Spicy Tater Tots


Are you looking for something quick, easy, and cheap for lunch?

We love to cook with our kids. If you live in a blended family like we do then you know the challenges you face when feeding them. I got pretty lucky with Carrie having a son in between my boys ages. She has an older daughter who’s awesome. She’ll try new foods and give me an honest opinion. I still can’t say it’s easy feeding them. We were in the dollar store and the youngest reminded me that it was almost lunch time. All three of the boys tried talking me into some sort of fast food. I had to give them credit; eventually they should all be attorneys or politicians. The dollar store has a freezer section. I wanted to grab something that we could make quick and wasn’t incredibly horrible. I found these tater tots. Two things crossed my mind. 1: They all love tater tots and 2: I can make them better.

I really encourage you to get your kids involved. I love cooking with my kids. They make food so  much fun!

Here’s what you’ll need: 

  1. 1 bag of tater tots (the size depends on the size of your family)
  2. 1 tbsp Chili powder (Add more if you have more people)
  3. 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
  4. 1 tsp of cumin (use less if you aren’t sure)
  5. 1 pinch of garlic powder
  6. 1 pinch of turmeric
  7. 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Cilantro for garnish
  10. A spatula
  11. Something to cook them on

@tanisjustice@tanisjustice@tanisjustice


Prep and Cooking

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400°
  2. Add all of your spices in a small bowl and mix them together @tanisjustice
  3. Coat your pan with the olive oil
  4. Dump the bag of tater tots into your pan
  5. Use your spatula to move them around and give them a light coating of the olive oil
  6. Sprinkle half of your spice mix gently over the tater tots
  7. Move the tater tots around with the spatula
  8. Add the rest of your spice mix
  9. Stir them around one more time
  10. By now your oven should be heated
  11. Throw it in the oven to bake at 400° for 8 minutes
  12. Use pot holders and remove it from the oven
  13. Use your spatula to turn them over as best you are able@tanisjustice
  14. Put them back in the over for another 8 minutes

While they’re in the oven let’s make a dip and cut up some apples. (You can use any fruit FYI)

The Dip

  1. 2 heaping tbsp of plain Greek yogurt (For a vegan alternative use So Delicious cultured coconut milk)
  2. Sriracha to taste (my kids like it a little spicy)
  3. A tbsp of ketchup
  4. Fold it together evenly

Pretty easy, huh?

We like to chop a mixture of red and green apples. We eat them with nearly every meal.

By now your tater tots should be done. Use your pot holders to remove it from the oven. Let it cool while you’re setting your table. Place them on a plate or in a bowl. Use your cilantro to garnish it. Then ring the dinner bell and feed your filthy animals. They’ll love them, you’ll love them, and even that nosy neighbor next door will love them (just don’t share with them)!

Question? Comments? Pin it!

Find me almost everywhere @tanisjustice

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