Homemade Tater Tots

Who doesn’t love a crispy, golden-brown tater tot? Those perfect little bites of potato goodness are a classic comfort food, and there’s something extra special about making them from scratch. With this recipe for Homemade Tater Tots, you’ll be biting into soft, pillowy potatoes on the inside and crunchy perfection on the outside. Trust me, these homemade tots are a game-changer and totally worth the little extra effort. Whether you’re serving them up as a snack, a side dish, or part of a fun family dinner, these homemade tater tots are sure to impress. Get ready for the most satisfying crunch in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Tater Tots

These Homemade Tater Tots aren’t just your average frozen ones. Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite snack:

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

When you bite into these tots, you’ll experience the perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and the fluffy, tender potato interior. It’s the best of both worlds in one little bite.

Made with Fresh Ingredients

Say goodbye to store-bought tater tots loaded with preservatives. These tots are made with simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic snack made from scratch!

Customizable Flavors

Want to add a little kick to your tots? You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste. Throw in some garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs—this recipe is versatile and fun to play around with.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, party snack, or just for a comforting meal, homemade tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how they elevate any meal, whether paired with ketchup, ranch, or any dipping sauce you fancy.

Ingredients

To make these crispy homemade tater tots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Tots:

• Potatoes (Russet potatoes work best for that fluffy interior)
• Onion (finely grated for extra flavor)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• All-purpose flour (to bind everything together)
• Baking powder (to give them that perfect crunch)
• Egg (to hold everything together)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you make these crispy little bites of joy:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and grating the potatoes. Use a box grater or food processor to get finely grated potato strands. Once grated, place the potatoes into a large bowl of cold water and soak them for about 10 minutes. This will help remove excess starch and ensure they fry up crispy.

Step 2: Drain and Dry

After soaking, drain the potatoes in a fine-mesh strainer and then pat them dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This is a crucial step because removing excess moisture will help them crisp up perfectly.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Transfer the grated potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the grated onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, flour, baking powder, and egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and sticks together.

Step 4: Shape the Tater Tots

Now, it’s time to shape the tots! Take small spoonfuls of the potato mixture and roll them into small cylinders. You can make them as big or small as you like, but aim for about 1-inch long tots.

Step 5: Fry the Tater Tots

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tater tots in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the tots are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots

Tater tots are perfect for dipping and pairing with a variety of sauces. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

Serve these crispy tots with ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can even try a spicy sriracha mayo for a little heat.

As a Side Dish

Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or even a fresh salad for a delicious, fun twist on your usual side dishes.

Loaded Tater Tots

For a fun treat, top your homemade tater tots with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream. You can turn them into a hearty snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.

Additional Tips

For Extra Crispy Tater Tots

For an even crispier exterior, try freezing the tots for about 30 minutes before frying. This will help them hold their shape and crisp up even more.

Baking Option

If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake these tots instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Make Ahead

You can make these tater tots in advance! Once shaped, freeze the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from the freezer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?

A1: Yes! You can substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q2: Can I bake these tater tots instead of frying them?

A2: Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier version, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispness.

Q3: Can I make these tater tots ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can prepare the tater tots ahead of time and freeze them. Once they’re frozen, you can fry or bake them when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?

A4: Yes! You can use gluten-free flour if you’re looking to make these tater tots gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great.

Q5: How do I store leftover tater tots?

A5: Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture.

Q6: Can I fry these tater tots in a deep fryer?

A6: Yes, you can definitely use a deep fryer to fry these tots. Just be sure to monitor the temperature of the oil and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Q7: Can I make these tater tots spicy?

A7: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or even some hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?

A8: While fresh potatoes give the best results, you can use frozen hash browns if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

Q9: Can I make these tater tots without an egg?

A9: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water), or you can try using a small amount of mashed potato to help bind the mixture.

Q10: How can I make these tater tots more flavorful?

A10: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to the potato mixture for extra flavor. You can also add a bit of cheese, such as cheddar, for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Tater Tots from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience, and the result is totally worth it. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with potato goodness, these tots are the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a side dish, or a party treat, they’ll be a hit every time. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to fry (or bake), and enjoy the crunch of homemade tater tots!

Print