Sloppy Jo Tater Tot Skillet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do they get tater tots to stick together? ›

We know that what keeps the Tater Tots stuck together is a combination of two pretty sticky things: moist starches and proteins. The more they come in contact with each other, the stickier they become, and the tighter/gummier the Tater Tots will be.

Why is my tater tot casserole soggy? If your casserole is soggy, it's likely either because there was too much moisture or it has not baked long enough. Be sure to sauté the onions thoroughly, and bake until the filling is bubbly.

Once hot, carefully place a few tater tots in the oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry until they're golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove the tater tots from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

To prevent tots from sticking to the pan, make sure the pan is adequately preheated and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. You can also use a non-stick pan or lightly grease the pan with cooking spray.

But, while anything baked in a casserole can be called a casserole, the Midwestern preparation known as "hotdish" is much more specific. A hotdish always consists of meat, vegetables, a starch, and sauce—it's not a side dish, but an entire meal unto itself.

If you're cooking for more than one serving size worth of tater tots but want to keep them warm while the next batch student is cooking, a good trick will be to keep them in the oven at a temperature of 200°F. They'll remain crispy and delicious until they're all cooked.

When you take a handful of tater tots and throw them into a fryer the oil is only crisping the exterior of the tots and heating them through. They're already cooked, remember? If you were to put some tater tots into a microwave they would become hot but never crispy. It takes hot fat to get them crispy.

After boiling the potatoes, make sure you drain them and let them cool before frying. They solidify and dry as they cool. Avoid stirring too much when frying.

All-Purpose Flour.

Helps bind the potatoes, so the tater tots hold their shape and don't fall apart after baking.

Arrange Tater Tots on a Baking Sheet

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the tater tots from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

How do you cook tater tots without them falling apart? ›

Air Frying Frozen Tater Tots

You can put them in more than a single layer when they are frozen, but I find they cook better and break apart less when I keep them in a single layer. Air fry on 375℉/190℃ for about 12 minutes or until they are golden brown.