Skip the freezer aisle — homemade tater tots made from real russet potatoes come out crispy, golden, and have no rival! No need for fancy equipment; just a microwave, deep pan or “Fry-daddy” type fryer, some oil, and a simple Tot Maker mold. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a side dish, or a party, these tots deliver potato goodness!
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 (Yields 10 to 14 tots per potato)
Ingredients
1 Large Russet Potato
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Cooking oil or beef tallow (tallow is awesome)
Tater tot forming perfection
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the russet potato in the microwave and cook for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove and immediately wrap in aluminum foil. Poke several small holes in the foil with a knife. Let rest for 30 minutes.
- Unwrap the potato, peel the skin, and roughly chop into thick slices. Let cool completely.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a Tot Maker mold, press the chopped potato firmly into the mold until tightly packed. Push tot out and place on plate.
- Lower the shaped tots into the hot oil using a strainer or basket. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from oil, drain briefly, and season with salt, pepper, and or your favorite mix of goodness.
Cook’s Note
TIPS FOR PERFECT TATER TOTS: The secret to these perfect tots is 2 things. 1. You must cook potato as noted and let cool slightly after slicing. You do not want potato cooked too dry or too wet (as in boiling), as it’s much harder to form perfect tots and get proper browning. 2. Press potato into mold firmly with your thumb and GENTLY push out onto a plate and enjoy !
Tool tip- A Spyder strainer is THE BEST way to lower tots into hot oil.
