Introduction to Homemade Tater Tots
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden tater tot. While store-bought versions can be convenient, they often fall short in flavor and texture. Making tater tots at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, tastier, and healthier result. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create the perfect homemade tater tots that are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you fry or bake them, these tots will become a family favorite!
What are Tater Tots?
Tater tots are small, cylindrical bites made from grated potatoes that are seasoned and then deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. They’re a beloved comfort food, often served as a side dish or snack.
Tater tots were invented in 1953 by the founders of Ore-Ida, F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg. They were created as a way to use leftover potato scraps from their French fry production. By grinding the scraps, adding seasoning, and frying them, they developed the iconic tater tot we know today. Initially considered a low-cost food, tater tots quickly gained popularity for their unique texture and flavor, becoming a staple in American cuisine.
Ingredients and Equipment
When it comes to making homemade tater tots, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the best possible tots. Below, we’ll break down the ingredients and explain how they contribute to the deliciousness of your homemade tater tots.
Ingredients for Homemade Tater Tots
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for tater tots because they become crispy when fried. Their mild flavor provides the perfect base for seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the shredded potatoes together, giving the tots their characteristic shape and firmness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and ensures the tots are perfectly seasoned.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the tots with a savory, aromatic flavor, elevating them beyond plain potatoes.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, adding a subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, it ensures the tots achieve that golden, crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.
Each ingredient contributes to the balance of flavors and textures that make homemade tater tots so delicious.
Essential Equipment for Homemade Tater Tots
- Potato Peeler: To remove the skin from the potatoes for a smoother texture.
- Box Grater: For shredding the potatoes into fine pieces, essential for the tot’s consistency.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the grated potatoes with the other ingredients.
- Potato Ricer (optional): Helps to remove excess moisture from the potatoes, ensuring crispier tots.
- Deep Fryer or Large Skillet: For frying the tater tots to a perfect golden brown.
- Slotted Spoon: To safely remove the tots from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying, keeping the tots crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Tater Tots
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re just tender but not fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes. This ensures they’ll shred easily without becoming mushy.
- Shred the Potatoes: Once cooled slightly, peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater. The fine shreds will help create the perfect texture for your tots.
2. Remove Excess Moisture
- Drain the Potatoes: Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or potato ricer and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Removing excess water is crucial for achieving crispy tater tots.
3. Mix the Ingredients
- Combine the Potatoes and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Shape the Tater Tots
- Form the Tots: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small cylinders, about 1-2 inches long. Press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking.
5. Cook the Tater Tots
- Fry the Tots: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the tater tots in the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Baking Option: For a healthier option, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Drain and Serve
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the tater tots from the oil. Place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your homemade tater tots immediately while they’re hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
These steps will guide you to make perfectly crispy, flavourful homemade tater tots that are sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions!
Are Tater Tots Hash Browns ?
Tater Tots and Hashbrowns are very very similar,the main difference between these two dishes is the spicing. Both are best made with Russet Potatoes as they are dry and high in starch, making them perfect for crispy fried potato dishes such as french fries and tater tots.
Hash browns are usually seasoned with Salt and Pepper while Tater Tots have onion, garlic, oregano and sometimes even dill. Both should be crispy crunchy on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside.
Here are the top five questions people commonly ask about tater tots:
How do you make tater tots crispy?
- Achieving crispy tater tots is all about removing excess moisture from the potatoes before cooking and ensuring that they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet or in the fryer. Frying at the right temperature (around 375°F) or baking at high heat (425°F) also helps create that perfect crunch.
Can you bake tater tots instead of frying them?
- Yes, tater tots can be baked as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the tots on a baking sheet, and bake them for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispness.
What are some creative ways to use tater tots?
- Tater tots are incredibly versatile! They can be used as a base for casseroles (like the famous tater tot hotdish), topped with cheese and bacon for loaded tots, or even used in place of bread in sliders. Their crispy texture makes them a fun and tasty addition to many dishes.
How do homemade tater tots compare to store-bought ones?
- Homemade tater tots often have a fresher taste and a more satisfying texture than store-bought versions. You can control the ingredients and seasoning, leading to a more flavorful and healthier option. Plus, the satisfaction of making them from scratch adds to their appeal.
Can tater tots be made ahead of time and frozen?
- Yes, homemade tater tots can be made ahead and frozen. After forming the tots, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and cooked directly from frozen.
These questions highlight the versatility and popularity of tater tots, both as a homemade treat and a convenience food.
Tater Tots Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet Potatoes
- 2 gloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 pinch Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes, using a medium fine cheese grater, grate potatoes
- Strain all the excess water from the potatoes, you need your grated potatoes to be very dry so either use a sieve and press them hard, or place them in a clean kitchen cloth and make a tourniquet using a wooden spoon. Press until no more water comes out.
- Mix in all the other ingredients, its best to use your hands so you can get it all well blended.
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, get some grated potato mix and press it hard in your palm to remove the last bit of water. Shape in to a ball and set aside.
- To fry the Tater Tots you will need enough vegetable oil for them to be covered up to the middle point. Fry at a medium high heat until golden brown. Then turn around to fry the other side. Place on a paper plate lined with two paper towels to drain the excess oil.