Classic Tater Tots Recipe

2022-10-31

By American Cook

American Cuisine

Side Dish

Make homemade Tater Tots with this easy recipe. 

 Air-Fryer vs Oven

Grated potatoes are seasoned with spices, mixed with cheese and egg, and formed into tots before being fried and baked to perfection. 

The Comforting Flavors of Midwest's Classic 

Perfect as a side dish or snack!  a popular side dish main course that is widely enjoyed in the Midwestern region of the United States. The dish is often referred to as a "hotdish" in this region, as it is typically served in a casserole dish and baked in the oven. 

A Nibble on Tater Tots History

The origins of Tater Tot Casserole are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been developed in the 1950s or 1960s. The dish is made with ground beef, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and tater tots, which are small, bite-sized pieces of deep-fried grated potatoes. 

 Warmth of Home 

The casserole is typically baked until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Tater Tot Casserole is a beloved comfort food in the Midwest, where it is often served at church potlucks, family gatherings, and other community events. It is a simple and affordable dish that can be easily prepared in large quantities, making it a favorite among busy families. 

A Casserole for Feeding a Crowd

The dish has become so popular in the Midwest that it is now considered a staple of the region's cuisine. It is often served alongside other classic Midwestern dishes like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Pitfalls on Tater Tots

 Tater Tots: Tater tots are a central ingredient in Tater Tot Casserole, and getting them just right requires some attention. Overcooking can make them mushy and undercooking can make them too tough. It's important to preheat the oven and evenly spread out the tater tots in a single layer on a baking pan, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure they are cooked to a crispy and golden brown texture. 

 Meat: The choice of meat is important to adding flavor to the dish. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used, but it’s important to brown the meat thoroughly and remove any excess grease before mixing it into the casserole. Adding some spices and herbs, such as garlic powder and paprika, can help to enhance the meat's flavor and aroma.

 Cheese: Cheese helps to hold the casserole together. While any cheese can be used, cheddar or pepper jack are commonly used for flavor. It's important to grate the cheese finely and evenly sprinkle it over the top of the casserole for even melting.

 Consistency: Getting a good consistency in the casserole can be a challenge because of the variety of ingredients. Too much liquid can make the casserole soupy, while too much thickener can make it stodgy. A balance can be achieved by using the right amount of milk or cream and flour, following the recipe closely.

 Adding layers: Tater tot casserole is typically made in layered form with the meat and cheese layers. It's important to distribute these layers evenly to ensure that each bite has a good balance of flavors and textures. Trimming the edges of the tater tots can also be helpful if they don't fit the pan perfectly.

 Serving: Serving the casserole can be challenging, as it can be quite heavy and dense. It's important to let it rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up and make it easier to cut. Serving it with a light salad is a great way to balance the richness of the casserole, or pairing it with a glass of cold beer that helps cleanse the palate.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Grate peeled potatoes on the fine side of a box grater.

3. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper and grated cheddar cheese.

4. Add beaten egg and mix well to combine.

5. Roll mixture into small cylinders and press each side with your hands to form a cylinder-shaped tot.

6. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add tots and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

7. Transfer tots to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

8. Serve hot with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.

Preparation Time 15 min

Cook Time 35 min

Total time 50 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 300

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 8g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Tater Tot Caseserole

Minnesota, they may add a layer of corn to the casserole, giving it a sweet, vegetable flavor. This version of Tater Tot Casserole is known as "Minnesota-style Tater Tot Casserole."

Iowa, they may use cream of mushroom soup in place of cream of chicken soup, giving the dish a earthy, mushroom flavor. This version of Tater Tot Casserole is known as "Iowa-style Tater Tot Casserole."

Colorado, they may add green chiles to the casserole, for a slightly spicy, southwestern flavor. This version of Tater Tot Casserole is known as "Colorado-style Tater Tot Casserole."

Kansas, they may use ground turkey instead of ground beef, for a slightly lighter version of the dish. This version of Tater Tot Casserole is known as "Kansas-style Tater Tot Casserole."

Texas, they may add a layer of black beans and corn to the casserole, giving it a slightly tex-mex flavor. This version of Tater Tot Casserole is known as "Texas-style Tater Tot Casserole."

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