Tots & Cheese

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oven to 450° F. Add the tots to a rimmed sheet tray. Bake for about 25 minutes until very colorful and crisp.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium pot. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Add a splash of milk. Whisk until smooth. Another splash. Whisk. Repeat this until you've added all the milk. Continue to cook-whisking constantly but slowly-until the bechamel is thick enough to coat a spoon and the whisk leaves a trail. Add half the grated cheese, plus the salt and mustard. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary (just remember, the tots are salty!).
3. 3
   When the tots are done, remove from the oven. Turn on the broiler. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the tots and use a rubber spatula to smooth out. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Slider under the broiler. Depending on your oven, you may need to rotate the sheet pan to encourage evenness-the goal is bubbly and browned.
4. 4
   Let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot.