Smoked Salmon Tater Tot Waffles

I know, it sounds a little crazy – but it’s a great way to put that waffle iron to use – which honestly has been collecting dust for who knows how long…(not judging). You can serve each waffle topped with salmon as a breakfast item, or like I did at my last Christmas party (2020), you can make the tot waffles, cut them into quarters, top accordingly and serve as canapés.

Don’t let smoked salmon be the end of your tater tot waffle options either. You could put together a lovely eggs Benedict, or top them with last nights pot roast and gravy, or wait for it: get crazy and make a tot waffle bar.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good shmear and lox – but here I like to go light and fresh. I make a lemon mint vinaigrette and serve on the side so you can top accordingly to your preference. Nothing says you can’t skip that, and whip up some sour cream and chives, have red onion and capers on the ready as a topper as well – the possibilities are endless.

Smoked Salmon Tater Tot Waffles – 4 waffles

1 bag Tater Tots, in the refrigerator overnight

0.5 lbs of your favorite fresh smoked salmon

1/2 cup mint

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup olive oil

Arrange tater tots in an even layer across the waffle iron. Press down on the lid to close and lock. Heat waffle iron to the highest setting. Cook per waffle setting for dark waffles, it takes 8-12 minutes to get an extra-crispy waffle. Depending on the size of your waffle iron, you may need to keep them warm while you continue to prepare additional waffles: as waffles are cooked to desired texture, place on a baking sheet, and keep warm in the oven. Continue making waffles.

While waffles are cooking, prepare the vinaigrette. Whisk together lemon zest, juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes and olive oil.

Once the waffles are cooked to your preferred crispiness, serve whole or cut into quarters. To serve, top each waffle with a generous serving of smoked salmon, and vinaigrette on the side if preferred.

Happy Cooking! Bon appétit!