Are you a fan of crispy, golden tater tots that are perfect as a snack or side dish? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making tater tots recipes from scratch, using simple ingredients and techniques that are easy to follow. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love these tasty and versatile recipes that are sure to become a staple in your household.
What are Tater Tots?
For those who may be new to the world of tater tots, they are essentially small, irregularly-shaped nuggets of shredded potatoes that are usually deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They were first introduced in the 1950s by a food company called Ore-Ida, and since then, they have become a popular snack food around the world.
Basic Ingredients and Equipment Needed
- 2-3 large potatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A large bowl for mixing
- A potato grater or food processor for shredding the potatoes
- A frying pan or deep fryer for frying the tater tots
- A tray or baking sheet lined with paper towels for draining excess oil
1: Classic Tater Tots
This recipe is a basic version of tater tots that can be customized with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, chopped onion, and beaten egg. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the flour and mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Using your hands, shape the potato mixture into small irregular nuggets, about 1-2 inches in size.
5. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
6. Carefully add the tater tots to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Fry the tater tots until they are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
8. Remove the tater tots from the oil and drain on a tray lined with paper towels.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
2: Cheesy Tater Tots
This recipe adds a delicious twist to the classic tater tots by incorporating grated cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Follow the same instructions as the classic tater tots recipe, adding the grated cheese and chopped parsley to the potato mixture.
2. Shape the mixture into small nuggets and fry in batches until golden brown.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey cheesy goodness!
3: Spicy Tater Tots
This recipe adds a spicy kick to the classic tater tots by incorporating diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cumin.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Follow the same instructions as the classic tater tots recipe, adding the diced jalapeños and cumin to the potato mixture.
2. Shape the mixture into small nuggets and fry in batches until golden brown.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy kick!
Tips and Variations
- To add extra crispy texture to your tater tots, try chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
- To make baked tater tots, simply shape the potato mixture into small nuggets and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- To add some extra flavor to your tater tots, try incorporating different herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder.
- To make sweet potato tater tots, simply use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and follow the same recipe.
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