Description
These loaded tater tot cups are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for parties, game days, or quick snacks. Made with frozen tater tots, melted cheese, bacon bits, and tangy sour cream, this easy-to-make appetizer is a crowd favorite. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a fun, bite-sized snack that disappears fast!
Ingredients
Scale
- 48–60 frozen tater tots (one 16-oz bag)
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced (green part only)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the muffin pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a muffin pan with nonstick spray to ensure the tater tots do not stick.
- Arrange the tater tots: Place 4 to 5 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup, depending on the size of your muffin tin. Position them so they are evenly distributed.
- Bake to soften: Transfer the muffin pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The tots should be softened but not fully cooked at this stage.
- Form the tater tot cups: Using a shot glass or a small juice glass, press down firmly on the softened tots in each muffin cup. Twist slightly to mold them into a cup shape, ensuring the edges are well-formed.
- Crisp the tater tot cups: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This step ensures that the cups hold their shape.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into each tater tot cup. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings and serve: Let the tater tot cups cool slightly before adding a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the tater tots for an additional 2-3 minutes before pressing them into cups. If making ahead, store the pre-baked cups in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 400°F before serving. If you prefer a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tater tot cup
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 208mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 13mg