Best Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Forget the frozen aisle – once you taste these homemade tater tots, you’ll never look back! In our house, tater tots are practically a love language. My kids could probably live on them, and honestly, I’m not far behind. We’ve tried countless brands from the supermarket, some good, some… less so. But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the golden, crispy, and utterly delicious tater tots you can make right in your own kitchen. This recipe isn’t just about recreating a childhood favorite; it’s about elevating it. Imagine biting into a tot that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside, fluffy and flavorful on the inside, with a savory potato taste that’s miles away from the bland, processed versions you might be used to. The first time I made these, the silence at the dinner table was broken only by satisfied crunches and the occasional “Mmm!” Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything homemade with suspicion, devoured them. This recipe has become a staple in our home, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or just a fun weekend treat. Get ready to experience tater tots like you’ve never had them before – crispy, flavorful, and undeniably homemade.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect homemade tater tots starts with selecting the right ingredients. It’s not just about potatoes and oil; each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Let’s break down each component and why it’s essential for the best possible tater tot experience.

• Russet Potatoes (2 lbs, about 3-4 large): Russet potatoes are the undisputed champion for tater tots, and for good reason. Their high starch content and low moisture levels are key to achieving that light, fluffy interior and crispy exterior we all crave. Other potatoes, like Yukon Golds or red potatoes, have a higher moisture content and less starch, which can result in soggy or mushy tots. Russets, on the other hand, bake and fry up beautifully, creating that classic tater tot texture. When selecting russet potatoes, look for firm, unblemished potatoes that feel heavy for their size. Avoid potatoes with green spots or sprouts, as these can indicate bitterness.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying, about 4-6 cups): Choosing the right oil for frying is crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown tater tots without any off-flavors. Vegetable oil, with its neutral taste and high smoke point, is an excellent choice. Other suitable options include canola oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors, like olive oil or coconut oil, as these can impart unwanted tastes to your tater tots. The amount of oil needed will depend on the size and depth of your pot or fryer. You want enough oil to fully submerge the tater tots for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Using fresh, clean oil is also important for the best flavor and results.
• Yellow Onion (1/2 medium, finely grated): Onion might seem like an unexpected ingredient in tater tots, but it adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates them beyond just plain potatoes. Yellow onion provides a mild, savory sweetness that complements the potato flavor without being overpowering. Finely grating the onion is key; this ensures that it incorporates seamlessly into the potato mixture and doesn’t leave any large chunks in your tots. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can omit it, but it does contribute a noticeable improvement in the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): A touch of flour is essential for binding the grated potatoes together and helping to create a cohesive tater tot shape. All-purpose flour works perfectly for this purpose. It absorbs some of the excess moisture from the potatoes and acts as a binder, preventing the tots from falling apart during frying. Using too much flour can result in dense, doughy tater tots, so it’s important to measure accurately. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Cornstarch is the secret weapon for achieving extra crispy tater tots. It works in conjunction with the flour to create a light coating that crisps up beautifully in the hot oil. Cornstarch also helps to absorb moisture and prevent the tots from becoming greasy. Don’t skip the cornstarch – it really makes a difference in the final texture.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the tater tots. It provides a subtle garlic flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic, making it a perfect complement to the potato and onion. You can adjust the amount of garlic powder to your preference, but 1 teaspoon is a good starting point for a balanced flavor.
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, plus more for seasoning after frying): Salt is essential for seasoning the tater tots and bringing out their natural potato flavor. It’s important to season the potato mixture adequately before shaping the tots, and then to season them again immediately after frying while they are still hot. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Start with 1 1/2 teaspoons in the mixture and adjust to taste. Remember to also have extra salt on hand for seasoning after frying.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice to the tater tots, balancing out the savory and salty flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable for the best flavor, but pre-ground black pepper will also work. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preference.

Instructions

Making homemade tater tots might seem a bit more involved than grabbing a bag from the freezer, but the extra effort is absolutely worth it. These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve perfectly crispy and delicious tater tots every time. Don’t be intimidated – with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this classic comfort food from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and Peel: Begin by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler, peel the potatoes completely. Ensuring the potatoes are clean and peeled is the first step to achieving the desired texture and flavor.
2. Grate the Potatoes: The key to tater tots is finely grated potatoes. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment to grate the peeled potatoes. Grate them on the large holes of the box grater. As you grate, the potatoes will start to release moisture.
3. Remove Excess Moisture (Crucial Step!): This is arguably the most important step for crispy tater tots. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the towel and twist tightly, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. You’ll be surprised how much water comes out! Removing excess moisture is critical because too much moisture will prevent the tater tots from crisping up and can make them soggy. Squeeze until you can no longer extract any significant amount of liquid. This process may take a few minutes and require some arm strength!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

1. Combine Grated Potatoes and Onion: In a large mixing bowl, place the squeezed-dry grated potatoes. Add the finely grated yellow onion to the bowl. The onion will add a subtle savory flavor to the tater tots.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the potato and onion mixture. The flour and cornstarch will help bind the mixture and contribute to the crispy texture, while the spices will season the tater tots perfectly.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Tater Tots

1. Form Tater Tot Shapes: Take a small amount of the potato mixture, about a tablespoon, and shape it into a small, cylindrical tater tot. You can roll it gently between your palms to create a uniform shape, or simply form it into a nugget shape. The size and shape are up to your preference, but aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
2. Place on Baking Sheet: As you shape the tater tots, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Continue shaping the tater tots until all the potato mixture is used.
3. Chill (Optional but Recommended for Firmness): For firmer tater tots that hold their shape better during frying, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. Chilling helps the tater tots firm up and makes them easier to handle and fry. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling is recommended for best results.

Step 4: Fry the Tater Tots

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor the oil temperature. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy, evenly cooked tater tots. If the oil is too cold, the tots will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside and might be undercooked in the center.
2. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the tater tots to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tater tots. Fry in batches of about 8-10 tater tots at a time, depending on the size of your pot.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown and Crispy: Fry the tater tots for about 3-5 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to gently turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The exact frying time will depend on the size of your tater tots and the oil temperature. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they reach a deep golden-brown color and are crisp to the touch.
4. Drain on Paper Towels: Once the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The paper towels will absorb any extra oil and help keep the tater tots crispy.
5. Season Immediately: While the tater tots are still hot, season them generously with salt. Seasoning them while they are hot allows the salt to adhere better and penetrate the tater tots for maximum flavor. Taste and add more salt if needed.
6. Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining tater tots, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent between batches.
7. Serve Hot: Serve the homemade tater tots immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is an approximation based on typical ingredient values.)

Servings: Approximately 6 servings (about 6-8 tater tots per serving)

Calories per Serving (estimated): 250-300 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12-17g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg (depending on salt added)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugar: 2-3g (naturally occurring in potatoes and onions)
• Protein: 3-4g

Important Considerations:

• Frying Oil: The majority of the fat content comes from the frying oil. The amount of oil absorbed can vary depending on factors like oil temperature and frying time.
• Serving Size: The estimated serving size is 6-8 tater tots. Adjust serving size to your dietary needs and preferences.
• Homemade vs. Store-Bought: While homemade tater tots are delicious, they are still fried and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They generally contain less sodium and fewer additives than processed store-bought versions, but the calorie and fat content are comparable due to the frying process.
• Healthier Options: To reduce fat content, consider baking or air frying the tater tots (see “Additional Tips” section for baking/air frying instructions). This will significantly lower the fat and calorie content.

Preparation Time

Making homemade tater tots takes a little time, but the fresh, delicious results are well worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation times to help you plan:

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Potato Preparation (Washing, Peeling, Grating, Squeezing): 20-25 minutes
  • Onion Grating: 5 minutes
  • Mixing Ingredients: 5 minutes
  • Shaping Tater Tots: 10-15 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional but Recommended): 30 minutes – 1 hour (This step is optional but improves firmness. Factor this in if you choose to chill the tots.)
• Cook Time (Frying): 20-30 minutes (This depends on batch sizes and maintaining oil temperature. Each batch fries for about 3-5 minutes, and you’ll likely do several batches.)
• Total Time (Without Chilling): Approximately 50 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time (With Chilling): Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes

Tips for Time Management:

• Prep Ahead: You can grate the potatoes and onion ahead of time (up to a few hours) and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, grate the potatoes just before squeezing out the moisture to prevent discoloration. You can also shape the tater tots in advance and chill them for longer if needed.
• Efficient Grating: Use a food processor with a grating attachment to speed up the potato grating process.
• Batch Frying Strategy: Have everything ready to go before you start frying. Set up your frying station with oil heating, tater tots shaped and ready, and paper towel-lined plate for draining. This will make the frying process smoother and faster.
• Enlist Help: Making tater tots can be a fun family activity! Get kids involved in shaping the tater tots to speed up the process and make it more enjoyable.

While homemade tater tots require a bit more time than frozen ones, the fresh taste and satisfaction of making them from scratch are definitely worth it. The preparation time is mostly hands-on, but the actual cooking time is relatively quick, especially with efficient batch frying.

How to Serve

Homemade tater tots are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless delicious ways. They are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your tater tot experience:

Classic Dipping Sauces:

• Ketchup: The quintessential tater tot dipping sauce! Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or honey mustard all pair wonderfully with the savory potato flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy ranch dressing is a popular choice for dipping tater tots.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce adds a delicious dimension of flavor.
• Cheese Sauce: Warm, gooey cheese sauce (like nacho cheese sauce or a homemade cheddar sauce) is an indulgent and satisfying dip.

Creative Dipping Sauces & Condiments:

• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a creamy and spicy kick.
• Garlic Aioli: Homemade garlic aioli adds a sophisticated and flavorful touch.
• Chipotle Mayo: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended with mayonnaise create a smoky and spicy dipping sauce.
• Sour Cream & Chive Dip: A classic combination that complements the savory tater tots.
• Guacamole or Avocado Crema: For a fresh and vibrant dipping option, serve with guacamole or a creamy avocado crema.

As a Side Dish:

• Burgers & Sandwiches: Tater tots are the perfect crispy side to accompany burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
• Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Fried Chicken: A classic pairing! Tater tots and fried chicken are a match made in comfort food heaven.
• Hot Dogs: Upgrade your hot dog meal with a side of crispy homemade tater tots.
• Breakfast for Dinner (Brinner): Serve tater tots alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a fun and kid-friendly “brinner.”

As an Appetizer or Snack:

• Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos): Load tater tots with your favorite nacho toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos for a fun and shareable appetizer.
• Tater Tot Skewers: Thread tater tots onto skewers with mini sausages, cheese cubes, and vegetables for a fun and easy appetizer.
• Party Platters: Include tater tots on party platters alongside other appetizers like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings.
• Game Day Snack: Tater tots are the perfect crowd-pleasing snack for game day gatherings.

Main Meal Ideas:

• Tater Tot Casserole: Use tater tots as a topping for classic casseroles like shepherd’s pie or chicken pot pie for a crispy and fun twist.
• Breakfast Tater Tot Bake: Combine tater tots with eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables for a hearty and flavorful breakfast bake.
• Loaded Tater Tot Bowls: Create customizable bowls with tater tots as the base, topped with chili, cheese, sour cream, onions, and other favorite toppings.

