Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Name: Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48-60 frozen tater tots (16 oz bag); ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 green onions, sliced (green part only); Non-stick cooking spray

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I still remember the first time I hosted a game night at my place. I wanted to serve something fun, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with my friends. That’s when I discovered the magic of loaded tater tot cups. With their crispy edges, cheesy center, and flavorful toppings, they quickly became the star of the night.

This easy sheet pan dinner-style appetizer is perfect for beginners because it requires minimal prep, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun side dish, these lemon herb chicken recipe-inspired flavors will leave everyone asking for more.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Effortless Yet Impressive

These tater tot appetizer cups are incredibly easy to make but look like something straight out of a restaurant. The secret? Using frozen tater tots as the base, which eliminates the need for complicated dough or crusts.

Customizable and Fun

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can load these cups with your favorite toppings, from classic bacon and cheese to spicy jalapeños or even BBQ chicken.

Perfect for Parties

No need to worry about serving utensils or messy dips—these handheld delights are the ultimate party snack. Plus, they stay warm for a while, making them ideal for gatherings, game nights, or even holiday celebrations.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making these loaded tater tot appetizer cups a delicious, crispy, and cheesy treat.

Frozen tater tots – These serve as the crispy, golden base of the cups. No need for fresh potatoes—frozen tots work perfectly.
Cheddar cheese – Adds a rich, melty goodness. For extra flavor, try pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda.
Sour cream – Provides a tangy contrast to the crispy tots. You can swap this for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Cooked bacon bits – Brings a smoky crunch. Vegetarian? Use crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms.
Green onions or chives – A fresh, slightly sharp finish to balance the flavors.

Alternative Toppings: Try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Bake the Tater Tots

Place 4-5 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup, arranging them to cover the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Shape the Cups

Remove from the oven and, using a shot glass or small cup, press the tater tots down firmly to create a cup shape. The edges should rise slightly to hold the fillings.

Step 4: Crisp the Tater Tot Cups

Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cups turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Fill with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese into each cup. Place the pan back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cups cool for a few minutes. Then, top each cup with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

Crispier Cups: For extra crunch, bake the tater tots an extra 5 minutes before shaping them.
Keeping Them Warm: If making in advance, keep the cups warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) until serving.
No Muffin Tin? No problem! You can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and mold the tots using your hands or a spatula.

Serving Suggestions

These loaded tater tot cups pair perfectly with:

Dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Fresh salads to balance the richness of the tots.

Grilled or baked lemon herb chicken for a hearty meal.

Storage Tips:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry for 5 minutes at 375°F to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably satisfying about these quick and healthy meal-inspired loaded tater tot appetizer cups. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Have you tried making these yet? Let me know in the comments what toppings you used, or share your own creative variations!

FAQ About Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the tater tot cups in advance, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes before adding toppings.

How do I make these crispier?

For extra crispy tater tot cups, bake the tots for an additional 5 minutes before pressing them into the muffin tin. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged cheese also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

Yes! You can arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet, shape them into small clusters with the back of a spoon, and bake until crisp. They won’t have the same cup shape but will still hold toppings well.

What are some topping variations?

Get creative with your toppings! Try shredded BBQ chicken, pulled pork, caramelized onions, diced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor.

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