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Tots!: 50 Tot-ally Awesome Recipes from Totchos to Sweet Po-tot-o Pie
It’s a fact: Americans love tots, and last year consumed 3.5 billion of them. And not just at home. From fast-food joints to high-end restaurants, chefs are joining the tot trend, serving exotically spiced tots or fun mash-ups like Totchos, with tots replacing the corn chips in nachos. But now, prepare for TOT-al domination! Created by mad-genius food blogger Dan Whalen, Tots! elevates the friendly little tater to its place in the culinary spotlight.
This irresistible cookbook with a nubby tot-texture on the cover offers 50 delicious, playful, and surprising recipes for snacks, appetizers, inspired main dishes, and inspired sides, even desserts. (Yes, you could create an entire tot-centric dinner.) Here are party dishes like Buffalo Tots and Tot Poutine. A Tot Caesar for an elegant starter. Tots for breakfast, like Tots Benedict and a Tot Shakshuka, and tots for dinner—Moules Tots, Chicken Tot Pie, Tater Tot Pizza, and Bibimtot. Side dishes—next Thanksgiving, try Sausage and Tot Stuffing. And for sweets lovers, Tot Churros (deep-fried and dipped in chocolate ganache), Apple Tot Crumble (that crispy salty tot topping really plays off the warm sweet apples), and Tot S’mores—a heavenly melt of a dish.
Every recipe uses frozen commercial tots—but Dan Whalen also shows die-hard tot lovers how to make tots from scratch and then alter their creations with different spices (think Tots Vindaloo) and sauces. It’s TOT-ally awesome.
This irresistible cookbook with a nubby tot-texture on the cover offers 50 delicious, playful, and surprising recipes for snacks, appetizers, inspired main dishes, and inspired sides, even desserts. (Yes, you could create an entire tot-centric dinner.) Here are party dishes like Buffalo Tots and Tot Poutine. A Tot Caesar for an elegant starter. Tots for breakfast, like Tots Benedict and a Tot Shakshuka, and tots for dinner—Moules Tots, Chicken Tot Pie, Tater Tot Pizza, and Bibimtot. Side dishes—next Thanksgiving, try Sausage and Tot Stuffing. And for sweets lovers, Tot Churros (deep-fried and dipped in chocolate ganache), Apple Tot Crumble (that crispy salty tot topping really plays off the warm sweet apples), and Tot S’mores—a heavenly melt of a dish.
Every recipe uses frozen commercial tots—but Dan Whalen also shows die-hard tot lovers how to make tots from scratch and then alter their creations with different spices (think Tots Vindaloo) and sauces. It’s TOT-ally awesome.
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2018
17 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Dan Whalen
11 books4 followersDan Whalen is the culinary mad-genius creator of the popular recipe blog The Food in my Beard and the author of Stuffed: The Ultimate Comfort Food Cookbook and the forthcoming The Comfort Food Mash-Up. Since starting his website in 2008, he has published more than 1,000 recipes that have been viewed over 6 million times, and has produced numerous viral videos including a Quesadilla-Bun Burger video that has racked up 24 million views. His work has been featured in Saveur, Bon Appétit, Serious Eats, Fine Cooking, Boston.com, MSNBC, and Huffington Post, among others. He lives in Boston, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 29, 2018
This book is featured on Saturday's Kitchen where you can see some of the recipes we made @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...
My husband is what I call a ‘tot aficionado’ because he’s one of those people willing to stand every single tater tot straight up, perfectly spaced, to get nice crispy tots every time right out of the oven. So, when I saw Tots!: A Cookbook, I had to grab it. I’m always hopeful to impress my family with some new and fresh recipes, and these would include one of their favorite foods.
The book begins describing the different types of tots you can buy and how to cook them. I was already fascinated with just the simple tricks for getting the crispiest tots in the oven. No more standing them up! The author shares a simple little addition that gets your tots super crispy and it truly works! I was able to impress my husband and had a huge smile on my face when he said, “Wow, these are perfect.”
Sections of the book include some basics, seasonings, sauces, dips, appetizers, breakfast recipes, main dishes, and desserts. There’s also a nifty ‘Timeline of the Tater Tot’ including some history which was fun to read and a recipe to make your own tater tots from scratch!
I decided to start with the Chipotle Mayo for a dip. I ended up serving this with the super crispy tots I mention above. It was a huge hit! The dip turned out sensational and it was a nice change from ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Then we made Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese: I honestly don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love this grilled cheese! It’s basically monster tots with bacon and cheese in the middle. No bread!
