Masa Tot

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, Masa Tots are a delightful twist on traditional tot recipes, blending the rich, earthy flavor of masa harina with the gooey goodness of shredded cheese. Seasoned with a savory mix of garlic powder, ground cumin, and a hint of salt, these bite-sized snacks are fried to perfection, boasting a satisfying crunch with every bite. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, these Mexican-inspired tots are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a fun addition to weeknight dinners. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces—think salsa, guacamole, or spicy aioli—for an extra burst of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether for your next fiesta or a cozy night in, these masa tots are a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Masa harina
• 0.75 cup Hot water
• 0.5 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium mixing bowl, combine masa harina, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

Step 2

Gradually pour in hot water while stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough. It should feel pliable but not sticky. Adjust with a little more water or masa harina if needed.

Step 3

Fold in the shredded cheese, evenly distributing it throughout the dough.

Step 4

Using your hands, pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into small cylinders or tot shapes, about 1 inch long. Repeat until all the dough is shaped.

Step 5

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

Step 6

Carefully fry the masa tots in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried tots to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or a spicy aioli.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	832.4 grams (832.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4400

Total Fat 492.40g	631%
Saturated Fat 79.80g	399%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 60mg	20%
Sodium 1891mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 28.20g	10%
Dietary Fiber 2.30g	8%
Total Sugars 0.60g
Protein 17.20g	34%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 487mg	37%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 157mg	3%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 96.1%

Protein: 1.5%

Carbs: 2.4%