Why You’ll Love This Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this homemade tater tots recipe for several reasons.
First, the crispy texture is unbeatable—there’s nothing like that satisfying crunch.
Second, they’re made from fresh ingredients, so you know exactly what’s in them.
I appreciate that I can customize the spices to fit my taste.
Plus, making them from scratch is a fun activity that brings back fond memories of childhood.
Finally, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy movie night.
Trust me; these tots will quickly become your go-to snack, and you’ll find yourself craving them regularly!
Ingredients of Homemade Tater Tots
When it comes to making homemade tater tots, the ingredients you choose can really make or break the dish. Fortunately, this recipe is straightforward and uses simple, fresh ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t love crispy tots made from scratch?
You’ll be amazed at how easy it’s to whip up a batch that rivals any fast food joint. And the best part? You can customize the flavor to your liking. So, let’s gather what we need to make these delicious little bites.
Here’s what you’ll need to create your homemade tater tots:
- 2 russet potatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups peanut oil (for frying)
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a bit. Russet potatoes are the star of the show here; they’re perfect for achieving that fluffy interior.
But feel free to experiment with different spices if you want to jazz it up. Maybe you have a secret spice blend or some smoked paprika lying around—go for it!
And if you’re not a fan of peanut oil, vegetable oil works just as well. Just keep in mind that the oil is essential for getting those tots crispy and golden brown, so don’t skimp on it.
Trust me, the effort will be worth it when you pull those crunchy bites out of the fryer, ready to be devoured.
How to Make Homemade Tater Tots
Making homemade tater tots is simpler than you might think, and trust me, the satisfaction of pulling off this crispy delight is priceless. To kick things off, grab your 2 russet potatoes and peel them. This can be a bit of a chore if you’re not used to it, but hey, just think of it as a mini workout.
Once peeled, cut the potatoes into chunks and toss them into a pot. Cover them with cold water by about an inch and bring it to a boil. You’ll want to cook them until they’re parboiled—just tender enough, but not fully cooked. Give it about 10 minutes, then drain the potatoes well and let them cool down a bit.
Once they’re cool enough to handle, it’s time to get your grater out. Finely shred those potatoes. Here’s where the magic happens: make sure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes. You want them nice and dry—think of it as your potatoes preparing for their crispy debut.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of seasoned pepper, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. You’re creating a mixture that should be workable, but dry enough to form into tots. Speaking of, get your hands in there and start shaping the mixture into those beloved little cylinders.
Now for the frying part—cue the excitement. Heat up 2 cups of peanut oil in a large stockpot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add your perfectly formed tots in batches of 5 to 10 at a time. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
And remember, be patient. You want those babies to be perfectly cooked. When they’re done, transfer the tots to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil. Finally, serve them warm, sprinkled with a bit more parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce. Who needs fast food when you can whip up these crunchy bites at home?
Homemade Tater Tots Substitutions & Variations
While homemade tater tots are delicious as is, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate them to new heights.
For a twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of russets for a sweeter flavor. You can also mix in grated cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, for extra richness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in cooked bacon bits or green onions for added texture. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
Finally, spice things up with different seasonings, like garlic powder or smoked paprika. Each variation brings a unique taste to your homemade tater tots! Enjoy the creativity!
What to Serve with Homemade Tater Tots
Homemade tater tots are a fantastic snack or side dish, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can truly enhance your meal.
I love serving them with a zesty dipping sauce, like our Divine Kuizine Remoulade, which adds a burst of flavor. For a heartier option, consider pairing them with crispy fried chicken or a juicy burger.
A fresh salad on the side lightens things up beautifully. You can even top them with melted cheese, bacon bits, or green onions for a loaded treat.
Whatever you choose, those tater tots will definitely steal the show!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your tater tots turn out perfectly every time, I recommend keeping a few tips in mind.
First, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes; this helps them get crispy.
Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature—it should be around 350°F for ideal frying.
Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding, allowing even cooking.
Don’t skip on seasoning; taste the mixture before forming the tots.
Finally, serve them hot for that irresistible crunch.
Experiment with different spices or dips to customize your tater tots to your liking! Enjoy your cooking adventure!