“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” ~William Shakespeare
So true, so so true… This little baby went by a couple different names before I landed on Extreme Tater Tots. The last the kids knew – we were going with Trashy Tater Tots, but I changed my mind in the final minutes.
Truth is – you can call it anything – it’s still going to be the same plate of guilty pleasure that this day, Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday, happens to call for.
Fat Tuesday’s roots lie in the Christian calendar as the last whoopee before Lent begins on so Ash Wednesday.
I could think of no better way to celebrate this special day than with a plate of deep-fried crispy tots, melted cheddar, fried bologna, scallions, a fried egg and Sriracha. Yep.
I’ve been longing to do a recipe using tater tots and the idea for this plate of crazy good party food came to me like a lightning bolt.
I’m using a very sophisticated technique here – are you ready?
Fry, scatter and stack. Mmmm-hmmm…the old fry, scatter and stack technique.
Deep fry your tots, create your first layer. Scatter cheddar over top. Broil. Fry bologna. Stack. Chop scallions. Scatter. Fry egg. Stack. Finish with a couple dashes of Sriracha. Done.
Whether you commemorate Fat Tuesday or not – this also makes for a scrumptious snack on Munchy Monday, Wild Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday and Fun Friday!
Buon Appetito!
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Extreme Tater Tots
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 lb. bag of Tater Tots
- 2 quarts canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 3 slices (thick sliced) bologna
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 1 extra large egg
- Sriracha sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep-fryer.
- In two batches, add tots to the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 – 4 minutes.
- Carefully remove from oil and place on a paper-towel lined plate.
- When all tots are cooked, put on a large serving platter.
- Top with shredded cheddar.
- Place under the broiler on High until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
- In a large frying pan, over medium-high heat, fry bologna on both sides.
- Remove from pan and cut into strips.
- Place over cheesy tots.
- Scatter scallions.
- Fry egg to your liking.
- Set atop tots.
- Finish with a few dashes of Sriracha.
- Serve immediately.
Ciao!
I kind of like Trashy Tots. But heck, call them whatever. I’ll still eat the whole plate!
Hahah! I know…when my daughter saw the new name she asked what happened to Trashy…I think I wanted to class ’em up a bit. 🙂
Yep. Tick. Added to my must try. Almost broke my screen grabbing one. The usual stuff that goes on when I see your recipes Annie!
So we have that in common, too? My screen has multiple ding from each time I see your recipes! Thanks, Nagi!
This recipe took me back to my childhood in Texas! While we never recognized Fat Tuesday, fried bologna and tater tots were regulars in our household. I haven’t had the former since I left home, but indulge in tater tots at least once a year…. baked (wanting fried!!). You’re right, these are extreme! If you sat this down in front of me right now, I’d eat it right up! Love the indulgence, Annie!
I love that! Yeah, fried bologna is definitely a childhood food – we’d have it at our gram’s and the last time I had it (with any type of regularity) was at a little place in Buffalo while I was in college. It’s certainly a food you want to save for very special occasions – especially when it’s fried! Thanks, Traci!
Wow! what a beautiful, delicious & cheesy Tater tots. The egg on the top for perfect touch is excellent. Awesome! 🙂
Thank you! Yep, that cheesy crispy thing going on is a real winner! 🙂
I’d have to go to confession after eating this, Annie! You are tempting me with some of the foods I’ve given up. I can just taste how good this is!
These calories don’t count. I read that somewhere… Thanks, friend! 🙂
That egg on top sure seals the deal! Tater tots are the best 🙂
Thanks, Medha!
Oh my goodness these look so amazing!! Love all of the toppings! Yum!!
Thanks, friend!!