Tasty Tots

These homemade tasty tots are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and way healthier than frozen store versions. Made with grated potatoes, a touch of veggies for extra nutrition, and baked instead of fried, they’re a fun, low-cost snack or side for families. Kids love them, parents love the savings and hidden veggies—perfect with ketchup, yogurt dip, or as a side to any meal.

Tasty Tots

Ingredients

For about 40 to 50 tots (serves 6 as a side or snack), use these simple, affordable items:

  • 4 medium potatoes (about 1 kg), peeled
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled
  • ½ small zucchini or ½ cup finely chopped spinach (optional for extra nutrition)
  • ½ small onion, grated
  • ¼ cup plain flour or breadcrumbs (for binding)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for drizzling)
  • Cooking spray (optional for baking sheet)

Direction

  • Bake these golden tots with these straightforward steps:
  • Step 1: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil.
  • Step 2: Grate the potatoes, carrot, and zucchini (if using) using the large holes of a box grater. Place in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this step is key for crispiness.
  • Step 3: Transfer the squeezed veggies to a large bowl. Add grated onion, beaten egg, flour or breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed.
  • Step 4: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and shape into small cylinders or balls (classic tot shape). Place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each.
  • Step 5: Lightly brush or drizzle the tots with olive oil for golden color and extra crisp.
  • Step 6: Bake 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs or a spatula, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Let cool 2 minutes on the sheet—they crisp more as they cool. Serve hot with your favorite dip. Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (about 6 to 8 tots, approximate values using minimal oil):

  • Calories: 140 to 180
  • Total Fat: 5 to 8 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1 gram
  • Cholesterol: 30 to 40 milligrams
  • Sodium: 200 to 300 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22 to 26 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 to 4 grams
  • Sugars: 2 grams (natural from veggies)
  • Protein: 4 to 6 grams
  • A good source of potassium from potatoes, vitamin A from carrots, and fiber for digestion. Baking cuts fat dramatically compared to fried versions, making them a healthier, kid-approved alternative.

Recipes Credit

Inspired by classic homemade tater tots and veggie-packed potato snacks popular in family cooking, adapted for Pakistani kitchens using local potatoes , seasonal carrots, and everyday spices like red chili powder. Draws from healthier baked tot recipes shared on budget blogs, kids’ meal sites like Budget Bytes, and South Asian home-cook variations that add hidden vegetables for nutrition. Freshly tailored here for tasty, crispy, guilt-reduced fun that saves money and pleases everyone.