And finally, Apple Tot Crisp: This one just seems like a no-brainer. Salty tots and sweet apple crisp…Plus, this can easily serve as a gluten free recipe if your oats and tots are both gluten free. If you need to go dairy free, just use a butter substitute.
We served it with vanilla ice cream as suggested. Everyone loved it. I even tried a bite and I was astonished! Even without the ice cream, it’s delectable.
There are still so many recipes that we want to try in the book like the Po-Tot-o salad, Cheesy Tot Skins, Totzarella Sticks, and Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese. Overall, this is another 5-star cookbook that I will definitely be purchasing for our kitchen.
5*****
I'd like to thank NetGalley for sharing a copy of this cookbook in exchange for a review.
My husband is what I call a ‘tot aficionado’ because he’s one of those people willing to stand every single tater tot straight up, perfectly spaced, to get nice crispy tots every time right out of the oven. So, when I saw Tots!: A Cookbook, I had to grab it. I’m always hopeful to impress my family with some new and fresh recipes, and these would include one of their favorite foods.
The book begins describing the different types of tots you can buy and how to cook them. I was already fascinated with just the simple tricks for getting the crispiest tots in the oven. No more standing them up! The author shares a simple little addition that gets your tots super crispy and it truly works! I was able to impress my husband and had a huge smile on my face when he said, “Wow, these are perfect.”
Sections of the book include some basics, seasonings, sauces, dips, appetizers, breakfast recipes, main dishes, and desserts. There’s also a nifty ‘Timeline of the Tater Tot’ including some history which was fun to read and a recipe to make your own tater tots from scratch!
I decided to start with the Chipotle Mayo for a dip. I ended up serving this with the super crispy tots I mention above. It was a huge hit! The dip turned out sensational and it was a nice change from ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Then we made Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese: I honestly don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love this grilled cheese! It’s basically monster tots with bacon and cheese in the middle. No bread!
And finally, Apple Tot Crisp: This one just seems like a no-brainer. Salty tots and sweet apple crisp…Plus, this can easily serve as a gluten free recipe if your oats and tots are both gluten free. If you need to go dairy free, just use a butter substitute.
We served it with vanilla ice cream as suggested. Everyone loved it. I even tried a bite and I was astonished! Even without the ice cream, it’s delectable.
There are still so many recipes that we want to try in the book like the Po-Tot-o salad, Cheesy Tot Skins, Totzarella Sticks, and Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese. Overall, this is another 5-star cookbook that I will definitely be purchasing for our kitchen.
5*****
I'd like to thank NetGalley for sharing a copy of this cookbook in exchange for a review.
May 6, 2025
I LOVE TOTS! And there are so many great recipes in this book - even a dessert section! Read this before the holiday season for 'lots of tots' ideas that will make everyone happy! Tots are so easy to 'hors d'oeuvres-ize' with just about anything: during the Super Bowl we will be eating lots of tots burritos with chili, sharp cheddar and onions! A 'tottastic' book!
December 24, 2017
Did you ever have a phrase you said when you were young and in love 😍 that you wish you could take back? I definitely have one, and I can’t believe I am going to mention it now since it is long forgotten by anyone but me. So until I edit this out, here goes. I once told my high school boyfriend that I loved him more than ... wait for it... french fries. 🍟 And that, my friends, was really saying something for me at the time. That was deep stuff. 😆
So when my buddy, PorshaJo, mentioned there was a Tots cookbook on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read and review an entire cookbook devoted to my favorite food’s close cousin, the tater tot. Well, Tots does not disappoint! The sections are divided into:
Tot Basics (types, sauces)
Tot’Petizers (appetizers)
Tot O’ the Morning to You (breakfast recipes)
Tot-ally Satisfying (tots as the main dish)
Sweet Tots for Your Sweet Tooth (YUM)
I appreciated that there is a recipe to make your own tots, which I plan to try in my air fryer. Even though I try to eat cleanly a good percentage of the time, I am already looking forward to testing out some of these tot sauces and tot treats. This book is super creative! The pictures are stunning, and the only flaw - I wish it had a few more pictures!
Thank you to Dan Whalen, Workman Publishing Company, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook. It was fun!
So when my buddy, PorshaJo, mentioned there was a Tots cookbook on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read and review an entire cookbook devoted to my favorite food’s close cousin, the tater tot. Well, Tots does not disappoint! The sections are divided into:
Tot Basics (types, sauces)
Tot’Petizers (appetizers)
Tot O’ the Morning to You (breakfast recipes)
Tot-ally Satisfying (tots as the main dish)
Sweet Tots for Your Sweet Tooth (YUM)
I appreciated that there is a recipe to make your own tots, which I plan to try in my air fryer. Even though I try to eat cleanly a good percentage of the time, I am already looking forward to testing out some of these tot sauces and tot treats. This book is super creative! The pictures are stunning, and the only flaw - I wish it had a few more pictures!
