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Tater Tot

Tater tots are small, cylindrical nuggets made from grated potatoes, typically seasoned with salt, onion powder, and other spices. Developed in the early 1950s as a way to use leftover potato scraps, they have become a popular snack, side dish, and comfort food. These bite-sized delights are often enjoyed crispy and golden brown, offering a satisfying crunchy exterior with a soft interior. To prepare tater tots, they can be fried, baked, or even cooked in an air fryer. They are commonly served with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or cheese, and can also be incorporated into different dishes like casseroles, eggs, and nachos.
#6
IN FROZEN SNACKS & APPETIZERS
186
CAL / 100G
$0.08
AVG / OZ
tater tot
67%
CARBS
27%
FAT
7%
PROTEIN
Tater Tot FAQ
Tater tots, those beloved bite-sized balls of dense, grated potatoes, are a fast and easy part of many meals. They're typically fried or baked to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior. However, there are a few common pitfalls when cooking with tater tots to be aware of. For instance, crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some tots that are well-done while others remain undercooked. It can also make them stick together, rather than turning into individual, crispy morsels. To get the most flavor out of your tater tots, it's also important to season them well. While they're often associated with simply salt, add other seasonings can elevate the taste. Moreover, consider using them as a base in other dishes - tater tots waffles or even a tater tots hotdish can be delicious, innovative ways to use this ingredient. One little-known trick involves an air fryer. Yes, you can make restaurant-quality, crispy tater tots right at your home using an air fryer. They cook quickly and deliver the ideal crunchy outside and soft, warm inside that are the hallmark of a good tater tot. Remember to never defrost your tots before cooking them. This leads to sogginess, not crispiness. For the same reason, if you're cooking them in an oven, be sure to use the top rack for ultimate crisping. Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with sauces - tater tots are excellent vehicles for flavor, just waiting for your creative touch!
How do I cook tater tots so they're crispy?
Can I cook tater tots in an air fryer?
Do I need to defrost tater tots before cooking?
What can I season tater tots with?
Can I put tater tots in a toaster oven?
Can I substitute tater tots for hash browns?
Can I make homemade tater tots?
Are tater tots and potato nuggets the same thing?
What pairs well with tater tots?
Can I use tater tots as a pizza topping?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does tater tot expire?
Unopened bags of frozen tater tots can last up to 2 years in the freezer beyond the printed date. Once the bag has been opened, the tater tots are good for about 2 months, but they're best when consumed within a few weeks so they don’t develop freezer burn. If you've already cooked your tater tots, they'll remain fresh for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If frozen, cooked tater tots can last for up to six months.
How do you tell if tater tot is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if your tater tots have gone bad. Their appearance may change, with signs of freezer burn including white or grayish-brown spots, and the texture can become dry and tough. The tots might also emit an off or sour smell. If you taste a piece and it seems stale or has a slightly bitter or sour flavor, then it is no longer fresh.
Tips for storing tater tot to extend shelf life
• Keep the tater tots in their original bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal tightly before placing in the freezer. • If you've already opened the bag, place the remaining tots in a thick, sealable freezer bag to keep out moisture and oxygen. • Don’t leave cooked tater tots at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Promptly refrigerate them in a covered container. • For longer storage, freeze cooked tater tots on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This will help them stay separate and not clump together. • When defrosting, do so in the refrigerator, not on the counter, to keep the temperature safe and prevent bacterial growth.
EXPIRES WITHIN
18 - 30
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
29g
CARBS
11g
FAT
2g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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