How to Make and Freeze Your Own Tater Tots

Making your own tater tots is a fun and rewarding experience, and it allows you to control the ingredients and customize them to your taste. Plus, homemade tater tots can be frozen and stored for easy meals later on. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make and freeze your own tater tots:

Ingredients:

- Russet potatoes

- All-purpose flour

- Cornstarch

- Garlic powder

- Onion powder

- Salt

- Black pepper

- Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

- Wash and peel the russet potatoes.

- Grate the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with a grating attachment.

2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:

- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze and wring them to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This will help the tater tots hold their shape better.

3. Season the Potatoes:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

4. Form the Tater Tots:

- Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a small cylindrical shape, resembling a tot. Repeat this process until all the potato mixture is used up.

5. Preheat the Cooking Oil:

- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray to minimize the amount of oil used.

6. Pan-Fry the Tater Tots:

- Gently place the tater tots in the preheated oil, leaving some space between them to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crispy.

7. Drain and Cool:

- Remove the cooked tater tots from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool completely.

8. Freeze the Tater Tots:

- Spread the cooled tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet or parchment paper-lined freezer tray. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight.

- After freezing, transfer the tater tots to freezer-safe storage bags or airtight containers to save space. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

9. Cook from Frozen:

- When ready to enjoy, you can cook the frozen tater tots directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the tater tots on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade and freezer-friendly tater tots as a delicious side dish or snack!