Smashed Tater Tots Recipe

Smashed tater tots have become a beloved snack and side dish in recent years, combining the nostalgic comfort of classic tater tots with a new twist. This recipe takes the crispy, golden exterior of tater tots and enhances them with flavorful seasonings, cheese, and a unique smashing technique that creates an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a side dish for dinner, smashed tater tots are sure to be a hit.

Why Smashed Tater Tots?

Tater tots are a timeless favorite, loved for their crunchy exterior and tender interior. However, smashing them takes this classic comfort food to another level. By flattening the tots, you increase the surface area that crisps up in the oven, resulting in a texture that’s even crunchier and more satisfying. Plus, the smashed shape allows for toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions to be added more easily, making each bite packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Smashed Tater Tots

To create this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Sour cream, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smashed Tater Tots

Creating smashed tater tots is simple, but each step is important to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting the tater tots crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

2. Prepare the Tater Tots

Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced so they can crisp up properly. Bake the tots for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

3. Smash the Tater Tots

Once the tater tots are baked, remove them from the oven. Use the bottom of a glass or a flat spatula to gently press down on each tater tot, smashing it slightly. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want to flatten them without completely crushing them.

4. Season the Tots

After smashing the tots, drizzle them with olive oil. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Toss the tots gently to ensure they are coated with the oil and seasonings.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the smashed tater tots. The cheese will melt into the tots as they bake, adding a rich, savory flavor and an extra layer of crispiness.

6. Bake Again

Return the tater tots to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tots are crispy. The cheese should form a golden, crispy layer on top of the tots.

7. Add the Toppings

Once the tots are out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the top. These toppings add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.

8. Serve with Sour Cream

Serve the smashed tater tots hot, with a dollop of sour cream on the side for dipping. The cool, creamy sour cream pairs perfectly with the crispy, cheesy tots.

Tips for Perfecting Your Smashed Tater Tots

To make sure your smashed tater tots turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Tater Tots

Frozen tater tots are the base of this recipe, so choosing high-quality tots is important. Look for tots that are made with real potatoes and have a good balance of potato and seasoning. Avoid tots that have a lot of added fillers or preservatives, as these can affect the taste and texture.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet

When baking the tater tots, make sure they are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. If the tots are too close together, they may steam instead of crisping up. For best results, use a large baking sheet or bake the tots in batches if necessary.

Smash Gently

When smashing the tater tots, be careful not to press too hard. You want to flatten them slightly to increase the surface area that gets crispy, but you don’t want to completely crush them. Use a flat, even pressure to smash the tots just enough.

Add the Cheese at the Right Time

To get the cheese perfectly melted and crispy, add it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese to melt and bubble without burning. If you add the cheese too early, it may overcook and lose its flavor.

Experiment with Toppings

While cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions are classic toppings for smashed tater tots, you can get creative with your toppings. Try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap out the cheddar for another type of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella. You can also add other toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Variations on Smashed Tater Tots

While the classic smashed tater tots are delicious on their own, there are plenty of variations you can try to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Loaded Smashed Tater Tots

For a more indulgent version of smashed tater tots, try making loaded tots. In addition to the cheese, bacon, and green onions, add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. You can also drizzle the tots with ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Vegetarian Smashed Tater Tots

To make a vegetarian version of smashed tater tots, simply omit the bacon and add more veggies. Toppings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions are great options. You can also use a vegetarian cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative.

Spicy Smashed Tater Tots

If you like a little heat, try making spicy smashed tater tots. Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the tots before baking, or drizzle them with hot sauce after they come out of the oven. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.

Sweet Potato Smashed Tots

For a healthier twist on the classic recipe, try making smashed tater tots with sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and have a natural sweetness that pairs well with savory toppings like cheese and bacon. You can find frozen sweet potato tots at most grocery stores, or make your own by cutting sweet potatoes into small rounds and baking them until crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Smashed Tater Tots

Smashed tater tots are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion.

As a Party Appetizer

Smashed tater tots are a perfect party appetizer, especially for game day or casual get-togethers. Serve them on a large platter with plenty of dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch dressing, or ketchup. You can also serve them alongside other finger foods like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or sliders.

As a Side Dish

Smashed tater tots make a great side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair particularly well with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. You can also serve them alongside a salad or a bowl of soup for a more balanced meal.

As a Snack

Smashed tater tots are also a great snack, perfect for when you’re craving something crispy and cheesy. Enjoy them on their own or with a cold beer or soda. They’re also great for satisfying late-night cravings.

Pairing Drinks with Smashed Tater Tots

Whether you’re serving smashed tater tots at a party or enjoying them as a snack, pairing them with the right drink can enhance the overall experience.

Beer

Beer is a classic pairing for tater tots, and the smashed version is no exception. The crispness of the tots and the richness of the cheese pair well with a variety of beers. Light lagers, pale ales, and IPAs are all good choices. If you prefer a darker beer, try a stout or porter to complement the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Cocktails

If you prefer cocktails, consider serving smashed tater tots with a classic Bloody Mary. The savory flavors of the cocktail complement the cheesy, salty tots perfectly. For a lighter option, a gin and tonic or a margarita are also good choices.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a cold soda or sparkling water is a refreshing choice. You can also serve smashed tater tots with iced tea or lemonade for a more traditional pairing.

Storing and Reheating Smashed Tater Tots

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store and reheat them properly to maintain their crispiness and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the smashed tater tots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them within a day or two of making them.

Reheating Smashed Tater Tots

To reheat smashed tater tots, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tots out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Avoid reheating the tots in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Smashed tater tots are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With their crispy texture, cheesy toppings, and endless variations, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a side dish, or as a snack, smashed tater tots are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

So, the next time you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and comforting, give smashed tater tots a try. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative toppings, you can transform ordinary tater tots into a dish that’s truly extraordinary.

Yield: 4

Smashed Tater Tots Recipe

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Smashed tater tots have become a beloved snack and side dish in recent years, combining the nostalgic comfort of classic tater tots with a new twist. This recipe takes the crispy, golden exterior of tater tots and enhances them with flavorful seasonings, cheese, and a unique smashing technique that creates an irresistible treat. Whether you're serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a side dish for dinner, smashed tater tots are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• TATER TOTS:
• 20 to 30 frozen tater tots
• avocado oil spray or melted unsalted butter
• salt, to garnish
• GARLIC BUTTER, OPTIONAL:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons parmesan, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER

1. In a small bowl, mix butter with parsley, garlic, parmesan, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

MAKE THE SMASHED TATER TOTS

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Add taters to a nonstick baking tray, spacing them apart a little.
3. Bake in the oven for 9 to 10 minutes.
4. Take out of the oven and brush the tater tots lightly with a bit of butter. Alternatively you can spray them with oil or leave as is.
5. Use a flat glass cup to mash the tater tots but don't smash them down all the way.
6. Pop back in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more until golden and crispy all around.
7. Take out of the oven, sprinkle sea salt, and serve warm!

Notes

• I made these with garlic butter and without! I prefer just using plain unsalted butter but both are delicious. You don't need a lot of oil since the tater tots already have some oil in them naturally before freezing.
• If you'd like, you can add some shredded cheese underneath like cheddar or parmesan, and then smash them to create that crispy cheese lattice after the first bake and before smashing.