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.
Homemade Tater Tots
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 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• Oil, for frying (see Note)
Directions
Place potatoes in a pot and fill with cold water by an inch. Bring to a boil, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain potatoes and let cool. Once easily handled, shred potatoes on a box grater, squeezing out all the liquid.
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.
When all the tots have been through the hot-oil bath, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 20 minutes, or until desired crispiness, turning once. Season as desired before serving.