I read on this little website called Wikipedia that Americans consume 70 million pounds of tater tots per year. I was like, whoa, that's not nearly enough! What's up, America? Did you forget how scrumptious these little cylindrical nuggets are? Well then, allow me to stroke your nostalgia.
I found 14 recipes that use tater tots in all kinds of unique ways, like as a hot dog bun or pizza crust. That's right, tots aren't only crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and divine in every way -- they're crazy versatile, too.
Waffle grilled cheese
The waffles get irresistibly crisp on the outside yet stay fluffy on the inside -- ideal for the ultimate grilled cheese. Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Tater tots
- Bacon
- Jalapeño
- Sharp cheddar cheese
Supreme burgers
Don't you like the idea of topping your burger with tater tots and nachos? Of course you do. Get the recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Ground chorizo
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Tater tots
- Guacamole
Sloppy Joes
It’s even sloppier than the original, but it’s OK because you can eat it with a fork. Fancy! Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Sloppy Joe sauce
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Tater tots
Mozzarella sticks
Taters just showed breadcrumbs who’s boss. Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Tater tots
- Parmesan
- Mozzarella string cheese
- Flour
- Eggs
Korean pork sweet potato
The totcho trend goes Korean, with sweet-and-spicy flavors. Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Sweet potato tater tots
- Ground pork
- Kimchi
- Cotija cheese
- Poached eggs
- Gochujang chile sauce
Pizza casserole
Is there anything tater tots can't do? Here they take the place of pizza dough, holding up sauce, meats, and cheeses like nobody’s business. You'll still need a fork, though. Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Tater tots
- Italian sausage
- Pepperoni
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella
Jerky tots
This recipe shows you how to make your own tater tots, and then mix them with beef jerky. Meat and potatoes anyone? Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Hamburger jerky
- Cornstarch
- Salt
Potato skins
Each crispy tater tot "potato skin" is brushed with garlic oil for an extra kick of flavor, then loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Get the recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Tater tots
- Parmesan cheese
- Bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Bacon-wrapped bombs
The tots are obviously wrapped in bacon, which is fantastic, but there’s also gooey cheese tucked inside. Yeah, this recipe is the bomb.
Key ingredients:
- Tater tots
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Brown sugar
Enchiladas
It’s funny how simply swapping tortillas for tater tots can alter your life. Find the new you here.
Key ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Tater tots
- Enchilada sauce
- Mexican-blend cheeses
Breakfast pizza
Breakfast pizza doesn’t have to be cold leftovers. It can be bubbling hot and topped with bacon, eggs, cheese, and tots. Recipe here.
Key ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Provolone cheese
- Tater tots
- Applewood-smoked bacon
- Eggs
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Perry Santanachote is Thrillist's recipes editor and tater tots were her first love. Follow her at @perrysant.