Chef Mitchell preparing Crispy Cheddar Tots
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making Crispy Cheddar Tots at a friend's gathering. After perfecting the recipe through countless trials, they became a staple at every party. The combination of crispy outsides and cheesy insides never fails to impress family and friends. It's a nostalgic recipe that brings everyone together."

Chef Mitchell has a deep passion for American cuisine, specializing in comfort foods and appetizers. With over a decade of culinary experience, he has mastered the art of creating satisfying and delicious dishes. His creativity and attention to detail shine through in every recipe he shares.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Crispy Cheddar Tots served on a plate

Why This Crispy Cheddar Tots Recipe Works

This recipe works because it perfectly balances flavor and texture. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs and gooey cheddar makes every bite delightful. Using fresh ingredients ensures that the flavor is vibrant, while the methods of frying achieve that perfect crunch.

The technique of boiling the potatoes before mashing allows for a creamy consistency that binds the tots without being too dense. The use of seasonings elevates the flavor profile, making these bites incredibly satisfying. You’ll find that these tots are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

💡 Professional Tip

For extra crunch, consider double-coating the tots in egg and breadcrumbs before frying. This creates an even thicker crispy layer. Additionally, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the tots ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld and simplifies the cooking process when you’re ready to serve.

If you don’t have green onions, you can substitute them with finely chopped chives or shallots for a similar flavor profile. You could also use diced regular onions, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Crispy Cheddar Tots are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can test one by cutting it open; the interior should be hot and the cheese should be melted. Frying them for 3-4 minutes per side usually gives the perfect result.

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked tots. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer, increasing the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through.

Crispy Cheddar Tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include ranch dressing, ketchup, or a spicy aioli. They also make a great accompaniment to burgers or as part of a larger appetizer platter.

Crispy Cheddar Tots will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in an oven instead of a microwave.

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the tots a day in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can fry them fresh for the best texture, or bake them if you prefer a healthier option.

The best way to reheat Crispy Cheddar Tots is in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to restore their crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Crispy Cheddar Tots are too dry, it's likely due to overcooking or insufficient moisture in the mixture.

Solution: Make sure to mash the potatoes thoroughly and mix in enough cheese and egg to bind the mixture. Adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese can also enhance moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the tots are not crispy, it may be because the oil temperature is too low or they were crowded in the pan.

Solution: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Fry in small batches to allow each tot to cook evenly and get that desired crunch.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked tots can become hard and tough.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the frying time closely and adjust the heat as necessary. Try cooking at a slightly lower temperature for more even cooking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the tots is still cold, they may have been fried for too short a time.

Recovery: Ensure you fry the tots until they are golden brown on the outside, and consider cutting one in half to check if it's heated through before removing from the oil.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior indicates the oil may be too hot or the tots were left in too long.

Prevention: Lower the heat and adjust the frying time. It’s better to cook them a little longer at a lower temperature than to have a burnt outside.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tots taste too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the tots are too salty, you can serve them with a side of unsalted dip to balance the taste.

Bland: To fix bland tots, consider adding more spices or herbs to the mixture before cooking, such as more garlic powder or some chili powder for a kick.

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Tots

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Cheddar Tots

The key ingredients in this recipe include high-quality potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese. The potatoes provide the base for the texture, while the cheddar adds rich flavor. Fresh green onions give a hint of brightness that complements the richness of the cheese.

Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded options ensures a better melt and flavor. Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for the best results, as they yield a fluffier texture when mashed.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russets for a light and fluffy texture. Make sure to boil them until tender, but not mushy, to achieve the perfect base for your tots.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and helps bind the mixture without the addition of extra starches.
  • Seasonings: Seasonings like garlic powder and paprika enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking process for Crispy Cheddar Tots

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process involves boiling, mashing, mixing, shaping, and frying the tots. Each step is simple, making this a great recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Ensure you follow the order for the best texture and flavor.

If you want to achieve the perfect crispy finish, make sure the oil is hot enough and fry in batches. This technique ensures each tot gets nice and crispy without overcrowding, which can lead to sogginess.

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Cheddar Tots

The key to achieving perfectly crispy tots is ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding them. This prevents the tots from absorbing too much oil, ensuring they stay crispy on the outside while being creamy on the inside.

Crispy Cheddar Tots

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
    For dipping
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
    Optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh herbs
    Such as dill or parsley

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs potatoes
    Peeled and diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Sharp for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    To help bind
  • 1/4 cup green onions
    Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    For color
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    For flavor
  • 1 large egg
    Beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For coating
  • Vegetable oil
    For frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes

    Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

  2. Mash the Potatoes

    In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Let them cool completely.

  3. Mix the Ingredients

    Add cheddar cheese, flour, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined.

  4. Shape the Tots

    With your hands, shape the potato mixture into small, cylindrical tots.

  5. Coat the Tots

    Roll each tot in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

  6. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.

  7. Fry the Tots

    Carefully add the tots to the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  8. Drain and Serve

    Remove the tots and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Crispy Cheddar Tots, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before frying. Reheat in an oven to maintain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These tots are best served fresh and hot, paired with your choice of dipping sauces. Consider serving them alongside burgers or as part of a snack platter during gatherings for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or incorporating cooked bacon bits into the mixture for added flavor. You can also bake the tots for a healthier version.