How to make crispy, golden brown homemade tater tots! These tots are baked, not fried, so they are easy to make and they taste incredible. Say goodbye to that store-bought bag!
These kid-friendly baked tater tots are so good! I say kid-friendly, but let’s be honest, adults love them, too! The base recipe is simple: potatoes, salt, pepper, and a touch of cornstarch.
You could leave it at that, and everyone will be happy, but we thought a few extras wouldn’t hurt. So we added chopped fresh parsley and cheddar cheese! Hello, cheesy baked tots! For more potato recipes, see our rosemary potato wedges or these crispy baked French fries!
Key Ingredients
- Potatoes: I use russet potatoes for these homemade tater tots. They have the perfect texture.
- Cornstarch: This helps to absorb excess moisture and makes them crispier in the oven.
- Cheese: It’s optional, but I love mixing in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese!
- Spices: I keep the spices simple. I love adding salt, onion powder, black pepper, and fresh parsley when I have it on hand.
How to Make Tater Tots
Making homemade tater tots is easier than you might think! With a microwave and a food processor, you can make a batch in no time.
Start by peeling and roughly chopping russet potatoes, then give them a quick dunk in cold water to remove excess starch. This step guarantees a fluffy interior for your tater tots, preventing them from becoming gummy.
Next, pulse the potatoes in a food processor until small bits. Thoroughly wring out any excess moisture before microwaving the potatoes for a minute or two. This cooks them just enough to be tender but still retain a slight crunch, perfect for that classic tater tot texture.
I love a simple mix of salt, onion powder, pepper, cornstarch, parsley, and cheese for seasoning, but feel free to get creative. Add bacon bits for a smoky flavor, basil for a herby twist, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Shaping is easy, but the mixture can be sticky, so dip your fingers in cold water or a bit of oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking to you. With a little practice, you’ll be shaping tater tots like a pro!
Bake the tots in a preheated oven until they are crispy and golden brown. Trust me, these homemade tater tots will tempt everyone within a 20-foot radius. They never last long!
What to Serve with Homemade Tater Tots
I love dunking them into ketchup, but we have a variety of homemade dipping sauces you might enjoy:
- Homemade Ketchup
- Easy Creamy Fry Sauce
- Homemade Mayonnaise or try our Vegan Mayonnaise
- Garlic Aioli
- Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce
