National Tater Tot Day

A joyful person holding a plate of Tater Tots, wearing a cozy sweater, in a vintage-inspired diner setting.. — National tater tot day illustration

Get ready to celebrate one of the most glorious creations in the world of comfort food - National Tater Tot Day! This scrumptious holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in these crispy and delectable bites of potato goodness. So grab your appetite and let's dive into the tantalizing history of Tater Tots!

When is Tater Tot Day?

It's national tater tot day on the 2nd February.

A Brief History of Tater Tots

Contrary to popular belief, Tater Tots did not spontaneously appear from the land of potatoes. They were actually invented by two ingenious brothers from Oregon, Nephi and Golden Grigg. In the early 1950s, they set out on a mission to create a solution for leftover bits of potatoes from their frozen French fry business. After much experimentation, they came up with the perfect solution: finely grated and seasoned potatoes, molded into bite-sized cylinders, and deep-fried to golden perfection.

Initially, the Grigg brothers named their invention 'Potato Buddies,' but it was the folks at the ORE-IDA company who officially christened them as 'Tater Tots' in 1956. Since then, these glorious tots have become a beloved staple in households, cafeterias, and fast-food joints across the nation, bringing joy to potato enthusiasts of all ages.

How to Celebrate National Tater Tot Day

For National Tater Tot Day, there are endless possibilities for celebration. You could start your day with a Tater Tot breakfast casserole or whip up some cheesy Tater Tot nachos for lunch. If you're feeling fancy, you can even pair them with a juicy burger for dinner. And don't forget the dipping sauces! Whether you prefer ketchup, ranch, or something more adventurous, Tater Tots are the perfect vehicle for culinary creativity.

Another fantastic way to celebrate this glorious day is by hosting a Tater Tot eating contest. Gather your friends and see who can devour the most tots in a set time limit. It's a guaranteed recipe for belly laughter and full tummies. And for the competitive souls out there, there's always the option to create your own Tater Tot masterpiece and enter it into a local cooking competition.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Tater Tot Hotdish is a famous casserole dish in the Midwest? It's a delightful mixture of Tater Tots, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and various veggies, all baked to bubbly perfection. It may not be the healthiest dish, but it sure is a crowd-pleaser!

History behind the term 'Tater Tot'

Tater tots invented in 1953.

The Birth of Tater Tots

In 1953, the term 'tater tot' was coined with the invention of this beloved food. Tater tots are small cylindrical potato bites made from grated or finely chopped potatoes. They were created by Ore-Ida, a frozen potato product company based in the United States. The founders of Ore-Ida, F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, developed tater tots as a way to repurpose the leftover bits of mashed potatoes from their French fry production. This ingenious idea gave rise to an iconic comfort food that would later become a staple in cafeterias and households across the nation.

Tater tots gain popularity in the 1960s.

Rise of the Tater Tots

During the 1960s, tater tots gained immense popularity due to their convenience and delicious taste. They quickly became a favorite among families, schools, and fast-food chains. The bite-sized nature of tater tots made them perfect for dipping, resulting in their integration into various dishes and recipes. With its crispy exterior and fluffy interior, tater tots became a beloved side dish, snack, and ingredient in casseroles and breakfast offerings.

Tater tots become a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s.

Tots Take Center Stage

In the 1980s, tater tots experienced a surge in popularity, firmly establishing themselves as a cultural phenomenon. The iconic 1982 comedy film 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' showcased a memorable scene featuring a character ordering tater tots in a school cafeteria. This cinematic moment further propelled tater tots into the public eye, solidifying their place in popular culture. From that point forward, tater tots were no longer just a side dish; they had become a symbol of nostalgia and comfort.

The 'National Tater Tot Day' recognized in 2010.

Celebrating Tater Tots

In 2010, the 'National Tater Tot Day' was established, designating February 2nd as a day to celebrate and indulge in this cherished food. This special day recognizes the significant cultural impact of tater tots and encourages individuals to enjoy them in different culinary creations. Whether it's in a casserole, as a side dish, or even in a breakfast burrito, tater tots continue to bring joy and satisfaction to countless people around the world.