National Tator Tot Day

Plate of crispy tater tots, surrounded by smiling children, picnic setting with colorful balloons and sunny weather.. — National tator tot day illustration

Hey there, tater tot lovers! Are you ready to indulge in some crunchy, golden goodness? Well, get your taste buds ready because today we're celebrating National Tater Tot Day!

When is Tator Tot Day?

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

The Birth of Tater Tots

Picture this: It's a chilly night in 1953, and you find yourself in a diner in sunny Oregon. You're craving something warm and comforting, something that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Enter the genius of the Grigg brothers, Nephi and Golden. These innovative entrepreneurs decided to transform leftover cuttings from their frozen french fry production into bite-sized treats.

And just like that, the tater tot was born! With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, these little potato nuggets quickly became a hit among diners across the nation.

Tater Tots Take Over the Internet

Fast forward to the age of the internet, where food enthusiasts from all walks of life gather to share their love for culinary creations. Social media platforms, recipe websites, and food blogs exploded with tater tot recipes, showcasing the versatility of this humble potato dish.

From classic tater tot casserole to spicy tater tot nachos, the internet is a treasure trove of mouthwatering tater tot recipes. And let's not forget the countless memes and GIFs dedicated to proclaiming one's undying love for these golden wonders.

Celebrating National Tater Tot Day

On National Tater Tot Day, it's time to honor these scrumptious treats and indulge in their deliciousness. Whether you decide to whip up some homemade tater tots or head out to your favorite diner for a tater tot extravaganza, this is the perfect day to satisfy your potato cravings.

And don't forget to share your tater tot adventures on social media using the hashtag #NationalTaterTotDay. Join the online community of tater tot enthusiasts and spread the love for these perfectly crispy and oh-so-satisfying bites!

History behind the term 'Tator Tot'

1953

Creation of the Tator Tot

In 1953, the Tator Tot was created by the Ore-Ida company. Tator Tots were invented as a creative way to use up the leftover scraps from the production of their popular French fries. The grated and fried little potato nuggets were an instant hit, and a new culinary sensation was born.

1956

Name change to 'Tater Tots'

Originally marketed as 'Tator Tots,' the name was later changed to 'Tater Tots' to reflect the colloquial pronunciation of 'potato.' This change aimed to make the product more relatable and easy to remember for consumers. The name 'Tater Tots' quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with the beloved crunchy potato snack.

1984

Tater Tots become a cultural icon

By the 1980s, Tater Tots had firmly established themselves as a cultural icon in American cuisine. Their deliciously crispy texture and versatile nature made them a favorite side dish for many families. Tater Tots were not only a staple in school cafeterias but also gained popularity in fast food chains, diners, and home kitchens across the country.

2004

National Tater Tot Day

In 2004, National Tater Tot Day was established to honor and celebrate this beloved potato creation. Observed on February 2nd, the day has become an opportunity for Tater Tot enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite snack and share their love for these crispy delights on social media. Tater Tot recipes and creative twists on this classic dish often take the spotlight on this special day.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Tater Tot Hotdish is the official state casserole of Minnesota? Yep, you heard that right! In 2018, the Minnesota State Legislature officially recognized the Tater Tot Hotdish as a beloved culinary staple that represents the state's comfort food culture. So, if you find yourself in Minnesota, make sure to give this iconic dish a try!