The tater tot is truly an iconic potato snack. That crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy, potato-y interior is deeply satisfying comfort food. While frozen store-bought tots are certainly convenient, when you make tater tots at home, you unlock a whole new realm of flavor possibilities.
From adding cheeses, herbs, and spices to experimenting with different types of potatoes, homemade tater tots let your creativity run wild.
However, the process of peeling, boiling, shredding, forming, and frying pounds of potatoes can be time consuming and messy.
Luckily, there are some easy shortcuts that allow you to whip up homemade tater tots much more efficiently without compromising on quality. Read on to learn insider tips thatβll help you make picture-perfect tater tots in record time.
Par-Cook Potatoes in the Microwave
The first step for tater tot success is getting softened, par-cooked potatoes that are easy to grate. Rather than boiling whole potatoes, which requires heating up a large pot of water, simply use your microwave to par-cook them.
Start by scrubbing your potatoes well under running water. Then use a fork to prick holes all over the surface – this helps the microwave work its magic evenly and prevents potential explosions inside the spud, notes Food52. Pop the whole pierced potatoes into the microwave and cook at full power in 2-minute intervals.
According to Kitchn, 2 small potatoes will take about 4 minutes total cooking time. Larger potatoes may need 6-8 minutes. Flipping the potatoes halfway helps prevent hot spots. Youβll know theyβre ready when a knife slides in smoothly but they’re still quite firm at the center. Resist overcooking, as you donβt want total mush.
Once cool enough to handle, get grating! Now you have the base to shape gorgeous, browned tater tot nuggets.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Perfect Uniformity
Shaping tater tots by hand can lead to wonky sizes and therefore uneven cooking. For picture-perfect uniformity, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the grated potato mixture before forming into rounds, suggests Taste of Home. A #60 disher scoop is ideal, dropping uniform 1-tablespoon sized rounds.
Not only does getting every tot the exact same size lead to more evenly cooked results, Food & Wine says it also adds to the visual impact when you pull these beauties from the oven.
Thereβs something supremely satisfying about a baking sheet lined with tidy little potato pillows!
Fry Without the Fuss – Use an Air Fryer!
Traditionally, tater tots require being carefully fried in hot oil until gorgeously browned all over. However, bobbing dozens of uncooked potato nuggets in bubbling oil while fishing out finished ones can be daunting and splattery.
As suggested by The Kitchn, using an air fryer eliminates this hassle entirely. It heats up rapidly to your target temperature and maintains it perfectly. The circulating hot air ensures tater tots brown up crispy and even – no rotating or poking necessary.
Simply add your shaped tots in a single layer, misting with oil if needed, and air fryer at 400Β°F for 9-12 minutes until browned, recommends Food Network. Then flip and cook another 3-5 minutes if desired. Enjoy restaurant-quality tater tot deliciousness sans deep fryer!
The Perfect Spud for Tater Tots
Though called βtaterβ tots, you neednβt limit yourself to plain russet potatoes. In fact, certain varieties make exceptional tots. Cookβs Illustrated found lower-starch Yukon Golds produced supremely crispy edges and fluffy interiors.
Additionally, they suggest trying a 50/50 combo of starchy russets and waxier potatoes. This balances crispness with the tender, creamy interior only certain spuds can provide.
No matter what you choose, Food52 recommends medium sized, round potatoes. Avoid massive spuds, which tend to get hollow and mushy inside when cooking. For ideal airy tot texture, goldilocks sized potatoes do just right!
Inspired Tater Tot Flavor Ideas
Beyond the popular trio of salt, pepper, and parsley, tater tots welcome all sorts of inventive spices and mix-ins. Start with cheeses for next-level richness: cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and gruyere all melt deliciously into the nooks and crannies, suggests Taste of Home.
Or try herbs and aromatics like snipped chives, crispy fried onion, garlic powder, or rosemary. Spice blends like chili powder, curry powder, and Cajun seasoning bring the heat, while mustard powder, paprika, and cumin offer warmth.
For something truly decadent, add in crispy cooked bacon bits, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even mini chocolate chips! The options for jazzing up tater tots are practically endless – your imagination is the only limit.
Super Simple Tater Tot Casserole
Once youβve perfected your tater tot recipe, put them to delicious use in this easy, comforting casserole. Originally published in Midwest church cookbooks, tater tot casserole has reached nationwide fame, notes Food52.
This meal-in-one combines tater tots with ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce then bakes until hot and crispy. Kids and adults alike will beg for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 10oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 36 homemade tater tots
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until beef is cooked through and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Add vegetables, soup, milk, and 1 cup cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with an even layer of tater tots then sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar over top.
- Bake at 375Β°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes until tots are crispy.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onion and sour cream. Enjoy!
The Takeaway
With a few easy tricks like microwave par-cooking and uniform scooping, homemade tater tots become a fast, fun, and totally doable project.
Playing around with flavors and recipes like luscious tater tot casserole lets you experience this beloved snack in a whole new way.
So grab some potatoes and your favorite seasonings and get creating! Crisp, golden homemade tater tot deliciousness awaits.