Welcome to Tater Tots World!
Crunchy, Golden and Irresistible
As an Albertan and a foody at heart, I have noticed how important side dishes are for us here. We all know French fries, and who does not love them? The traditional side dish we all have tried many times. I spent countless days trying different options to see what makes them special and to finally find the one that makes me the happiest with every bite.
At the end of this journey, I have to say that even after trying a lot of options, I came to the conclusion that, for me, tater tots can’t be replaced. The way they are able to complete any meal, their flavour and texture, and the fact that they remind me of my family and childhood days.
As you can imagine, my family shares this passion for tater tots - my mother has been crafting homemade versions, and I have grown to appreciate their perfect balance of crunchiness and softness. Tater Tots are my favourites, and they have become my go-to side dish thanks to their small shape and because they have the perfect balance (crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside). They are the ones that bring me both comfort and the perfect flavour I need to complete my food.
Give them a try, and I’m sure they will quickly become your favourite snack as well!
Cutie Potato Fries
Tater tots have been the most popular dish at family gatherings and weekend snack sessions in my home, not only due to their amazing flavour but also due to their little and adorable shape: These appetizers usually have a cylinder-like form that makes them look like mini potatoes. Thanks to their small size they are very adaptable, being a great option to try with your favourite dipping sauce, be paired with almost any dish, have as a crispy snack, or even share with your friends as well.
Thanks to years and years of sharing them with others, I can confidently say that Tater Tots prove that good things come in small packages! These golden puffs will win your heart once you try them.
Aren't They Just Hash Browns?
Yes, Tater Tots and Hash Browns are made of the same potato base, but it doesn't mean they are the same!
Hash Browns are bigger, served flat, and usually fried in a pan. On the other hand, Tater Tots are seasoned with parsley and onion powder (I've learned how adding ingredients like pepper powder or parmesan cheese can elevate the tots to the next level! - adding more flavour and giving them your unique touch). It is important to know that this is made before dividing the mixture into small rounded pieces that you have to deep-fry after.
I really think that all these little details make them more special, compared to the Hash Browns.
A Healthier Alternative
Like many people, I also wanted to find a healthier way to enjoy the things I love.
As we know, Tater Tots are normally deep-fried, but over the years, I've explored alternative cooking methods and now I can say I have good news for you! You can make a healthier version without losing any flavour. I am going to give you two options if you want a less oily alternative: you can either bake them or put them on your air fryer. This will make them soft on the inside and keep the crispiness we all love on the outside without any problem.
But if what you are looking for is a “no conventional potato” option, you can always use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or (almost) any vegetable that you like instead. They will give you a boost of nutrients while keeping that crunchy layer we all love.
How to get the Crispiest Tater Tots
After years of experimenting in the kitchen, my mom and I found our own way to get perfect crispy Tater Tots without the deep-frying part, and it is easier than you think. You need to bake them (remember, you can use an air fryer instead if you prefer) on a flat and non-stick surface. We noticed that reaching a high temperature (we recommend it to be around 425°F) is very important as well. You need to make sure that when you put them on the tray you put them on a single layer because this will ensure that every tot gets cooked.
To get that extra crunch layer, you can add a little amount of oil before baking them and don't forget to flip them halfway through cooking. If you put these tips into practice, you will see a great difference!
An extra tip 😉: When you use an air fryer, you can get a better crispiness than when you use a conventional oven.
Ore-Ida’s New Tater Tot-Protecting Pants
It’s been 20 years since the iconic scene in Napoleon Dynamite movie where Napoleon's beloved Tater Tots are cruelly crushed by the school bully, Randy. For fans of the film, this moment remains a memorable part of movie history. And now, Ore-Ida, the creator of Tater Tots, has found a way to prevent any future "tot-tastrophes" with the launch of their first-ever Tater Tot-Protecting Pants!
These special pants are a playful and practical appreciation of the film and are designed to protect those crispy, fluffy Tater Tots from getting crushed. The pants, available for a limited time, feature a unique "tot pocket" to safely hold your Tater Tots while you do your daily chores. The design is inspired by the joggers worn by Napoleon in the movie, with a stylish dark gray crocodile print. Their special pocket is made with food-safe material that’s made to last! Ensuring that your Tots stay safe no matter where you go.
Jackie Britva, The Kraft Heinz Company’s Senior Brand Manager for Ore-Ida, shared in the article: "With June marking the film’s 20th anniversary, we knew it was the perfect time for Ore-Ida to solve Napoleon’s tot-tastrophe in a way only the inventor of Tater Tots could."
To celebrate the release of these funny but functional pants, Ore-Ida teamed up with Searchlight Pictures and even brought Jon Heder, who plays Napoleon, back to his old role in a new short film. In the film, Napoleon humorously reflects on the crushing of his Tater Tots and introduces the world to his new protective pants. Jon Heder, speaking about his connection to Napoleon, said “When my Tots get crushed, a little part of my soul gets crushed as well. And that’s why I’m excited and proud to be a part of Ore-Ida’s movement to stop tot-crushing in its tracks – hopefully these pants keep everyone’s favorite potato nuggets safe, warm and flippin’ crispy."
The Tater Tot-Protecting Pants are now available for a limited time, so if you’re a fan of both the movie and Tater Tots, do as Jon Heder, grab a pair and keep your snacks safe and crunchy!
For more information about this fun and unique product, check out the full article here.
What's New & Exciting!
Tater Tots Mac & Cheese
Spicy Tater Tots Bowl
Pizza Tater Tots
Looking For the Best Picnic Spot?
My favorite picnic spot is a serene countryside area near Wetaskiwin, Alberta, by the Battle River.
The gentle sound of the river adds to the serenity of the place, and the open skies offer breathtaking sunset views that paint the horizon in vibrant colours. To get there, head south from Wetaskiwin on Highway 2A, turn onto a nearby range road, and follow it toward the river. Pack your favorite snacks and enjoy this hidden gem by the water!
Curious to see where it is? Here’s a map to help you find this peaceful spot (Click here).