No matter how you choose to serve them, homemade tater tots are sure to be a hit. Their crispy texture and delicious flavor make them a versatile and beloved dish for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Perfect Homemade Tater Tots

Want to take your homemade tater tots to the next level? Here are five essential tips to ensure crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible results every time:

1. Don’t Skip Squeezing Out the Moisture: As mentioned earlier, this is the most crucial step for crispy tater tots. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Be diligent in squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist and squeeze until you can’t extract any more water. This step will make a huge difference in the texture of your final tater tots. If you skip this, you’ll likely end up with soggy, mushy tots.
2. Use Cold Oil for Frying (Initially): While you need to heat the oil to 350°F for frying, starting with slightly cooler oil (around 325-330°F) when you first add the tater tots can be beneficial. This allows the tater tots to cook through more evenly before browning too quickly on the outside. As you add the tots, the oil temperature will naturally drop slightly. Monitor the temperature and adjust your burner to maintain a consistent 350°F during frying.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying in batches is essential for maintaining oil temperature and ensuring crispy tater tots. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature, causing the tater tots to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy and greasy tots. Fry in manageable batches, leaving enough space around each tater tot for even cooking and browning. Patience is key – it’s better to fry in smaller batches and achieve perfect crispiness than to rush and end up with subpar results.
4. Season Generously and Immediately After Frying: Salt is crucial for flavor, and timing is important for seasoning. Season the potato mixture adequately before shaping the tater tots. Then, and even more importantly, season the tater tots immediately after they come out of the hot oil while they are still hot and slightly oily. The hot oil helps the salt adhere better and penetrate the tater tots for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy with the salt – taste and add more if needed. You can also experiment with other seasonings at this stage, like paprika, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Consider Baking or Air Frying for a Healthier Option: While frying is traditional for tater tots, you can also bake or air fry them for a healthier alternative with significantly less oil.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shaped tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can brush them lightly with oil before baking.
   • Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Air frying often results in even crispier tater tots than baking and is a great way to reduce oil.

These additional tips will help you master the art of homemade tater tots and create consistently delicious and crispy results. Experiment with these techniques and find what works best for you to achieve tater tot perfection!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make tater tots ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the tater tots ahead of time in several ways. You can shape the tater tots and then refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before frying. This can actually help them firm up and hold their shape even better during frying. Alternatively, you can fully fry the tater tots and then reheat them. To reheat fried tater tots and maintain crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving reheated tater tots, as they will become soggy.

Q2: Can I freeze homemade tater tots?

A: Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to have homemade tater tots on hand whenever you crave them. To freeze, shape the tater tots and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tater tots can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. You can fry them directly from frozen – simply add a few extra minutes to the frying time. You can also bake or air fry them from frozen; baking will take about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C), and air frying will take about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Q3: What kind of potatoes are best for tater tots?

A: Russet potatoes are the best choice for homemade tater tots. Their high starch content and low moisture level are ideal for creating that classic fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Other potato varieties, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, have higher moisture and less starch, which can result in soggy or less crispy tater tots. If you must substitute, Yukon Gold potatoes could work in a pinch, but russets are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Q4: My tater tots are soggy, what did I do wrong?

A: Soggy tater tots are usually caused by excess moisture or frying at too low of a temperature. The most common culprit is not squeezing out enough moisture from the grated potatoes. Make sure to squeeze the grated potatoes thoroughly using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth until you can’t extract any more liquid. Also, ensure your oil temperature is consistently at 350°F (175°C). Frying at a lower temperature will cause the tater tots to absorb too much oil and become soggy. Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying, as this will also lower the oil temperature. Following the instructions carefully, especially regarding moisture removal and oil temperature, will help you achieve crispy tater tots.

Q5: Can I add cheese or other flavors to my tater tots?

A: Yes, absolutely! You can easily customize your homemade tater tots with various flavors. For cheesy tater tots, you can add shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or even a blend of cheeses to the potato mixture before shaping them. About 1/2 cup of shredded cheese per batch is a good starting point. For other flavor variations, try adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, or even herbs like dried rosemary or thyme to the potato mixture. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors to make your tater tots unique and even more delicious!

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