Thank you to Dan Whalen, Workman Publishing Company, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook. It was fun!
Currently reading
April 6, 2018Unfortunately there was no content at all on the file so I was unable to view the book.
Such a shame as I was really looking forward to this book. I love potatoes, and a recipe book dedicated to them sounds amazing!
If I do happen to get a copy that works I will change my review accordingly.
I have tried various methods to download the pdf file but unfortunately the file is blank.
Such a shame as I was really looking forward to this book. I love potatoes, and a recipe book dedicated to them sounds amazing!
If I do happen to get a copy that works I will change my review accordingly.
I have tried various methods to download the pdf file but unfortunately the file is blank.
March 4, 2018
If you love tater tots like me, you'll love this cookbook! A great selection of recipes from breakfast to even dessert.
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
January 8, 2019
I love tator tots, and seeing a book full of tot recipes instantly grabbed my attention. Plain ol' tots are yummy just as they are, but I'm always looking for new ways to dish up old favorites, and couldn't wait to see what this cookbook had to offer.
The book kicks off with Tots 101, filling you in on everything you ever wanted to know about tots. You'll learn about the different sizes and types of tots. (How did I not know there was such a thing as sweet potato tots?!) You'll also learn about the different ways you can cook them, and how to make your own tots from scratch—including a variety of seasonings, sauces, and dips for your tots.
Covering everything from appetizers to desserts, Whalen shows how versatile the tator tot can be. With recipes varying from familiar staples (Bacon-Wrapped Tots) to wittily-named creations (Tot-al Eclairs of the Heart), the recipes made me hungry and, occasionally, made me chuckle over the clever names.
I haven't tried any of the recipes out yet, but I intend to do so in the very-near future—the Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese, perhaps? That sounds delish, right?<
If you love tots as much as I do, be sure to check out this cookbook!
Fun fact: this is the first review I've ever written that made me hungry.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Workman Publishing via Netgalley.
The book kicks off with Tots 101, filling you in on everything you ever wanted to know about tots. You'll learn about the different sizes and types of tots. (How did I not know there was such a thing as sweet potato tots?!) You'll also learn about the different ways you can cook them, and how to make your own tots from scratch—including a variety of seasonings, sauces, and dips for your tots.
Covering everything from appetizers to desserts, Whalen shows how versatile the tator tot can be. With recipes varying from familiar staples (Bacon-Wrapped Tots) to wittily-named creations (Tot-al Eclairs of the Heart), the recipes made me hungry and, occasionally, made me chuckle over the clever names.
I haven't tried any of the recipes out yet, but I intend to do so in the very-near future—the Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese, perhaps? That sounds delish, right?<
If you love tots as much as I do, be sure to check out this cookbook!
Fun fact: this is the first review I've ever written that made me hungry.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Workman Publishing via Netgalley.
January 11, 2018
For starters, I just gotta say...TOTS!!!! I freaking love tots! They are my go to, always have to have some in my freezer, just makes me smiles goodness. (Yeah, I know that isn't really and sentence and doesn't make a whole lot of sense LOL) So of course the idea of a cookbook dedicated to these delicious little potato morsels caught my attention right away. I was not disappointed!
This book starts off talking about the varieties of store bought tots you can buy, and that are perfectly acceptable to use with all the recipes included. It also gives you recipes to make your own tots. I loved that it gave different variations of tots that you can make, and that it included how to baked them instead of fry. It also gave the recipe for different veggie tots, which I think is a pretty cool idea. And some really delicious looking sauces, as well.
Now around my house, we have our version of totchos and hot dish, but it was great to see them both cooked in different ways. There are recipes for apps, entrees, breakfasts, and DESSERTS! What?!? I honestly never would have thought of using tots in a sweet recipe, but am so excited to try some of these. There are some gorgeous pictures that had my mouth watering. I'm still thinking about that picture of the Cheeseburger Tot Sliders......(insert Homer Simpson drooling/yummy sound here) The recipes are laid out beautifully and very easy to follow.
I can't wait to make even more delicious things with one of my favorite food items, TOTS!
