Homemade Tater Tots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade tater tots are the ultimate comfort food, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Making them from scratch allows you to control the flavors, and you can even experiment with spices or add-ins to make them your own. These homemade tots are free from preservatives and are perfect for a family gathering, a movie night, or just a fun snack. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Ingredients

• 3 large russet potatoes

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Peel and grate the potatoes into a large bowl. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture.

2. Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Add the flour and mix again until the mixture is thick and holds together. If using cheese, add it at this stage and stir to combine.

4. Shape the mixture into small logs, about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, resembling tater tots.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the tater tots into the oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

6. Remove the tater tots from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Continue frying in batches until all the tots are cooked.

7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Sweet Potato Tater Tots: Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version.

• Spicy Tater Tots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat.

• Cheesy Tater Tots: Stir in more cheese or try different kinds, like mozzarella or parmesan, for extra flavor.

• Baked Tater Tots: If you’d prefer a healthier option, bake the tots at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make tater tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the tater tots in advance, then freeze them before frying. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag and fry them straight from the freezer when ready.

How do I prevent tater tots from becoming soggy?

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Additionally, frying them at the right temperature (medium-high heat) will help them become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I freeze homemade tater tots?

Yes, you can freeze tater tots before or after frying. If freezing before frying, arrange the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer bag.

Can I use other types of potatoes for tater tots?

While russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make tater tots without onions?

Yes, if you don’t like onions, you can skip them or substitute with other flavoring options like garlic or chives.

Can I air fry tater tots?

Yes, you can air fry tater tots. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

The oil is hot enough when a small piece of potato sizzles when dropped in. If the oil is too hot, the tots will burn quickly; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free.

What dipping sauces go well with tater tots?

Tater tots pair well with a variety of sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or cheese sauce.

Conclusion

Homemade tater tots are a delicious and customizable snack or side dish. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you choose to fry them or bake them, the homemade version will always be better than store-bought. Try these out for your next gathering or just as a satisfying snack!

Homemade Tater Tots

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Homemade tater tots are a crispy, golden snack made from russet potatoes, onions, and seasonings. These bite-sized delights are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You can experiment with flavors, add cheese, or make them spicy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience!

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying, Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 large russet potatoes

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

• Peel and grate the potatoes into a large bowl. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture.

• Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

• Add the flour and mix again until the mixture is thick and holds together. If using cheese, add it now and stir.

• Shape the mixture into small logs, about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, resembling tater tots.

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the tater tots in, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Remove tater tots from the oil and drain on paper towels. Continue frying until all tots are cooked.

• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Make ahead: Shape the tots and freeze them before frying. Fry straight from the freezer when ready.

• To make them healthier, you can bake the tots instead of frying them.

• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.