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Crispy Smashed Tater Tots - Potato Appetizer

Whether you're prepping for a big gathering, making a meal for your family, or simply enjoying a solo dinner, these crispy tater tots tick all the boxes.
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Baking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 153kcal
Author Tajda Ferko

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Baking paper
  • Glass/Mug

Ingredients

  • 9 oz tater tots frozen
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon fresh coriander or parsley chopped
  • salt flakes for garnish
US Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Prepare the Tater Tots. Spread the frozen tater tots on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes and move to step 3 in the meantime.
    9 oz tater tots
  • Mix the Seasoning. In a small bowl, add all your seasoning & mix well. Add olive oil if desired.
    1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Smash & Season. After baking them for 10 minutes, remove the tots from the oven. Use a potato smasher or small glass/mug to gently press each tot until slightly flattened. Add seasoning mix and toss until combined.
  • Bake Again. Place them back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and extra crispy.
  • Garnish and Serve. Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt flakes and fresh coriander or parsley. Serve immediately.
    2 tablespoon fresh coriander or parsley, salt flakes

Notes

Important Disclaimer: Every oven works slightly differently. Depending on how fast your oven can cook things, you may need to adjust the baking times. I recommend you keep an eye on the tots during the second bake to prevent burning.
  • Tip 1 - Don't Overcrowd: Ensure you leave enough space between the tots when placing them on the baking sheet.
  • Tip 2 - Be Consistent: Flatten the tots evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Tip 3 - Get Creative: Think of the seasoning as a suggestion only - adjust to your taste or leave it out altogether.
  • Tip 4 - Be Patient: Don’t take them out of the oven too soon- look out for a golden brown color and crispy exterior. 
  • Tip 5-  Gently Dab: If the tots end up too greasy for your taste, simply dab them with a paper towel.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg