Growing up we ate tater tots all the time—the frozen kind—and it never occurred to me until adulthood that I could easily make my own. I loved the idea of playing around with spices in a homemade tater tot version, so I created an "everything bagel" seasoned tater tot. These tots are fluffy on the inside and super crispy on the outside, and seasoned perfectly. Once you make this homemade version, I can assure you that you will have a hard time going back to the frozen varieties!
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Things You’ll Need
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2 tablespoons dried onion
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2 tablespoons dried garlic
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2 tablespoons poppy seeds
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1 tablespoon kosher salt + 1 tablespoon
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds
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4 to 5 Russet potatoes
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2 tablespoons all purpose flour
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2 cups vegetable oil
Step 1: Make the Spice
Combine dried onion, dried garlic, poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon salt, and sesame seeds in a bowl or spice jar and stir to combine. Set aside.
Tip
This spice mixture will stay good so I always make up a big batch and store any extra in the spice cabinet.
Step 2: Wash and Peel the Potatoes
Step 3: Par-Boil the Potatoes
Boil the potatoes for 7 minutes or until they just start to become tender, but are still semi-hard.
Step 4: Grate the Potatoes
Grate the potatoes into a dish towel-lined large bowl.
Step 5: Squeeze Liquid from the Potatoes
Take the dish towel and wrap it around the grated potatoes and squeeze any water that might be in the potatoes until they are dry.
Step 6: Combine Spices with the Potatoes
Combine the flour, 2 tablespoons of everything bagel spice, and 1 tablespoon salt to the potatoes. Using your hands mix together until the potatoes are coated.
Step 7: Form Into Tots
Form tots out of the seasoned potatoes and pour oil into a large dutch oven or deep skillet. Heat over medium heat while you make the rest of your tots.
Step 8: Fry the Tater Tots
When your oil is to temperature, add about 7 to 8 tots at a time (careful not to overcrowd) and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Be careful not to flip too soon or the tot will have the tendency to fall apart. Patience is key! Remove the tater tots and drain on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with more of the everything bagel seasoning. Ready to eat!
Tip
To test the oil, simply take a piece of the potato and put into the oil. If it sizzles loudly, you are good! If it barely sizzles, give it another couple of minutes.
Tip
You can also bake your tots by brushing the tops with a little oil and baking them at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes until golden brown. I like to bake them on a rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure crispiness on both sides!
These tater tots are of course perfect with burgers and hot dogs, but they would also be amazing turned into nachos, a breakfast hash, casseroles, and so many more delicious concoctions! I can't wait for you to try these out and see just how delicious they truly are!
