Description
These Paleo Buffalo Ranch Tater Tots are a delicious, crisp, and healthier twist on classic tater tots. Made with shredded potatoes, bell pepper, and paleo-friendly ingredients, then baked to golden perfection and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with a drizzle of creamy ranch. Perfect as a snack or side dish for anyone following a paleo lifestyle or craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups shredded potatoes
- 1/3 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon paleo compliant ranch dressing (homemade or Primal Kitchen brand)
- 1–2 tablespoons sliced green onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with tin foil and coat it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
- Rinse and Dry Potatoes: Place shredded potatoes in a bowl, cover with cold water, and swish them around to remove excess starch. Drain in a fine mesh strainer, rinse again with cold water, and drain thoroughly. Pat the potatoes dry using a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Partially Cook Potatoes: Transfer the dried shredded potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. This step helps soften the potatoes slightly for easier shaping and crispier results.
- Combine Ingredients: To the warmed potatoes, add finely diced green bell pepper, arrowroot powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and bind the mixture.
- Shape Tater Tots: Scoop the mixture into tablespoon-sized portions and gently roll each into a small cylinder or tot shape. Use your hands to gently squeeze out any excess moisture if needed while shaping to help them hold together.
- Arrange and Oil: Place shaped tater tots on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tots to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake First Side: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the bottoms start to turn golden and firm up.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip each tater tot using a spatula or fork to brown the other side. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tots are evenly golden brown and crispy all over.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Remove the hot tots from the oven and immediately transfer them to a bowl. Toss with the buffalo sauce so each tot is evenly coated with spicy flavor.
- Serve with Ranch and Garnish: Plate the buffalo tossed tater tots, drizzle with paleo compliant ranch dressing, and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh bite. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Patting the shredded potatoes dry thoroughly is key to achieving crispy tater tots.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Use a paleo compliant ranch dressing to keep the recipe paleo-friendly—homemade is ideal.
- These tater tots are best served immediately while hot and crispy.
- If desired, freeze shaped tots before baking and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
