Homemade Tater Tots

We had homemade chicken nuggets again, but this time we had homemade tater tots. Frozen tater tots are one of my favorite "guilty pleasures." I love them! In all my recipe "research," I came across a recipe to make my own. But, would they be as good?!

My tots recipe, was inspired by this one. But of course, I adapted it to fit our family preferences.

3 1/2 cups shredded potato - I used baked then grated potatoes. (see this)
1/2 – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (depends on how ‘cheesy’ you want your tater tots)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + a little extra for greasing the pan

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

1. Coat your muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside. You can use a 12 count muffin tin or for mini tater tots use a 24 count muffin tin.
   
2. In large bowl combine shredded potato, cheese, salt and pepper. Gently mix with a fork.
3. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and toss lightly with a fork again until the mixture is well combined.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin. With the back of the spoon gently press down to pack mixture into each cup.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes ( mini tater tots bake for 30-40 minutes).
6. Let the tater tots rest for 5 minutes, run a small knife or spatula around the edge of each cup to loosen the edges. Remove each tater tot and turn upside down (bottom side up) onto a plate to serve.

Outcome: The family loved them - Natalie called them "scrumptious!" They were a bit salty, so I will only use 1/2 teaspoon next time. I am going to try to make "mini" tots next time. I didn't watch the clock, I just pulled them out when they were golden brown and crispy. (I increased my oven temperature after about 30 minutes to bake the rest of our meal.) I am also going to try to make them with cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.

Note:
The recipe recommended using a silicone muffin tin. I have individual silicone muffin liners. I used these, and the tots did come easily out of the silicone. HOWEVER, I turned my oven to broil in the last minute or so to make them extra crispy, and my silicone muffin liners are discolored now. :(