Tater Tots

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/14/21
tater tots

 Leah Maroney
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 36 tater tots

When it comes to tater tots, our first instinct is to hit up the supermarket frozen aisle, but it's actually quite easy to make them at home. While frozen tater tots are super easy to pop in the oven, most are full of processed ingredients. Homemade tater tots are incredibly delicious and, of course, a million times tastier than frozen ones. They're packed full of shredded potatoes, cheese, and spices, then pan-fried to a delicious crisp.

Although the fried version is the tastiest, you can also bake them if you're looking for a lower-fat option. Using frozen hash browns is a nice shortcut to these golden-brown beauties, but you can also opt for fresh potatoes. The homemade version not only has great flavor, but all of your family and friends will be super impressed that you made them yourself.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (20-ounce) packages frozen hash browns

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 medium onion, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced

  • Light oil, for frying

  • Chopped parsley, ketchup for serving, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Completely thaw the frozen hash browns and squeeze them with paper towels or cheesecloth to remove any extra water.

  3. Chop the hash browns even more so the shreds are no bigger than a 1/2 inch. This will make it easier for them to form into the tater tot shape.

  4. In a large bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, flour, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.

  5. Add in the grated onion, garlic, and thawed potatoes and mix until the spices are evenly distributed.

  6. Form tater tots by creating about 1-inch long cylinders. Flatten the ends with your thumb and forefinger to create the tater tot shape.

  7. Heat the oil to 375 F in a large heavy duty Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pan.

  8. Fry 6 to 7 tater tots at a time, flipping them when one side gets browned, about 2 minutes per side.

  9. Remove them from the oil and allow them to drain on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tater tots until they are all fried.

  10. Serve immediately with chopped parsley and ketchup.

Tips

  • If you want to use fresh potatoes, you will need about 4 pounds. Peel and parboil them for about 8 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly and grate them with a box grater. Then, follow the rest of the instructions.
  • Do not let the potatoes sit out at room temperature after they have thawed for too long. Potatoes—especially fresh ones—can turn brown when they are exposed to air.
  • If you want to bake the tots, put them in a a 425 F oven on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the tots and bake for another 15 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
  • These homemade tater tots are easy to freeze. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool to room temperature. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and chill for 2 to 3 hours. Then, pop them in a plastic freezer bag, label and keep frozen for up to 8 month. When you're ready to eat, bake at 425 F for 25 minutes.

Recipe Variations

  • Mix in other cheeses like shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack. Add a 1/4 cup of either for cheesy tots.
  • You can also add in a little onion powder or garlic powder for a little extra zing. Add a teaspoon of one or the other.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
269 Calories
27g Fat
6g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 269
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g 34%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 430mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 74mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)