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Crispy Golden Tater Tots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

Crispy Golden Tater Tots are homemade bite-sized potato cylinders that are perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Made from fresh russet potatoes, seasoned with onion powder and sea salt, then baked to golden perfection with a slight hint of cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, these tater tots offer a delicious, healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they are easy to prepare and bake in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 1 ½ lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

Seasonings & Add-ins

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup (28g) finely grated cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley (optional)

Oil

  • 2 tbsp light-flavored oil (avocado or vegetable), divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set the oven to 400°F (204°C), using convection if available. Line a baking sheet with foil, silicone mat, or parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the lined sheet to prevent sticking and help crisping.
  2. Soak potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, then place them in a large bowl of cold water. Gently agitate the potatoes for 15 seconds to remove excess starch, then drain in a colander for 1 minute.
  3. Process potatoes: Transfer the drained potato chunks into a food processor and pulse until they break into small bits, being careful not to overprocess into a puree. Remove any large pieces and finely chop them by hand to ensure even texture.
  4. Remove excess moisture: Wrap the processed potato bits tightly in a clean dishcloth and squeeze firmly to expel as much liquid as possible. Discard the released liquid to ensure crispiness.
  5. Par-cook potatoes: Place the potato bits in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the potatoes, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir again and allow to cool for 3 to 4 minutes before proceeding.
  6. Season and combine: Add salt, onion powder, cornstarch, optional finely minced parsley, optional cheddar cheese, and freshly ground black pepper to the cooled potato mixture. Stir gently and evenly to combine all ingredients, forming a sticky mixture ready for shaping.
  7. Shape tater tots: With damp fingers to prevent sticking, form the mixture into small cylinders approximately ¾-inch wide and 1-inch long. Arrange the shaped tots evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake first side: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the arranged tater tots. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown and begin to crisp.
  9. Flip and finish baking: Carefully flip each tot using two forks to ensure even cooking and loosen any sticking. Bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the second side is deep golden and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Using russet potatoes is key for achieving crispy tots due to their high starch content.
  • Keeping your hands damp while shaping the tots prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
  • Microwaving the potato bits partially cooks them, which helps the tots hold their shape and crisp up better in the oven.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese without affecting texture significantly.
  • Convection oven setting enhances crispiness but is optional if your oven does not have this feature.
  • Leftover tots can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Tater Tots, Crispy Potatoes, Homemade Snack, Oven Baked Tots, Potato Recipe, Side Dish

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/crispy-golden-tater-tots-recipe/