If you have a soft spot for crispy, golden-brown bites of comfort food, wait until you try this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe. These little nuggets of joy are made from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients that transform basic russet potatoes into irresistibly crunchy tots with a tender inside. Each bite is bursting with savory herbs and spices, delivering a flavor and texture that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re looking for a delightful snack, an exciting side, or a fun way to elevate your meals, this recipe brings homemade goodness to your table with such ease and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is wonderfully straightforward thanks to a handful of basic ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from lending the perfect texture to infusing subtle layers of flavor that make these tots truly special.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled): The starchy backbone of the recipe, these potatoes crisp beautifully when fried, ensuring the perfect crunch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Acts as a binder to hold the tots together without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor that complements the garlic seamlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in a subtle earthy herbiness that brightens the taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill: Delivers a fresh, slightly tangy herb note for a unique twist.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 3 cups vegetable oil: For frying, giving the tots that golden exterior and irresistible crispness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish bringing a pop of color and slight freshness.
How to Make Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled russet potatoes in a Dutch oven and covering them with cold salted water, making sure the water is about an inch above the potatoes. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the potatoes simmer gently for around 6 to 7 minutes. This parboiling step is crucial as it softens the potatoes without fully cooking them, setting the stage for perfectly tender insides.
Step 2: Shred and Drain the Potatoes
Once cooled enough to handle, finely shred the potatoes using a box grater. This shredding creates those enticing, tiny ridges that fry up golden and crispy. Next, place the shredded potatoes in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, and press or squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is the secret to making your tots wonderfully crispy instead of soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Transfer the drained potatoes to a large bowl and stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and dill. Then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You’re aiming for a mixture that is slightly dry but workable, so it holds its shape when formed. This blend of herbs and spices adds a beautiful depth of flavor you won’t find in typical frozen tots.
Step 4: Form Your Tots
With your seasoned potato mixture ready, shape it into classic tot-sized cylinders. Take your time to make them uniform so they cook evenly. This hands-on step connects you to the comforting soul of the dish – handmade and full of love.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat until it reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit on a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully add your tots in small batches, frying them for about 3 to 4 minutes each until they turn an irresistible golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once fried to perfection, sprinkle the tots with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. This finishing touch elevates your homemade tots to something truly special and celebratory.
How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant note, feel free to sprinkle on some finely grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor. A light drizzle of garlic aioli or ketchup on the side also pairs wonderfully with the crispy tots.
Side Dishes
Homemade tater tots make excellent companions for classic comfort foods like juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, or even a vibrant garden salad. They’re the ultimate sidekick to your favorite sandwiches or as part of a larger brunch spread too.
Creative Ways to Present
Jazz up your homemade tater tots by turning them into loaded tots with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and scallions. For a fun finger-food twist, serve them with an array of dips such as spicy sriracha mayo, creamy ranch, or tangy barbecue sauce. They also shine as a crunchy salad topping or a delicious base for mini tot casseroles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled homemade tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their best quality for up to 3 days, ready to bring their crispy goodness back to life with a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped tots before frying for ultimate convenience. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring crispy delight back to your leftover homemade tater tots, reheat them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?
Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their high starch content, which yields the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes will not give the same texture and might result in softer or soggier tots.
What if I don’t have a deep-fry thermometer? How can I tell when the oil is ready?
An easy trick is to drop a small piece of potato into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the surface quickly, the oil is hot enough. Be cautious and adjust the heat to maintain a steady frying temperature around 350-360°F for best results.
Can I bake the tots instead of frying them?
For a lighter option, you can bake the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be as crunchy as fried tots, they’ll still be delicious.
How do I make sure my tots hold their shape and don’t fall apart during frying?
The key is removing as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes and adding enough flour to bind everything together. Handling the mixture gently and shaping the tots firmly also helps maintain their shape in the hot oil.
Are there any seasoning variations you recommend for the Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist, cayenne pepper for heat, or fresh herbs like chives or thyme. This recipe is a fantastic base for creating your own signature tots.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about creating classic comfort food like this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe from scratch. The process brings a warm sense of accomplishment, and the final crispy, flavorful bites are worth every step. Whether you want to impress family, treat friends, or simply enjoy a treasured snack, these tots are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a go – your taste buds will thank you!
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Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, homemade tater tots made from shredded russet potatoes seasoned with garlic, onion, oregano, and dill. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, these tots are a delicious side dish or snack that’s easy to prepare from scratch.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Frying
- 3 cups vegetable oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Parboil the Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 6-7 minutes until the potatoes are parboiled but still firm. Drain well and let cool completely.
- Grate and Drain Potatoes: Using a box grater, finely shred the cooled potatoes. Wrap the shredded potatoes in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible. Proper draining ensures crispy tots.
- Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the drained shredded potatoes to a large bowl. Stir in all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried dill. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The mixture should be workable but dry enough to shape.
- Shape the Tater Tots: Using your hands, form the potato mixture into small tot shapes, about 1 to 2 inches long, pressing firmly so they hold together well during frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F (182°C) as measured by a deep-fry thermometer. Proper oil temperature is crucial for crispiness.
- Fry the Tater Tots: Working in batches, carefully add the shaped tots to the hot oil. Fry them until evenly golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Garnish: Using a slotted spoon, transfer fried tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are drained thoroughly after grating to avoid soggy tots.
- Do not overcrowd the frying oil; fry in batches for best crispness.
- Tater tots are best served hot and fresh for optimal crunch.
- You can reheat leftover tots in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; herbs can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
