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Tater Tots with Spicy Mayonnaise

No disrespect to the frozen tots these are based on, but making your own is way more fun than opening a bag (and they taste better, too).

Ingredients

Spicy mayonnaise:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
1/4 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika (optional)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

"Tater tots":

3 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sour cream or plain yogurt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more
2 large eggs, beaten to blend
Vegetable oil (for frying; about 3 cups)

Preparation

  1. Spicy mayonnaise:

    Step 1

    Combine mayonnaise, adobo sauce, gochujang, and paprika, if using, in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    DO AHEAD: Mayonnaise can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

  2. "Tater tots":

    Step 3

    Preheat oven to 400°. Prick potatoes all over with a fork and bake directly on oven rack until very soft when squeezed, 60–75 minutes. Let cool slightly.

    Step 4

    Cut potatoes in half and scoop flesh into a medium bowl; discard skins. Mash, then mix in scallions, breadcrumbs, cream, sour cream, butter, granulated garlic, pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Mix in eggs just until combined. Roll 1-tablespoon portions of potato mixture into balls.

    Step 5

    Pour oil into a medium skillet to a depth of 1/2" and heat over medium heat until bubbles form immediately when a little potato mixture is added. Working in batches, fry tots until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels; season with salt. Serve with spicy mayonnaise.

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