Description
Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky Parmesan Baked Tater Tots! A simple and delicious upgrade to a classic snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Parmesan Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the olive oil evenly coats the Parmesan cheese and spices, creating a slightly wet, crumbly mixture. Add a teaspoon of olive oil at a time if needed.
- Coat Tater Tots: Place frozen tater tots in a large bowl. Pour the Parmesan mixture over the tater tots, distributing it evenly. Gently toss to coat thoroughly, ensuring every tot is covered. Add a little more olive oil, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to help it stick.
- Bake: Spread the coated tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or lightly greased). Avoid overcrowding.
- Bake Time: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the tater tots halfway through (around 10-12 minutes) for even cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Crispy Tots: Ensure the oven is preheated and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Flipping halfway through is crucial.
- Parmesan Mixture Consistency: Adjust olive oil or Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired slightly wet, crumbly texture.
- Even Coating: Take the time to ensure all tater tots are evenly coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Add some heat: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Add herbs: Try adding other dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the Parmesan mixture.
- Make them cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy treat.
- Serve with dipping sauces: These tater tots are delicious with ketchup, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Garlic Powder Boost: For an extra garlicky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the Parmesan mixture.
- Onion Powder Enhancement: A touch of onion powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) can also add a subtle savory note.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: For a brighter flavor profile, add the zest of 1/2 a lemon to the Parmesan mixture. This works especially well if you’re using fresh herbs.
- Storage Instructions: Let the tater tots cool completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make them soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes