There is something undeniably comforting and downright addictive about these crispy, golden bites of joy known as the Homemade Tater Tots Recipe. Made from simple russet potatoes and a handful of pantry staples, these tots come out perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack from childhood or looking for the perfect sidekick to your burger night, this recipe brings homemade goodness that beats any store-bought version. Trust me, once you try making these homemade tots, you’ll never want to go back to frozen bags again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor of your Homemade Tater Tots Recipe. From the humble russet potatoes that form the base, to the seasonings that add pops of flavor, every element counts.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: The ideal potato for that fluffy interior and crisp exterior.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance the natural potato flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory kick without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps bind the tots to keep their shape.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness once cooked.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional): For that added satisfying crunch on the outside.
- Vegetable oil: For frying or spraying when baking, essential for golden crispiness.
How to Make Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add your peeled russet potatoes and parboil them for 6 to 7 minutes — just enough for them to soften slightly but not fully cook. This step is crucial because it ensures the potatoes stay fluffy on the inside once fried or baked, giving you that tender texture hidden beneath a crispy shell.
Step 2: Grate and Mix
After draining and cooling the potatoes completely, grate them using a box grater. The grated potatoes will look rustic and chunky, full of promise! Now, toss them into a large bowl along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, flour, cornstarch, and the egg. Mix everything with your hands or a spatula until well combined. This mixture will be the base for your perfect tots.
Step 3: Shape Your Tots
Using about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, gently roll and shape them into small cylinders by hand. This part feels almost therapeutic—like making tiny potato logs you know will soon turn golden and irresistible. For an extra crunch, roll each shaped tot in panko breadcrumbs before cooking, although this step is optional.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
If you’re frying, heat around 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry your tots in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy all over. Remove and drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Alternatively, for a lighter option, bake the tots on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C), spray them lightly with oil, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown evenly.
How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan right after cooking can elevate these tots instantly. A little green herb not only brightens the plate but also adds a fresh contrast to their crispy, savory flavor. Some like to drizzle a bit of spicy aioli or classic ketchup to dip, which is totally encouraged—totally up to you!
Side Dishes
Homemade tater tots are endlessly versatile and shine alongside juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or even a hearty salad. They bring that beloved crunch factor that complements soft, saucy dishes beautifully. Try pairing them with sloppy joes or pulled pork for a crowd-pleasing combo everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn your Homemade Tater Tots Recipe into a fun loaded snack by topping them with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream or chive cream. Think mini tots nachos or tots poutine with gravy and cheese curds—there’s no end to how you can dress these up to impress friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tricky because they tend to disappear fast), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
One of the best parts of this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is that you can shape the tots, freeze them on a tray until firm, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When ready, you can bake or fry them directly from frozen—no thawing needed—which makes for an amazing convenient snack anytime cravings strike.
Reheating
For reheating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tots spread out on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until crisp again. Using an air fryer works brilliantly as well, creating that fresh-out-of-the-fryer texture and taste in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their high starch content, which helps create that fluffy inside and crispy outside texture. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold will work but may produce softer, less crispy tots.
Is it necessary to parboil the potatoes?
Yes, parboiling softens the potatoes just enough without cooking them completely. This step is key to getting tender interiors while ensuring the tots hold together and crisp up nicely in the pan or oven.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a great option for a lighter version. Just make sure to spray the tots with oil and flip halfway through for even crispness. They won’t be quite as deep-fried crunchy but still delightfully crisp and delicious.
How do I make the tots extra crispy?
Rolling your tots in panko breadcrumbs before cooking adds a fantastic crunch. Also, frying in hot oil or giving baked tots a quick blast in an air fryer helps maximize crispiness.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the tots?
Definitely! You can easily add chopped parsley, shredded cheese, finely chopped onions, or spices to the mixture before shaping. This Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is a fantastic base to customize with whatever flavors you love.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is such a rewarding experience that brings out the best of simple ingredients turned into something deliciously crispy and comforting. Whether you serve them as a snack, a side dish, or a fun appetizer, these tots are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes at home!
Print
Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy, homemade tater tots from scratch with this easy recipe. Using peeled russet potatoes and simple seasonings, these golden bites can be either fried to perfection or baked for a healthier option. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, they are kid-friendly and can be customized with optional ingredients like panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg
Coating (Optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Cooking
- Vegetable oil for frying or spraying (if baking)
Instructions
- Parboil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled potatoes and parboil them for 6–7 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and let them cool completely.
- Grate Potatoes: Once cooled, grate the potatoes using a box grater into a large bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, flour, cornstarch, and the egg to the grated potatoes. Mix thoroughly until well combined to form the base mixture.
- Shape Tater Tots: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small cylinders, roughly one tablespoon each.
- Optional Breadcrumb Coating: For extra crunch, roll each shaped tot in panko breadcrumbs.
- Frying Method: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the tater tots in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the shaped tots on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Notes
- You can freeze shaped, uncooked tater tots for up to 2 months; bake or fry straight from frozen for convenience.
- Add chopped parsley or shredded cheese to the potato mixture to create flavor variations.
