Tater tots were first created in 1953 in the Ore-Ida facility when the founders wanted to figure out what to do with the chopped-up bits of potato that were leftover. They mixed up the bits of potato with flour and seasoning and formed them into cylinders. They deep-fried cylinders then froze and packaged them for sale. At first, they were not a very popular item. However, when they increased the price it suddenly became more desirable. Now tater tots are a familiar favorite potato recipe for many different occasions!