Tater Tots are always tempting and delicious, but when you are lucky enough to encounter homemade, from scratch tots it is truly time to pull out the stretchy pants. Pig out especially when you run into a flavor of tot that excites you!!!

My first time out of the tater tot gate was reserved, I found this recipe and played around with the flavor profile just a bit, as I wanted to master the basics first and then move on to the extraordinary adventurous tots.

This recipe came from Serious Eats, I just slightly modified it.

Ingredients
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 inch pieces
1 quart vegetable oil
½ tablespoon green onion, sliced thin
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup shredded cheddar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Freshly ground black pepper

Procedures
Place potatoes in a bowl of cold water and agitate for 10 seconds. Transfer to fine mesh strainer and allow to drain for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in large wok or Dutch oven over high heat to 350°F. Fry potatoes, stirring them with a wire spider until light golden brown and tender, about 4 minutes, adjusting flame to maintain oil temperature. Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Transfer 1/4 of the potatoes to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until broken down into rough 1/4 to 1/8th inch pieces, about eight 1-second pulses. Transfer to a mixing bowl and repeat with the remaining potatoes, working in three more batches.

Add sliced green onions, onion powder, shredded cheddar, salt, starch, sugar and black pepper to taste, and any flavorings if desired. Gently mix with your hands to combine. Shape into cylinders about 3/4-inch wide and 1-inch long.

Reheat oil to 350°F and add Tater Tots. Allow to fry for 1 minute, then gently agitate with a metal spider to separate them. Continue to cook, adjusting flame to maintain heat, until golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season immediately with salt. Serve hot.

Artisan Tater Tots- what more can you want….. These are a great way to involve the family, the kids will love to help out and play with the “playdough”. Anytime kids hands have fun in the kitchen is a win for their future!