Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Posted on January 7, 2026

Homemade Tater Tots Recipe is a delightful dish that elevates any meal. Perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside, these tater tots are sure to be a hit at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether served as a side or a snack, they bring warmth and comfort to the table. Made from simple ingredients, this recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up delicious tater tots in no time.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasonings to create your family’s favorite flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These tater tots complement a variety of meals, making them versatile for any dining experience.
Crispy Texture: The frying method ensures each tot is golden and crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your homemade tater tots requires some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Food processor or box grater
Large pot
Heavy-bottomed pot
Parchment paper
Cooking thermometer

Why These Tools Matter

Food processor or box grater: These tools help you shred the potatoes quickly and evenly, ensuring the best texture for your tater tots.
Heavy-bottomed pot: This type of pot provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving perfectly fried tots without burning them.
Cooking thermometer: Keeping oil at the right temperature (350°F) is key for crispy results. A thermometer helps ensure accuracy.

Ingredients

This homemade tater tots recipe makes all store bought tots seem sad. Perfectly seasoned shredded potatoes get formed into barrels and fried to perfection for a side dish everyone in the family will love for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs russet potatoes (4-5 medium, peeled)
– 2 tablespoons flour
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon paprika
– Oil for frying
– Fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are partially cooked.

Step 2: Cool and Shred

Drain the potatoes then allow to cool until easily handled. Shred the potatoes using a food processor with a shredding attachment or a box grater.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a larger bowl, add the shredded potatoes along with the flour, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Form Tots

Squeeze small amounts of the potato mixture into small cylinders to form the tots. Place them on a piece of parchment paper until ready to cook.

Step 5: Frying Time

Heat a heavy-bottomed pot with oil to 350°F. Add the tots in batches of 5-8 pieces depending on your pot size. Cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all tots have been cooked.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of minced parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade tater tots!

How to Serve Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Serving homemade tater tots is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and pair them with various delicious options. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these crispy treats can be customized to suit any meal.

With Dipping Sauces

Ketchup – A classic choice that never disappoints.
Ranch Dressing – Creamy and flavorful, perfect for a savory kick.
Sriracha Mayo – A spicy twist for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

As a Breakfast Dish

With Eggs – Pair tater tots with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Breakfast Burritos – Add tater tots inside burritos for extra crunch.
Avocado Toast – Top your toast with smashed avocado and crispy tots for a trendy dish.

In Salads

Tater Tot Salad – Toss them into a mixed green salad for added texture.
Loaded Salad Bowl – Combine with grilled chicken, cheese, and your favorite dressing.

How to Perfect Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Perfecting homemade tater tots is all about technique and using the right ingredients. Follow these tips to enhance your tot-making skills.

Choose the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, resulting in crispier tots.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes – Boil until just tender; this helps maintain the right texture when shredding.
Drain Well – Ensure you drain the potatoes thoroughly after boiling to avoid soggy tots.
Use Cold Oil for Frying – Start with cold oil and gradually heat it up to prevent the tots from absorbing too much oil.
Fry in Small Batches – This helps maintain consistent cooking temperature and ensures even browning.
Let Them Cool Before Serving – Allowing them to cool slightly enhances their crispiness when served.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Tater tots are versatile and pair well with numerous side dishes. Here are some great companions that will elevate your meal experience.

Grilled Chicken Breast – Juicy and tender, grilled chicken adds protein and balances the dish.
Steamed Broccoli – A healthy option that provides vibrant color and nutrients alongside your tots.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with creamy dressing complements the crunchy texture of tater tots.
Coleslaw – The tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs beautifully with the richness of fried potatoes.
Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans create a comforting side that works well with tater tots.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn offers a sweet contrast to crispy tater tots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade tater tots can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Using raw potatoes: Always partially cook the potatoes before shredding. This step ensures they have the right texture and allows them to bind better.
Not squeezing out excess moisture: After shredding, it’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps the tots achieve that crispy exterior when fried.
Skipping seasoning: Don’t overlook the importance of seasoning. A well-seasoned mix enhances flavor, so ensure you add enough salt and spices.
Frying at too low a temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before adding the tots. Frying at a lower temperature can lead to greasy and soggy tots.
Crowding the frying pot: Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover tater tots in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Place uncooked or cooked tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer before freezing.
Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frozen tater tots can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Tater Tots Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Use this method for quick reheating, but it may result in softer textures. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the tater tots and cook, turning occasionally until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Tater Tots Recipe crispier?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure that you squeeze out all moisture from the shredded potatoes and fry them in small batches.

Can I customize my Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or cheese for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can also enhance taste.

What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?

Ketchup, ranch dressing, or creamy garlic sauce are perfect accompaniments. You can also try cheese sauce for a decadent twist.

Can I bake instead of fry my Homemade Tater Tots Recipe?

Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake them at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.

Conclusion

This homemade tater tots recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Perfect as a side dish for any meal or snack on their own, you can customize them with various seasonings or dips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy perfectly crispy tater tots that will please everyone!