Homemade Tater Tots

4.7
(33)
29 Reviews
13 Photos

Once you try these tater tots, you'll never have to buy frozen store-bought tots again! A delicious way for kids and adults to enjoy their childhood favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with remoulade sauce for dipping.

Submitted by Shaysfoodjourney
Updated on August 21, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Skip the freezer aisle and make this tater tot recipe at home. They’re so much more delicious than the store-bought stuff!

How to to Make Tater Tots

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Tater Tot Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this top-rated tater tot recipe:

  • Potatoes: Start with two medium russet potatoes. 
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. 
  • Flour: All-purpose flour helps hold the tots together and is essential for crispiness. 
  • Seasonings: The tater tots are seasoned with salt, seasoned pepper, and onion powder. 
  • Oil: Peanut oil is perfect for frying homemade tater tots. 

How to Make Homemade Tater Tots

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade tater tots: 

  1. Boil, then drain, the potatoes. 
  2. Shred the potatoes and drain the excess moisture. 
  3. Mix the potatoes with parsley, flour, and seasonings.
  4. Shape the mixture into tots. 
  5. Fry the tater tots until they’re golden and crispy.  
homemade seasoned tater tots in a basket with a side of ketchup

Allrecipes Video

Test Kitchen Tips

“You can make a lot of tater tots for not a lot of money,” according to culinary producer and test kitchen expert Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). Here are some of her favorite tips and tricks for perfect tots every time: 

  • Don’t overcook the potatoes. If you boil them for too long (like if you were making mashed potatoes), they won’t shred easily. 
  • To save time, you can skip boiling and cook the potatoes in the microwave. 
  • If you have a slotted spoon, use it to lower the tots into the hot oil. This will prevent splashing. 

What to Serve With Tater Tots

Pair the tater tots with ketchup or your favorite homemade dipping sauce — check out our Best Copycat Sauces From Your Favorite Restaurants for delicious inspiration. 

How to Store Tater Tots

Store your leftover tater tots in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. 

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 2 cups peanut oil

Directions

Tater Tots

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes; drain and cool until easily handled, 10 to 15 minutes.

  2. Shred potatoes with a box grater; drain excess water. Transfer shredded potato into a large mixing bowl; stir in parsley, flour, salt, seasoned pepper, and onion powder until combined. Shape potato mixture into 1-inch long potato nuggets.

  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  4. Lower potato nuggets carefully into the hot oil in batches, about 5 to 10 at a time. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining nuggets.

From the Editor

The salt amount has been reduced based on review feedback. The original recipe called for 1 tablespoon.

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

62 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1049 Calories
108g Fat
21g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 1049
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 108g 139%
Saturated Fat 18g 91%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 542mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 3g 5%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 498mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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