Description
This recipe teaches you how to make crispy, golden tater tots using russet potatoes baked in the oven for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. These tots are seasoned with onion powder, salt, and optional cheddar cheese and parsley, delivering a crunchy exterior with a tender, cheesy interior. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they are crisped to perfection through baking, avoiding deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 1 ½ lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- ⅓ cup (28g) finely grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
Oils
- 2 tbsp light-flavored oil (avocado or vegetable), divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C), using the convection setting if available. Line a baking sheet with foil, a silicone mat, or parchment paper and drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the lined sheet to prevent sticking.
- Soak potatoes: After peeling and cutting the potatoes into 1-inch chunks, submerge them in a large bowl of cold water. Gently stir the potatoes for 15 seconds, then drain them in a colander for 1 minute to remove excess starch.
- Process potatoes: Transfer the drained potatoes into a food processor and pulse carefully until broken into small bits, making sure to avoid overprocessing. Remove any remaining large chunks and finely chop them with a knife to ensure even texture.
- Remove excess moisture: Wrap the processed potato bits in a clean dishcloth and squeeze firmly to expel as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid to ensure crispiness.
- Par-cook potatoes: Place the potato bits in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir again and allow to cool for 3 to 4 minutes before handling further.
- Season and combine: Add salt, onion powder, cornstarch, parsley, cheddar cheese (if using), and freshly ground black pepper to the cooled potatoes. Gently stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined and sticky.
- Shape tater tots: With damp fingers to prevent sticking, form the potato mixture into cylinders approximately ¾-inch wide and 1-inch long. Arrange the tots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake first side: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil evenly over the tots. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Flip and finish baking: Using two forks, carefully flip each tot, loosening any that stick to the baking sheet. Continue baking for another 12 to 15 minutes until the other side turns a deep golden color and achieves a crisp texture.
Notes
- Keeping your hands damp while shaping prevents the mixture from sticking and helps maintain tot shape.
- Microwaving the potato bits before baking helps remove excess moisture, which is key for a crispy texture.
- You can omit the cheese and parsley for a simpler version or to keep it vegetarian.
- Using a convection oven setting enhances browning and crispiness but is optional.
- Store leftover tots in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tater tots, crispy tater tots, baked tater tots, homemade tater tots, snack recipe, potato side dish, cheesy tater tots
