I like making these homemade carrot potato tots when I want a simple snack that is both comforting and nutritious. The combination of soft potatoes, naturally sweet carrots, and melted cheese creates tender bite-sized tots that bake beautifully in the oven. I enjoy preparing them because they use only a few basic ingredients while still delivering great flavor and texture. These veggie tots are perfect for kids, quick snacks, or light side dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 medium potato (about 200 g)
2 medium carrots (about 150–200 g)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Directions
I start by peeling the potato and carrots, then I cut them into small chunks so they cook faster and more evenly.
I steam the potato and carrot pieces for about 10 to 12 minutes until they become very soft and easy to mash.
After steaming, I transfer the vegetables to a bowl and mash them thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Next, I add the shredded cheese to the mashed vegetables and mix everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed.
I scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them with my hands into small oval or cylindrical tot shapes.
I place the shaped tots on a baking tray lined with parchment paper so they do not stick.
I bake them in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through baking so they cook evenly and become lightly golden.
Once baked, I let the tots cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape better.
Servings and timing
I prepare this recipe in about 35 minutes total. The preparation takes around 10 minutes, while the baking time is about 25 minutes.
This recipe makes approximately 3 servings and works well as a snack, appetizer, or light side dish.
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to give the tots a little extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also work nicely.
Another variation I enjoy is swapping the cheese. Mozzarella gives the tots a softer texture, while cheddar adds a stronger flavor.
For a slightly crispier texture, I occasionally coat the shaped tots lightly with breadcrumbs before baking.
I also like adding other vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potato to change the flavor and add more nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover carrot potato tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When I want to reheat them, I place them in the oven at about 180°C (350°F) for 5 to 8 minutes so they become warm and slightly crisp again. I can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
If I plan to store them longer, I freeze the baked tots in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I reheat them directly from frozen in the oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these tots without cheese?
I can make them without cheese, but the cheese helps bind the mixture and adds flavor. If I remove it, I sometimes add a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs to help the tots hold their shape.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
I often cook them in an air fryer at around 180°C (350°F) for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly.
How do I keep the tots from falling apart?
I make sure the vegetables are mashed well and the mixture is not too wet. Letting the shaped tots rest for a few minutes before baking also helps them hold together.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
I sometimes prepare the mashed vegetable mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, I shape the tots and bake them fresh.
Are these suitable for toddlers or babies?
I find these tots great for toddlers because they are soft and easy to hold. I simply let them cool well before serving and ensure the pieces are an appropriate size.
Conclusion
I enjoy making homemade carrot potato tots because they are simple, wholesome, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, I can create a snack that feels comforting while still including nutritious vegetables. Whether I serve them as a snack, side dish, or lunchbox treat, these baked veggie tots always come out delicious and satisfying.
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Carrot Potato Tots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade carrot potato tots are a simple baked snack made with soft potatoes, naturally sweet carrots, and melted cheese. They bake into tender, lightly golden bite-sized tots that are perfect for kids, snacks, or a light side dish.
Ingredients
1 medium potato (about 200 g), peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots (about 150–200 g), peeled and chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Peel the potato and carrots, then cut them into small chunks for faster and even cooking.
- Steam the potato and carrot pieces for 10–12 minutes until very soft.
- Transfer the steamed vegetables to a bowl and mash thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into small oval or cylindrical tot shapes using your hands.
- Place the shaped tots on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly golden.
- Let the tots cool slightly before serving so they hold their shape better.
Notes
Add garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.
Mozzarella creates a softer texture while cheddar gives a stronger flavor.
For a crispier texture, lightly coat shaped tots with breadcrumbs before baking.
You can add vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato for variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes or in an air fryer until warm and crisp.
Freeze baked tots for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
If making without cheese, add about 1 tablespoon flour or breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4–5 tots)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
