![- 2 large Russet potatoes - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg, beaten - Vegetable oil for frying When making homemade tater tots, the ingredients play a big role in flavor. Start with two large Russet potatoes. They give the tots a nice, fluffy texture. Next, add a cup of sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese melts and adds a cheesy goodness. I like using one-fourth cup of finely chopped green onions for a fresh bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. For seasonings, I recommend one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder. They both boost the taste and aroma. Don’t forget one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These simple seasonings make a big difference. You will also need half a cup of all-purpose flour to help bind everything together. One large beaten egg gives the mixture richness. Finally, vegetable oil is key for frying. It helps achieve that perfect crunch. For the full recipe, check out the instructions and tips later in the article. To start, you need to peel the Russet potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler for this task. After peeling, cut the potatoes into quarters. This helps them cook evenly. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot. Fill it with water until the potatoes are covered. Add a big pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be fork-tender. This means a fork goes in easily. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool a bit. You can either grate the potatoes or use a potato ricer. Both methods will give you a smooth and slightly chunky texture. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the grated potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and parsley. Don't forget the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, flour, and the beaten egg. Mix everything well until it all comes together. You want a nice, thick mixture that holds its shape. Next, it’s time to shape the tater tots. Take small portions of the potato mixture. Roll them into balls about the size of golf balls. Slightly flatten them for even cooking. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer. Aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the formed tots into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the tater tots to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain any extra oil. Sprinkle some salt on top while they’re still hot. Repeat until all your tots are cooked. Enjoy your homemade tater tots as a tasty snack or side dish! For complete detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To make your tater tots crispy, you need to fry them at the right temperature. Aim for 350°F (175°C). This heat gets the outside golden and crunchy while keeping the inside soft. Do not overcrowd the oil. Fry in small batches. If too many tots are in the pan, they will steam instead of fry. This can make them soggy. Space them out to ensure even cooking. You can change the cheese in this recipe. Try using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste. Each type adds a unique flavor to your tater tots. Feel free to add herbs and spices. Try fresh chives, dill, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. These changes can help you create a tater tot that fits your taste. Dips can make your tater tots even better. Serve them with ranch, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli. These dips add flavor and fun. For presentation, use a rustic wooden platter. Line it with parchment paper for a nice touch. You can also place the tots in a metal basket. Garnish with herbs for a beautiful look. Enjoy your homemade tater tots as a tasty snack or side dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can change up the taste of your tater tots easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Cheesy bacon tater tots: Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheese to the mix. The bacon adds a salty crunch that really enhances the flavor. - Spicy jalapeño tater tots: Mix in chopped jalapeños for a kick. This adds heat and makes your tater tots exciting. You don’t have to fry your tater tots. Here are two great ways to cook them: - Baked tater tots recipe: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape the tots and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy tots with less oil. - Air fryer tater tots instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shaped tots in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. This method is quick and gives a great crunch. Tater tots can be served in creative ways. Consider these fun serving ideas: - Tater tot casserole ideas: Layer cooked tater tots with ground beef, cheese, and veggies in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly for a filling meal. - Tater tot nachos concept: Use tater tots as a base for nachos. Top with cheese, salsa, and guacamole for a fun twist. These variations keep your homemade tater tots fresh and fun. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your leftover tater tots fresh, let them cool down first. Place them in a single layer on a cooling rack. This helps avoid sogginess. Once cool, store the tater tots in an airtight container. You can also use a zip-top bag. Make sure to press out the air to keep them crisp. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to eat your leftover tater tots, the goal is to keep them crispy. The best method is to reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives them a nice crunch again. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. If you want to freeze uncooked tater tots, shape them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the tots don't touch each other. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat cooked tater tots from frozen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen tots on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until they are hot and crispy. With these simple steps, you can enjoy tater tots any time! For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. Your tater tots are done when they turn golden brown. You should also hear a crispy sound when you bite into them. They should feel firm to the touch, not soft. If they look dark, they may be overcooked. Yes, you can prep the mixture in advance! Just follow these tips: - Make the potato mix and shape the tots. - Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. - Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Fry them just before serving for the best crunch! Serve your tater tots in fun ways. Here are some ideas: - Place them on a wooden platter for a rustic look. - Use a metal basket lined with parchment paper for a diner vibe. - Top with your favorite sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or cheese sauce. - Garnish with extra herbs for a pop of color. Homemade tater tots can be healthier than store-bought. You control the ingredients! Here are some tips: - Use less oil for frying or try baking them. - Swap some potatoes for sweet potatoes for added nutrients. - Add veggies or herbs for more flavor and health. Remember, moderation is key for any treat! In this post, we covered everything you need to make tasty tater tots. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for getting them crispy. You also saw fun variations and how to store leftovers. Making tater tots at home is easy and fun. With simple swaps and cooking methods, you can create your own unique versions. Enjoy sharing them with family or friends for a delicious snack!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/93fb0b2f-bf6e-40f1-b773-95b7ae25635d-2-300x300.webp)
Homemade Tater Tots
Ready to take your snack game to the next level? Discover how to make homemade tater tots that are simple, crunchy, and absolutely delicious! Using fresh ingredients like russet potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors. Customize your tots with different cheeses and spices for a unique twist. Click through to explore the full recipe and start your tater tot adventure today!