2022-10-31
By American Cook
American Cuisine
Side Dish
While the slow cooker isn’t ideal for crisping, you can use it to warm your tater tots. Simply set the slow cooker to "Low" and cook them for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally for even heating. For an extra crisp, briefly transfer them to a hot skillet or air fryer at the end.
Use the Instant Pot’s "Saute" function to quickly cook frozen tater tots in a little oil, flipping occasionally. You can also use the "Pressure Cook" function to cook them first, then transfer to the air fryer or stovetop to crisp them up, making them evenly cooked and crispy in no time.
The air fryer is perfect for crispy tater tots! Preheat to 400°F, then cook frozen tots for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Preparation Time 15 min
Cook Time 35 min
Total time 50 min
This version is made by coating crispy tater tots in crushed Flamin' Hot chips, delivering a fiery crunch and bold flavor.
Recipe: Flamin' Hot TotsThis version is made by combining crispy tater tots with vibrant, herb-infused falafel flavors, offering a deliciously unique twist on a classic favorite.
Baked Falafel Tater TotsThis version is made by tossing crispy tater tots with toasted sesame seeds, adding a nutty crunch and delightful Asian-inspired flavor.
asian barbecue sticky tater tots with toasted sesame seedsThis version is made by topping golden tater tots with savory pulled pork, drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce for a hearty, satisfying dish.
Asian pork belly loaded tater totsThis version is made by infusing crispy tater tots with aromatic curry seasoning, topped with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs for an exotic twist.
Cheesy Tater Tots with Thai Green Curry SauceThis version is made by tossing crispy tater tots in a zesty Thai chili sauce, garnished with cilantro and crushed peanuts for added crunch.
Fried Tater Tots with a Sweet & Spicy Thai-Inspired GlazeThis version is made by mixing crispy tater tots with savory bacon bits, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno & Cheddar Tater TotsThis version is made by piling crispy tater tots high with melted cheese, savory bacon, sour cream, and fresh chives for ultimate indulgence.
Loaded Tater Tot CupsThis version is made by topping crispy tater tots with creamy tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta, diced tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
Greek-Style Loaded Tater Tots