This is a game changer, my friends. I’ve included a secret ingredient in these Italian Tater Tots that is literally a tater tot game changer.
If I didn’t say a word and you munched on a few of these golden beauts, it would likely be a matter of seconds before you’d ask, “What the heck is different about these tots?”
You’d identify the Parmigiano and homemade tomato sauce, fresh parsley and cracked black pepper but there’d be something more, something else about the tot itself that you wouldn’t be able to put your finger on. You’ll know it’s different and wonderful in the way that, ohhhh, a perfect hairspray holds a style while still keeping its bounce and shine. You can’t actually see the spray, but it’s there, doing a gorgeous job…
Are you ready? Have I tortured you long enough? (I know what you’re thinking – the torture is not so much about the secret ingredient as it is the lousy hairspray analogy…)
Okay – here we go…
I’ve once again teamed up with D’Artagnan Gourmet Foods to share with you this special recipe. But this time, rather than Wagyu beef, I’m highlighting………….wait for it………..duck fat.
Oh my.
Folks, I know we’ve all had good-tasting tots, maybe even great-tasting tots, but if you’re looking for exceptional-tasting tots, one that will flip the hat off your football friends this weekend – you’ve gotta fry your tots in duck fat.
Why duck fat?
This ingredient has long been a staple in professional kitchens and for very good reason. Anything you can do with butter or olive oil you can do with duck fat and render a more luxurious, more golden and crispy result. And don’t even get me started on its aroma while it heats up. Based on my experience with these tots, I imagine it intensifies the flavor of anything it touches. Like a perfect pair of shoes, it elevates. (No pun intended.)
Did you know that today is National Tater Tot Day? And with this weekend being the Super Bowl, makes it a perfect time to get yourself some duck fat. You’re just one click away from a tot experience so utterly satisfying – it would be a crime not to go for it.
Served atop a swirl of tomato sauce then showered with grated Parmigiano and chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley – you’re on your way to food paradise.
Nick was home for a visit this past Sunday so I made a pot of sauce and a couple pounds of meatballs. After our spaghetti dinner I thought to myself – let’s make Nick some tater tots before he heads back to campus (because everyone thinks to make tots after an Italian meal) but I had everything I needed for this Italian-style appetizer so I thought, why not? Let’s see what he thinks about this gourmet treat….
I don’t even have to tell you…
But I will….
He loved it!
And I think you will too!
Buon Appetito!
Print
Italian Tater Tots
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 7 oz. duck fat
- 28 oz. bag of your favorite Ore-Ida Tater Tots
- 2 – 3 large ladles of warmed tomato sauce (homemade preferable, jarred is fine)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- A good grind of cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet, melt the duck fat.
- Deliver tots to the pan, turning gently, until coated with fat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
- Prepare a serving platter with a few hefty ladles of tomato sauce.
- Layer the tots, grated Parmigiano, chopped parsley and black pepper over the sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Ciao!
I’m legitimately drooling in a coffee shop right now thinking about how much I want these. I could devour an entire plate of them in minutes, easy. I’ve got to try these!!
Hahaha! The coffee shop probably doesn’t have duck fat fried tater tots? Thanks, friend!! 🙂
Tater tots are SO GOOD! Love them with the sauce and cheese- sinfully delicious 🙂 Pinning!
I’d put sauce and cheese on just about anything! So good! Thanks, friend!
Omg… frying in duck fat is THE best! It seriously makes all the difference in the world! Happy National Tater Tot Day, these certainly do the day justice! 🙂
Yes it is!! Awh! Thank you, friend! 🙂
I was held in suspense right to the end. I forgot about duck fat. I was just part of a fund-raising event where the savory chefs fried, at least, 3 items in duck fat. Delicious!!! Now how do I apply that to dessert? I’m thinking!!
If anyone can figure it out – it’s you! It makes everything extra delicious!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, Annie, what a fun dish! I bet they just disappeared so quickly – love that you served them over tomato sauce – what a great idea. And who knew there was a national tater tot day!?!
Can you believe there is such a day?! How lucky are we? You are correct – they were gone as soon as I plated them! Thanks, dear!