Thank you NetGalley and Dan Whalen for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book starts off talking about the varieties of store bought tots you can buy, and that are perfectly acceptable to use with all the recipes included. It also gives you recipes to make your own tots. I loved that it gave different variations of tots that you can make, and that it included how to baked them instead of fry. It also gave the recipe for different veggie tots, which I think is a pretty cool idea. And some really delicious looking sauces, as well.
Now around my house, we have our version of totchos and hot dish, but it was great to see them both cooked in different ways. There are recipes for apps, entrees, breakfasts, and DESSERTS! What?!? I honestly never would have thought of using tots in a sweet recipe, but am so excited to try some of these. There are some gorgeous pictures that had my mouth watering. I'm still thinking about that picture of the Cheeseburger Tot Sliders......(insert Homer Simpson drooling/yummy sound here) The recipes are laid out beautifully and very easy to follow.
I can't wait to make even more delicious things with one of my favorite food items, TOTS!
Thank you NetGalley and Dan Whalen for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 19, 2017
A cookbook all about potato tots? How could I not want to read this book?! 50 different recipes for a freezer staple in my house is just what I need!
TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE opens with a short, to the point introduction from author Dan Whalen, about his research into the world of tots.
There are just five chapters in this book of potato tot goodness, but they are packed with information and recipes covering from the basics – a sort of Tots 101, to dessert tots. Yes, you read that correctly. Dessert tots!
TOTS! has a simple, easy to follow design. The recipes pages are straightforward with no illustrations. There aren’t photos for each recipe, but the ones included are full color, beautifully done, and made me hungry.
There are 160 pages of information, including a fun tot timeline, from when they started to what they are today, and recipes like Homemade Tots, Rosemary Truffle Tots, Tots Poutine, Spinach-Tot Dip, Cheeseburger Tot Sliders, Deviled Tots, Tots Benedict, Chicken and Tot-Waffles, Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese, Totsgiving Stuffing, Apple Tot Crunch, Salted Caramel Tot Cookies, and many more!
Overall, I enjoyed TOTS!, and have found many dishes that will be instant hits in my home. Will you read the word ‘tots’ a lot? You sure will! But go with it, and enjoy the funny, punny names of these creative recipes.
You have tot, ummm I mean, got to check out TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE!
TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE opens with a short, to the point introduction from author Dan Whalen, about his research into the world of tots.
There are just five chapters in this book of potato tot goodness, but they are packed with information and recipes covering from the basics – a sort of Tots 101, to dessert tots. Yes, you read that correctly. Dessert tots!
TOTS! has a simple, easy to follow design. The recipes pages are straightforward with no illustrations. There aren’t photos for each recipe, but the ones included are full color, beautifully done, and made me hungry.
There are 160 pages of information, including a fun tot timeline, from when they started to what they are today, and recipes like Homemade Tots, Rosemary Truffle Tots, Tots Poutine, Spinach-Tot Dip, Cheeseburger Tot Sliders, Deviled Tots, Tots Benedict, Chicken and Tot-Waffles, Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese, Totsgiving Stuffing, Apple Tot Crunch, Salted Caramel Tot Cookies, and many more!
Overall, I enjoyed TOTS!, and have found many dishes that will be instant hits in my home. Will you read the word ‘tots’ a lot? You sure will! But go with it, and enjoy the funny, punny names of these creative recipes.
You have tot, ummm I mean, got to check out TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE!
May 19, 2018
A cookbook all about potato tots? How could I not want to read this book?! 50 different recipes for a freezer staple in my house is just what I need!
TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE opens with a short, to the point introduction from author Dan Whalen, about his research into the world of tots.
There are just five chapters in this book of potato tot goodness, but they are packed with information and recipes covering from the basics – a sort of Tots 101, to dessert tots. Yes, you read that correctly. Dessert tots!
TOTS! has a simple, easy to follow design. The recipes pages are straightforward with no illustrations. There aren’t photos for each recipe, but the ones included are full color, beautifully done, and made me hungry.
There are 160 pages of information, including a fun tot timeline, from when they started to what they are today, and recipes like Homemade Tots, Rosemary Truffle Tots, Tots Poutine, Spinach-Tot Dip, Cheeseburger Tot Sliders, Deviled Tots, Tots Benedict, Chicken and Tot-Waffles, Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese, Totsgiving Stuffing, Apple Tot Crunch, Salted Caramel Tot Cookies, and many more!
Overall, I enjoyed TOTS!, and have found many dishes that will be instant hits in my home. Will you read the word ‘tots’ a lot? You sure will! But go with it, and enjoy the funny, punny names of these creative recipes.
You have tot, ummm I mean, got to check out TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE!
TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE opens with a short, to the point introduction from author Dan Whalen, about his research into the world of tots.
There are just five chapters in this book of potato tot goodness, but they are packed with information and recipes covering from the basics – a sort of Tots 101, to dessert tots. Yes, you read that correctly. Dessert tots!
TOTS! has a simple, easy to follow design. The recipes pages are straightforward with no illustrations. There aren’t photos for each recipe, but the ones included are full color, beautifully done, and made me hungry.
There are 160 pages of information, including a fun tot timeline, from when they started to what they are today, and recipes like Homemade Tots, Rosemary Truffle Tots, Tots Poutine, Spinach-Tot Dip, Cheeseburger Tot Sliders, Deviled Tots, Tots Benedict, Chicken and Tot-Waffles, Mac ‘N’ Tot ‘N’ Cheese, Totsgiving Stuffing, Apple Tot Crunch, Salted Caramel Tot Cookies, and many more!
Overall, I enjoyed TOTS!, and have found many dishes that will be instant hits in my home. Will you read the word ‘tots’ a lot? You sure will! But go with it, and enjoy the funny, punny names of these creative recipes.
You have tot, ummm I mean, got to check out TOTS! TOT-ALLY AWESOME RECIPES FROM TACHOS TO SWEET PO-TOT-O PIE!
January 7, 2018
I recieved a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Tots! Who doesnt love tater tots?! This recipe book starts with directions to make your own tots and moves on to the simple and delicious! Personally I don't think I'll be making my own tots, but that's just me. There's also recipes for dipping sauces, appetizers and desserts!
My favorite recipes from this book:
Cacio E Pepe Tots, Garlic and chive tots (I'd probably add onion or onion powder at least for an added flavor), Buffalo Tots and Tot-al Eclairs of the heart!
Can't wait till I can buy a paperback copy of this book!
Tots! Who doesnt love tater tots?! This recipe book starts with directions to make your own tots and moves on to the simple and delicious! Personally I don't think I'll be making my own tots, but that's just me. There's also recipes for dipping sauces, appetizers and desserts!
My favorite recipes from this book:
Cacio E Pepe Tots, Garlic and chive tots (I'd probably add onion or onion powder at least for an added flavor), Buffalo Tots and Tot-al Eclairs of the heart!
Can't wait till I can buy a paperback copy of this book!
September 26, 2017
This is, for my opinion of course, the most creative idea for cooking. Tots.... and you said all. Book with beautiful receipts, ways of cooking, lots of spices, with vegetables, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, shells, chicken, eggs, fish, tots like waffles, like famous breakfasts, tots like pizza, tots with apples, like churros and donuts... and on the top, photographs which make you hungry immediately... With one word, book full with delicious wonders of cooking tots. Well done!
October 25, 2018
Gained 5 lbs just by reading this book - it's too good!
May 16, 2018
Described as “little balls of potato magic”, “Tater Tots” are the ultimate leftover. Tots! is dedicated to the myriad ways you can eat a potato tot.
Many people grew up enjoying the potato tot, but even those who have never heard of it maybe find a new taste delight here. Whether you choose to make your own or buy them, you will find a recipe for all occasions.
After a very brief introduction, the book is divided into five chapters:
Tot Basics
Tot’Petizer‘s: Small Bites With Big Flavor
Tot O’ The Morning To You: Tots At The Breakfast Table
Tot-Ally Satisfying: Tots In The Main Attraction
Sweet Tots For Your Sweet Tooth: Tots Do Dessert
Starting with Choosing Your Tots, Tot Basics explains the different kinds of tots. This also includes a quick defrosting frozen tots tip.
Moving on to Cooking Your Tots, the pan fry, deep fry, and baked options are discussed. If you want Homemade Tots, two recipes are provided for both potato and veggie versions.
Rounding out the end of the Tot Basics chapter are several easy recipes for Seasonings, Sauces, And Dips.
Each of the recipes throughout the book includes a brief description, serving size, and easy to read instructions. Several also include variations or notes in order to refine or personalize the recipe.
Several of the recipes throughout the book include a lovely full-page picture. There is even a timeline of potato tots Included.
Funny And Innovative
The author’s sense of humor is delightful. Throughout the book, it is on full display, as evidenced by simply looking at the chapter names.
Having been one of those people who did not grow up on potato tots, I found all of this new and interesting. I’ll probably start out with store-bought, but I will definitely want to try some of the recipes with homemade as well.
The one thing I found very surprising was the recipe for eclairs. It never occurred to me that you could make them with potatoes.
See the full review and the recipe for Cheeseburger Tot Sliders at The RecipesNow! Reviews And Recipes Magazine. This review is written in response to a complimentary hard copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.
Many people grew up enjoying the potato tot, but even those who have never heard of it maybe find a new taste delight here. Whether you choose to make your own or buy them, you will find a recipe for all occasions.
After a very brief introduction, the book is divided into five chapters:
Tot Basics
Tot’Petizer‘s: Small Bites With Big Flavor
Tot O’ The Morning To You: Tots At The Breakfast Table
Tot-Ally Satisfying: Tots In The Main Attraction
Sweet Tots For Your Sweet Tooth: Tots Do Dessert
Starting with Choosing Your Tots, Tot Basics explains the different kinds of tots. This also includes a quick defrosting frozen tots tip.
Moving on to Cooking Your Tots, the pan fry, deep fry, and baked options are discussed. If you want Homemade Tots, two recipes are provided for both potato and veggie versions.
Rounding out the end of the Tot Basics chapter are several easy recipes for Seasonings, Sauces, And Dips.
Each of the recipes throughout the book includes a brief description, serving size, and easy to read instructions. Several also include variations or notes in order to refine or personalize the recipe.
Several of the recipes throughout the book include a lovely full-page picture. There is even a timeline of potato tots Included.
Funny And Innovative
The author’s sense of humor is delightful. Throughout the book, it is on full display, as evidenced by simply looking at the chapter names.
Having been one of those people who did not grow up on potato tots, I found all of this new and interesting. I’ll probably start out with store-bought, but I will definitely want to try some of the recipes with homemade as well.
The one thing I found very surprising was the recipe for eclairs. It never occurred to me that you could make them with potatoes.
See the full review and the recipe for Cheeseburger Tot Sliders at The RecipesNow! Reviews And Recipes Magazine. This review is written in response to a complimentary hard copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.
November 21, 2019
Got this from the library and in the last 2 weeks have made 2 recipes from it, both dinner, both way above average.
Spoiler: The tater tots are a gimmick. They make the recipes better, but even without the tots these recipes would be a 5/5.
My only complaint? There are only a handful of dinnertime recipes. A couple of the breakfast recipes sound good except I've never seen the giant monster tot's he talks about. I could make do with the smaller tot patties from my local mega mart, and might just do that some day. I'll never make the desserts, and the appetizers, hmmm, maybe for a pot luck. Gotta admit tho, adding a tater tot to a Jalapeno popper sounds tasty as hell, even as I envision my arteries slamming shut.
Spoiler: The tater tots are a gimmick. They make the recipes better, but even without the tots these recipes would be a 5/5.
My only complaint? There are only a handful of dinnertime recipes. A couple of the breakfast recipes sound good except I've never seen the giant monster tot's he talks about. I could make do with the smaller tot patties from my local mega mart, and might just do that some day. I'll never make the desserts, and the appetizers, hmmm, maybe for a pot luck. Gotta admit tho, adding a tater tot to a Jalapeno popper sounds tasty as hell, even as I envision my arteries slamming shut.
September 26, 2017
This cookbook made me soooooooo hungry! The pictures are beautiful and I was very pleasantly surprised at how many ways I have not eaten tater tots (but now I really want to try them all). The author is truly passionate about tots and has put a lot of thought into these recipes. It really is mind-boggling how many ways he manages to use tater tots. Much like how people treated sunny side up eggs, I'm starting to think any dish can be improved with some tater tot action. This is a really fun book.
September 30, 2017
This is a fun unique cookbook. Lots of unusual and tasty recipes using the tater tot. Starts with appetizers and finishes with believe it or not desserts! Who knew you could make cookies with tater tots. I liked the easy to follow recipes and directions, you will have almost everything on hand to make these recipes which is always a plus. I do wish they would have put more pictures of the finished recipes in the book. It is always nice to see what it looks like. If you like making quick easy and fulfilling recipes, you will like this cookbook.
May 14, 2018
Here in the UK we have Potato Croquets, in the States you go further and produce masterpieces such as these!
I know which I prefer.
The convenience of a frozen vegetable that won't take long to prepare and serve, plus the different flavours to ring the changes at mealtimes, make this a "product genius!"
Nothing else to say really!
Will be trying the recipes very soon.
Very highly recommended.
I'm grateful to Workman Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this tasty book.
I know which I prefer.
The convenience of a frozen vegetable that won't take long to prepare and serve, plus the different flavours to ring the changes at mealtimes, make this a "product genius!"
Nothing else to say really!
Will be trying the recipes very soon.
Very highly recommended.
I'm grateful to Workman Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this tasty book.
June 9, 2018
I still can't believe this cookbook is a thing, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to put some tater tots in my waffle iron because that idea sounds great. I also liked the ideas for different dipping sauces and canapés. I definitely felt inspired to go buy a bag of tots at the grocery store.
November 16, 2017
I received a copy from the publisher of this book in exchange for a review, via the page NetGalley.
TOTS – by Dan Whalen
This book is all about Tots. Every reciepe calls for them. If you are from Australia (like myself) you will know them under the name Potato Gems, or Potato Royals. At the beginning of the book the author describes the best ways to cook them so that they are golden and crunchy and not soggy or undercooked. And there is some recipes for those that want to make their own tots too. Who would think there could be so many receipes that call for Tots, let alone 50 of them. By the time you get to the end of the book, you will be like me, diving into the deep freezer searching for a pack of Tots so you can try out one (or two) of the delicious recipes.
The book devides the receipes into sections so that you can easily find the recipe you are after. Starting with some delicious sauces and dips, breakfast, appetisers, mains, and desserts. Some of the cheesey sauces sound devine and delish. I love the Totcho’s receipe the best and definitely will be cooking this one.
What surprised me was the sweet recipes (who’d thought you could make a dessert out of a tot?) and the one that took my fancy was the salted caramel cookies. This looks like something my family would enjoy. Other desserts include, donuts and sweet pies. But I am not sure if I would fancy those one as much as the cookies.
A really good recipe book full of lots of yummy dishes and I look forward to trying some of them. Certainly opened my eyes on just how much you can make from one lot of tots.
TOTS – by Dan Whalen
This book is all about Tots. Every reciepe calls for them. If you are from Australia (like myself) you will know them under the name Potato Gems, or Potato Royals. At the beginning of the book the author describes the best ways to cook them so that they are golden and crunchy and not soggy or undercooked. And there is some recipes for those that want to make their own tots too. Who would think there could be so many receipes that call for Tots, let alone 50 of them. By the time you get to the end of the book, you will be like me, diving into the deep freezer searching for a pack of Tots so you can try out one (or two) of the delicious recipes.
The book devides the receipes into sections so that you can easily find the recipe you are after. Starting with some delicious sauces and dips, breakfast, appetisers, mains, and desserts. Some of the cheesey sauces sound devine and delish. I love the Totcho’s receipe the best and definitely will be cooking this one.
What surprised me was the sweet recipes (who’d thought you could make a dessert out of a tot?) and the one that took my fancy was the salted caramel cookies. This looks like something my family would enjoy. Other desserts include, donuts and sweet pies. But I am not sure if I would fancy those one as much as the cookies.
A really good recipe book full of lots of yummy dishes and I look forward to trying some of them. Certainly opened my eyes on just how much you can make from one lot of tots.
April 19, 2018
From types of tots to the best way to achieve perfect crunchiness to using them for dessert, Tots!: A Cookbook by Dan Whalen has something for everyone.
My son, a lover of tots, and I tried several of the recipes. While we enjoyed the exploration, I don’t know that I’d make every recipe again. My son loved the Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese. I loved Tot Nachos and the amazing variety of breakfast recipes using tots. The entire family enjoyed the tot jalapeno poppers.
I doubt that I will ever try to make my own tots from scratch, but I can see my son and his friends giving that a try. I loved the helpful hints on creating the perfect crunch when cooking prepackaged tots. This is such a fun cookbook, and it might inspire a few teens to learn to cook and experiment in the kitchen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
My son, a lover of tots, and I tried several of the recipes. While we enjoyed the exploration, I don’t know that I’d make every recipe again. My son loved the Monster Tot Bacon Grilled Cheese. I loved Tot Nachos and the amazing variety of breakfast recipes using tots. The entire family enjoyed the tot jalapeno poppers.
I doubt that I will ever try to make my own tots from scratch, but I can see my son and his friends giving that a try. I loved the helpful hints on creating the perfect crunch when cooking prepackaged tots. This is such a fun cookbook, and it might inspire a few teens to learn to cook and experiment in the kitchen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Workman Publishing Company via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
August 21, 2018
TOTS! is a creative cookbook that helps take one of the most beloved snack foods to all sorts of unique places.
The cookbook contains the three basic cooking instructions for tater tots of all kinds. It also has a section on how to make your own tater tots, as well as veggie tots.
