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. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or just craving something crispy and delicious, these tater tots are perfect for any occasion. Their unique texture and flavor will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Crispy Perfection: Frying them ensures each bite is golden brown and crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize with your favorite seasonings or dips to create a unique taste every time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love tater tots! They’ll be a hit at family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: No preservatives here! Enjoy the fresh taste of homemade goodness.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Tater Tots, having the right kitchen tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Box shredder
• Mesh sieve or colander
• Cheesecloth or thin dish towel
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Ideal for boiling the potatoes evenly without overcrowding.
• Box shredder: Ensures perfectly shredded potatoes for that classic tater tot texture.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all your ingredients thoroughly before shaping.

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 until parboiled but still firm.
2. Drain and allow to cool.

Step 2: Shred the Potatoes

Using a box shredder, shred the cooled potatoes into fine pieces.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Line a mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth or a thin dish towel, placing it over a bowl.
1. Salt the shredded potatoes.
2. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes while pressing down halfway through to remove moisture.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

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

Step 5: Shape the Tater Tots

Using your hands:
1. Squeeze potato mixture into balls.
2. Roll into 4–6-inch tube shapes, then cut into 1½ inch long pieces.
3. Place shaped tater tots on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

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 to oil in batches of 7-8.
1. Fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown, moving frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Drain and Serve

Move fried tater tots onto a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.
1. Immediately salt the tops while warm, then cool slightly.
2. Optionally top with chopped parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy these delicious Homemade Tater Tots as an appetizer, side dish, or snack!

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots are a versatile snack or side dish that pairs well with various flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your tater tot experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup: A classic choice that adds a tangy sweetness.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, perfect for those who love rich flavors.
• Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick that enhances the crispy texture.
• Sour Cream: A cooling contrast that complements the warm tots.

As a Loaded Dish

• Cheese and Jalapeños: Melt cheese over the tots and top with jalapeños for a zesty treat.
• Chili: Spoon hot chili over tater tots for a hearty meal.
• Pulled Chicken: Add shredded chicken and your favorite sauce for a filling option.

As Part of a Breakfast Plate

• Scrambled Eggs: Pair with fluffy scrambled eggs for a satisfying breakfast.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.

How to Perfect Homemade Tater Tots

Perfecting your Homemade Tater Tots can take your cooking to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure they come out crispy and delicious every time.

• Bold Choice of Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their high starch content, which helps achieve that ideal texture.
• Bold Shredding Technique: Make sure to shred potatoes evenly; this ensures uniform cooking and crispiness.
• Bold Moisture Removal: Salting the shredded potatoes before frying helps draw out excess moisture, leading to crunchier tots.
• Bold Oil Temperature Control: Keep the oil at 370-375°F for optimal frying; too low will make them greasy, while too high may burn them.
• Bold Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each tot gets enough heat for an even golden color.
• Bold Seasoning Adjustment: Experiment with different seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Tater Tots

Homemade Tater Tots can be complemented by various side dishes, making them even more delightful. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Bold Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds freshness and balances the richness of tater tots.
2. Bold Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Bold Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons create a perfect contrast with the crispy tots.
4. Bold Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative that brings sweetness alongside savory tater tots.
5. Bold Macaroni Salad: Creamy and comforting, this salad pairs well with the crispy texture of homemade tots.
6. Bold Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and garlicky breadsticks offer a delightful dipping option alongside your tater tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Tater Tots can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Bold potatoes: Using starchy potatoes is crucial. Stick to russet potatoes, as they provide the best texture for your tater tots.
• Bold skipping salting: Not salting the shredded potatoes can lead to bland tater tots. Salt them during processing and before frying for maximum flavor.
• Bold overcrowding the pot: Frying too many tater tots at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Bold improper cooling: Allowing the fried tots to sit in oil too long can make them soggy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate immediately after frying.
• Bold neglecting moisture removal: Failing to remove excess moisture from the shredded potatoes can result in soggy tater tots. Always press down on the salted mixture to eliminate moisture before shaping.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool completely before sealing for best freshness.

Freezing Homemade Tater Tots

• Spread uncooked tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Homemade Tater Tots

• Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in softer texture.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Tater Tots extra crispy?

Adding a bit more flour can help achieve extra crispiness. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tots.

What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Tater Tots?

Ketchup, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli are excellent choices that complement the flavor of tater tots beautifully.

Can I customize my Homemade Tater Tots?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cheese, herbs, or spices into the potato mixture before shaping for added flavor.

How long does it take to fry Homemade Tater Tots?

Frying typically takes about 5 minutes per batch at a temperature of 370-375°F (190-190°C) until golden brown.

What should I serve with Homemade Tater Tots?

They make a great side dish with burgers or can be served as an appetizer at parties alongside various dips!

Conclusion

Homemade Tater Tots are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them according to your taste preferences by adding different spices or ingredients. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, these crispy bites are sure to impress. Try making them today for a delightful treat!

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