This is some seriously yumminess. I have never cooked with duck fat…I need to make this asap. They look so amazing. I have a serious soft corner for tater tots and this is beyond yum.
Serious yumminess is the name of this game! Asha, you must incorporate duck fat in some of your recipes…the flavor it imparts is out of this world! Thank you, my dear! xo 🙂
I’ve heard that duck fat makes things taste amazing! These look so delicious Annie! I can’t believe how long it’s been since I had tater tots, did not know it wa National Tater Tots day!
They weren’t kidding! These are the best tasting tots I’ve ever had and I’ve had a few tots in my day! Thanks, friend! 🙂
These look scrumptious, Annie!! Have to try this recipe for sure 🙂 YUM!!
Thank you, Dawn! Enjoy!! 🙂
Holy smokes! I love this idea and the duck fat. Can’t say as I’ve ever used it so thanks for the link and info. I usually go the bacon fat route, but this one slays me. You’re a good mom and I’m drooling over these as I sip my morning espresso.
Duck fat is where it’s at. I can’t sing its praises enough! If you like bacon fat, which of course you do, who doesn’t? You will love cooking with duck fat! Thank you for your kind words, my friend! I think I’m going to go make myself a cup of espresso now! 🙂
This is such an awesome and fun dish, Annie! Love all the delicious flavors and the colors in these tater tots. Look so good so pretty!
And it tastes as good as it looks! Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend! 🙂
Ahhh I love tater tots so much. These look soooooo delicious Annie! I definitely need to try them 🙂
Why thanks, friend! Aren’t tater tots the best?! 🙂
Well, holy Happy Tater Tot Day, Annie! I’ve had all kinds of duck fat fries in restaurants, but what a stroke of pure genius to fry up some tots in it! I’ll even forgive you for the hairspray analogy. 🙂
Fyoooo! Thanks for your forgiveness – I knew that was a stretch! Oh – you will love ’em! Thanks, Rachelle! 🙂
Wow, duck fat? I never tried cooking with that, I wouldn’t even know where to find it. I can only imagine walking into a supermarket and asking one of the workers – “Where is the duck fat?” 🙂 However, it might be totally worth finding it, judging by the gorgeous picture of your tater tots! They look amazing – so perfectly browned and crisp!
Hahaha! I hear you…which is why this is your lucky day! I’ve included a link to the company where you can purchase all the duck fat you’d like! How ’bout that?! I promise, it’ll be the special treat you never knew was missing from your life! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Wow! Looks great Annie! Happy National Tater Tot Day to you …
Thank you, my friends! Happy Tot Day to you! 🙂
I have had fries cooked in duck fat, and duck cooked it’s own fat, but never tots!!! Why?!?!? This is beyond words genius, Annie! Like, OMG, NEED these immediately! Drool factor of a billion going on over here! Pinned! Cheers doll!
So you know the magic of duck fat?! Try it with your extra crispy tots next time – you will LOVE it! Thanks, doll! xo
Wow…duck fat does sound interesting and make this tots sound fabulous! I love love love every bite of this tots. Truly a game changer!
The heightened flavor and perfect crunch makes using duck fat a winner in my book! Thanks, friend! 🙂
You’ve convinced me — now to find the duck fat. Our neighbor swears by bear fat ?? go figure he’s a retired doctor. He uses bear fat for everything. Now hubby and I — we’ll pass on the bear fat but I’ll go to the head of the line for the duck fat. Love tater tots!! Can’t wait to make this! Buona giornata!!
Wow – I’ve never heard of using bear fat…but if it’s anything like duck fat then it must be good! Check it out, my friend! You will not be disappointed!
Annie this tots look amazing! thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Gaila!!
What a fun dish! And one I know my husband would go crazy for!!
Well then your husband should have them! 🙂 Thanks, friend! Enjoy!
I would’ve never guessed the secret ingredient was duck fat! Go figure! These tater tots look so good! I haven’t had them in such a long time, so I definitely need to change that. Love this creative dish!
I think you’ll love it, Gayle! So savory and delicious!