Tater tots were invented in 1953 by Ore-Ida founders as a way to use up potato scraps left over from processing frozen french fries. The result became one of the most beloved frozen potato products in American history. The tot format has an advantage over the fry: more surface area per piece relative to interior, producing a higher crust-to-potato ratio. When fried correctly tots develop a crispy golden shell around a soft creamy interior. Served with ranch and house ketchup.