Are homemade tots worth the fuss?

If you're not a patient person, making homemade tots probably isn't the culinary task for you. But if the kitchen is your sanctuary and no job is too detailed, by all means, make your own tots. You'll be rewarded with flavorful potato crisps that elevate any meal or party tray.

Consider this recipe a blank canvas for your tot creativity. If you're serving it as an appetizer (think Super Bowl), consider adding bacon, onions, chives and cheese to the mix. As a side dish, add herbs and spices to complement the rest of the meal. Having seafood? Sprinkle tots with Old Bay. Grilling steak? A hint of rosemary inside or out could be just the right touch.

However, if you're going to go through the trouble of making homemade tots, enjoy them on their own. It's just fine — even preferable — to use the frozen variety when topping a hot dish.

Makes about 60 tots.

Note: The tots work well — and taste good — in an air fryer or baked, but won't have that hallmark golden color.

• 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1 tbsp. flour

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. pepper

• Oil, for frying (see Note)

Directions

In a large bowl, gently combine potatoes, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and any other add-ins.

Form potato mixture into a rope shape. (To prepare in advance, you can stop here and refrigerate for several hours.) Cut potato ropes into tot shapes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Meanwhile, heat about ¹⁄₂ an inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add tots, a handful at a time, and cook until golden, about a minute, turning so the tots are browned on all sides. Place tots on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain.