If you’re holding strong to your new years’ resolutions, then turn away now because these dynamite tater tots are going to make you throw that playbook out the window. However, if you’re giving yourself some grace and are ready for one kick-ass appetizer, read on!
We’re hitting the lowest temps of the season around these parts, so I thought it was time to revisit the warmth…or at last warm thoughts from this fall’s trip to Hawaii with a throwback snack that I had more that one time on that visit.
Now, let me be frank – Hawaiian food….wasn’t good. I had high hopes of acai and poke bowls (both delish) and fresh everything upon arrival and while we did eat these things, we did go out of our way to find authentic Hawaiian food. Taking tips from locals, we sampled some traditional eats and I’m almost embarrassed to say that I was not a fan. My brother disagreed, though really only slightly.
I pride myself on being easy to please when it comes to food. Melon and raisins are the only things that I flat out won’t eat, but everything else…I could be convinced. However, one bite of squid and beef luau made me think I was eating mud, and frankly…one bite was enough. Same goes for poi. Sorry, Hawaii.
Don’t worry, I found more than enough things that I did like to eat, however inauthentic they may seemed. This recipe was one, and while it doesn’t seem like THE most original recipe, I’m pulling these dynamite tater tots straight from my travels here, with one slight modification.
Tater tots.
You guys KNOW I love my french fries. So much, and did I think that they could be improved up any more than adding malt vinegar or garlic aioli? Not really, but the flavor combo of dynamite fries, which we saw on more than one menu, would have never crossed my mind. The best version goes like this:
hot, crispy and perfectly cooked french fries
melty nacho-style cheese
drizzle of spicy aioli (I like kimchi flavored, homemade or store bought)
It’s possible that I’d never though of this combo because I’d never really heard of, let alone eaten, furikake seasoning. Turns out, it’s amazing, and I stocked up on a few bottles to bring home as souvenirs, for both myself and others. I can’t wait to see what this little jar can do.
But for now, back to the tots. I swapped fries for tots here because who doesn’t like tots?! No friend of mine and since I had some left the freezer, I figured I’d start here. Cook those babies up, and drizzle them with the cheese, aioli and finish off with the furikake. It’s not a real recipe, but I say, sometimes, those are the best. Amiright?
Dynamite Tater Tots
Dynamite tater tots are crispy fried potatoes topped with melted cheese, spicy aioli and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for the perfect savory snack.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen tater tots
- 1 container nacho-style cheese dip
- 1/4-1/2 cup spicy aioli
- furikae seasoning, to taste
Directions
- Step 1 Cook the tater tots according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Step 2 To serve, drizzle with the nacho cheese, dot with the aioli and sprinkle with the furikake seasoning. Serve immediately.