Then come the exciting recipes. There's a section on sauces for dipping, one on appetizers made with tater tots, one on using tater tots to complete main dishes, and one on dessert tater tot use...some of the combinations are not things I ever would have thought of but were definitely fun to try out.
I would buy this book for every parent in my life trying to get their kids to try more variety (because who doesn't want something that has tater tots in it)...using favorite foods mixed in with unique ones is a good way to do that.
Also, as someone trying to eat healthier and missing some of my favorite "snack foods", the recipes for making veggie tots were helpful and healthy.
The cookbook contains the three basic cooking instructions for tater tots of all kinds. It also has a section on how to make your own tater tots, as well as veggie tots.
Then come the exciting recipes. There's a section on sauces for dipping, one on appetizers made with tater tots, one on using tater tots to complete main dishes, and one on dessert tater tot use...some of the combinations are not things I ever would have thought of but were definitely fun to try out.
I would buy this book for every parent in my life trying to get their kids to try more variety (because who doesn't want something that has tater tots in it)...using favorite foods mixed in with unique ones is a good way to do that.
Also, as someone trying to eat healthier and missing some of my favorite "snack foods", the recipes for making veggie tots were helpful and healthy.
November 19, 2017
A tot revival has been happening in restaurants across the country with tots substituting for tortilla chips as the foundation for nachos. Whalen’s book creatively expands this culinary trend for the home, liberating tots from the frozen food aisle and bringing them back to the home kitchen with a variety of tasty toppings. Whalen’s recipes for making tots from scratch and cooking them to perfection are new and remarkably doable. The tot toppings go well beyond cheese, bacon, and sour cream, to explore international cuisines. These tots are drool-worthy and gorgeously photographed. Remarkably, there’s even a section on sweet tots! This is a specialty cookbook that delivers.
Read
November 2, 2017I received an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Tots! is a short book containing some honestly inventive and fun tot-based recipes. My daughter and I went through this book yesterday, and she loved it. Honestly it's just a fun book. The material is well written, our only complaint was that we wished it had more images in the digital version we had. All in all, I understand that our copy was not the final publishing version and can't say that the images played in any negative way for review purposes.
June 22, 2018
I am all about the quick and easy recipes. As crazy and hectic as my life is, the easier the better. Plus, TATER TOTS! I love Tater Tots. During the days of financial struggle in my house, Tater Tot casserole was the best night of the week. We loved experimenting with different flavors each week and it was a cheap and filling meal. With Tots:A Cookbook, we get so many different recipes and ways to cook a Tot. They even have a recipe at the beginning to make Tots from scratch. SCORE! Definitely keeping this handy in the kitchen!
December 17, 2017
Tater tots are my comfort food, my go to late night meal and snack and while I have always been a fan of sprinkling them with truffle salt, my eyes have now been completely opened to the endless possibility of the tots. From savory to sweet at every meal time of the day plus a recipe to make them from scratch, this book will nourish cravings you didn’t even know you had.
October 11, 2017
I loved how the author really researched to find fun new ways to make tots. I would definitely try some of these recipes and would love to see them on pintrest. I like that the amount of ingredients is reasonable and affordable.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
August 31, 2018
#NetGalley
A friendly and innovative way to improve receptions, the tots are tasteful and easy to made. With 50 recipes, it is impossible to get bored. Yummy!
A friendly and innovative way to improve receptions, the tots are tasteful and easy to made. With 50 recipes, it is impossible to get bored. Yummy!
February 23, 2018
Do you love Tots? Not only are the recipes simple and delicious, but the pictures are mouth-watering! Dan Whalen gives easy-to-follow recipes with accessible ingredients. Having never used a cookbook based solely on tots, I was more than happy to read/review an ARC which NetGalley provided. From appetizers to desserts for every meal or snack of the day, this cookbook has recipes galore. Tots are quickly becoming the bacon and avocado toast of the culinary world. Grab a copy for yourself – it's tot-ally fantastic!
May 13, 2018
Ever wondered what you could do with that half a bag of tator tots growing ice crystals in your freezer? This book has over 50 recipes with tator tots as the main ingredient. There are recipes for everything from appetizers to desserts made with Tator Tots. This is a great cookbook for families with small kids, for college students, and just people who want quick easy and tasty recipes.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2018
This book was delightful! I never knew you could do so much with tots and the recipes look so fun to try out. I attempted two these didn't quite match up with the pics but for first attempts I was pretty proud of myself and it definitely didn't discount from the awesome taste.
Would recommend to anyone who loves tots. Quick and easy read.
Would recommend to anyone who loves tots. Quick and easy read.
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