped with cheese and herbs for an upgraded treat.
• Crispy Perfection: Achieve the ultimate crunch by frying them until golden brown, making every bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or toppings for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need to create your homemade tater tots.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Perfect for boiling potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook properly before shredding.
• Box shredder: Allows you to shred potatoes efficiently for consistent texture in your tater tots.
• Mesh sieve or colander: Helps drain excess moisture from the shredded potatoes for crispier results.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for resting shaped tater tots before frying, preventing them from sticking.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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.
1. Boil for 6-7 minutes or until parboiled but still firm.
2. Remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Shred the Potatoes

Using a box shredder, shred the cooled potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Line a mesh sieve or colander with cheese cloth or a thin dish towel and place it over another bowl.
1. Salt the shredded potatoes generously.
2. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes, pressing down halfway through to help remove moisture.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

Discard excess water from the bowl containing shredded potatoes.
1. Add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the potatoes.
2. Mix well using your hands or a large wooden spoon until combined.

Step 5: Shape the Tater Tots

Using your hands:
1. Squeeze potato mixture into small balls, then roll into 4–6-inch tube shapes.
2. Cut tubes into 1 ½ inch long pieces resembling tater tots.
3. Place formed tots on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying

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

Step 7: Fry the Tater Tots

Add tots in batches of 7-8 to the hot oil.
1. Fry for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Move frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Drain and Season

Move cooked tater tots onto a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.
1. Immediately sprinkle with salt while hot.
2. Cool slightly before serving; top with optional chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tater tots!

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these crispy bites are sure to please everyone at your table.

As a Classic Snack

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce for a delightful dipping experience.
• Cheese Sauce: Drizzle warm cheese sauce over the tots for an indulgent treat.

In a Loaded Tater Tot Bowl

• Loaded Veggies: Top with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for a fresh twist.
• Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier meal option.

As a Side Dish

• With Burgers: Pair with juicy grilled burgers for a classic American meal.
• Alongside Salads: Serve with a crisp salad to add crunch and flavor to your meal.

How to Perfect Homemade Tater Tots

To achieve the perfect Homemade Tater Tots, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

• Bold Potato Choice: Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in your tater tots.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the parboiled potatoes to cool completely before shredding; this helps maintain their structure.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: Remove excess moisture from the potatoes to ensure they fry up crispy.
• Consistent Size: Make sure each tater tot is uniform in size so they cook evenly.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady between 370-375°F for perfect frying results.
• Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip on seasoning; it enhances the overall flavor of your tater tots.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots pair well with many side dishes that complement their crispy texture and savory flavor. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy loaf of garlic bread adds an aromatic touch that goes perfectly with tater tots.
2. Coleslaw: This refreshing side provides a nice contrast to the crispy tots and adds a pop of color.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Spicy and crunchy, these make an excellent companion for tater tots while keeping it plant-based.
4. Grilled Veggies: A medley of grilled vegetables brings freshness and nutrition alongside your meal.
5. Caesar Salad: Creamy dressing and crispy romaine offer a delicious balance to your tater tot experience.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with fried food like tater tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Tater Tots can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using wet potatoes: If you don’t properly remove moisture from the shredded potatoes, your tater tots will be soggy. Make sure to salt them and let them sit in a colander to drain excess water.
• Not boiling enough: Boiling the potatoes for too little time means they won’t shred well. Ensure you parboil them for 6-7 minutes until they’re firm but cooked.
• Skipping seasonings: Tater tots without flavor can be bland. Don’t forget to add garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings to enhance the taste.
• Crowding the frying pan: Adding too many tater tots at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to oily, unevenly cooked tots. Fry them in small batches for best results.
• Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your tater tots will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to keep it between 370-375 degrees F while frying.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Tater Tots

• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Tater Tots

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 1 minute; this will make them softer rather than crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the tater tots. Cook until warmed through and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Homemade Tater Tots?

Feel free to add different spices or herbs like paprika or chives into the potato mixture before shaping them. Cheese can also be mixed in for added flavor.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give your tater tots a sweeter taste and vibrant color. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

What dipping sauces work well with Homemade Tater Tots?

Tatar sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing, or even spicy mayo make excellent accompaniments for your homemade tater tots.

How do I know when my tater tots are done frying?

Tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 5 minutes of frying at the correct temperature.

Conclusion

These Homemade Tater Tots are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they can be customized with various spices and dips. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret making these crispy delights!

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