Tater Tots Recipe

This recipe serves 6 people as a side dish and yields approximately 60 tater tots. The preparation takes about 45 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for frying or baking. The result is a batch of golden, crispy tots that rival any store-bought version while delivering the satisfaction of homemade goodness that’s free from preservatives and additives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these perfect homemade tater tots, gather these simple ingredients:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups) or cooking spray for baking

Russet potatoes are essential for the best tater tots because their high starch content creates the perfect texture when grated and formed. Choose potatoes that are firm and free from green spots or eyes for the best results.

Essential Equipment

Before starting, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large box grater or food processor with grating disc
• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towels or paper towels
• Large heavy-bottomed pot for frying or large baking sheet
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Wire cooling rack
• Candy thermometer (if frying)
• Small ice cream scoop or spoon for shaping

A box grater gives you the most control over the texture, but a food processor speeds up the preparation significantly. The key is achieving consistently sized potato shreds.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Using the large holes of your box grater or the grating disc of your food processor, grate all the potatoes into long, thin shreds. You want them roughly the same size as what you’d find in frozen hash browns.

Remove Excess Moisture

This step is crucial for achieving crispy tater tots. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Twist the towel to create a bundle and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. The more moisture you remove, the crispier your tots will be. Continue squeezing until very little liquid remains.

Season the Mixture

Transfer the squeezed potato shreds to a large mixing bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cornstarch, and flour. Mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasonings and binding agents are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. The cornstarch and flour help bind the tots together while contributing to the crispy exterior.

Form the Tots

Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned potato mixture and form it into a small cylinder or oval shape, roughly 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Press firmly to compact the mixture so the tots hold together during cooking. Place the formed tots on a baking sheet and repeat until all the mixture is used.

Choose Your Cooking Method

For frying, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. For baking, preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

Frying Method

Working in batches of 8-10 tots to avoid overcrowding, carefully lower them into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked.

Baking Method

Arrange the formed tots on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip each tot and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

Serve your homemade tater tots immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They pair perfectly with classic American condiments like ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. For a more elevated experience, try them with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fresh tater tots are always best, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes until they regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy and chewy.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

You can prepare tater tots in advance by forming them and placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transferring to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Cook frozen tots directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for quick snacks or last-minute side dishes.

Creative Variations and Upgrades

While classic tater tots are delicious on their own, you can customize them with additions like shredded cheese mixed into the potato mixture, finely diced jalapeños for heat, or herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Some families enjoy adding a bit of bacon bits or green onions to create loaded tots.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

Homemade tater tots allow you to control the amount of oil and salt used, making them a healthier option than many store-bought versions. Potatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when you leave some skin on during grating for added nutrition and texture.

Tips for Perfect Results

The secret to exceptional tater tots lies in removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and maintaining proper cooking temperature. If baking, don’t skip the flipping step, as this ensures even browning on all sides. When frying, make sure your oil temperature stays consistent to prevent greasy or unevenly cooked tots.

These crispy homemade tater tots prove that some of the best comfort foods come from the simplest ingredients prepared with care and attention, creating a snack that brings out the kid in everyone while delivering the satisfaction that only comes from making something delicious with your own hands.