Name: Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48-60 frozen tater tots (16-oz bag); 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup sour cream; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 green onions, sliced (green part only)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a fun and tasty party treat that combine crispy tots with melty cheese and savory toppings. Perfect for gatherings, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small round crispy cup made from golden-brown shredded potatoes, forming the cup's base and sides with a crunchy texture. Inside the cup, there is one dollop of white sour cream topped with small pieces of crispy brown bacon and bright green chopped chives. In the background, more of these potato cups filled with similar toppings rest on a white marbled surface, arranged casually in rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48-60 frozen tater tots (16-oz bag)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, sliced (green part only)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spray muffin pan cups with cooking spray.
Step 2: For a mini-sized muffin pan, place 2-3 tater tots in each cup; for a regular-sized muffin pan, place 4-5 tater tots in each cup.
Step 3: Place the muffin pan on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.
Step 4: Spray the bottom of a shot glass or small juice glass with cooking spray. Leaving a small gap between the glass and the muffin cup, gently press and twist the glass into each cup to shape the tater tots into a cup form. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cups are deep golden brown.
Step 5: Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese to each potato cup. Bake for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts. Transfer to a platter and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Top each loaded tater tot cup with sour cream, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon if you want a lighter or meat-free option.
Try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
Make ahead by shaping the cups and refrigerating before baking to save time.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for different flavors.

Storage

Store leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the tots from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several crispy golden cheese cups arranged in rows on a wooden board. Each cup has a crunchy, lacy texture and is filled with a smooth white cream topped with small bits of crispy bacon and green chopped chives. The cheese cups have uneven, wavy edges that curl outward, creating a bowl shape. Scattered small pieces of bacon and chives are sprinkled around the board, adding a touch of color and detail. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a focus on the texture contrast between the crispy cups and creamy filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Frozen tater tots work best for convenience and uniformity, but you could shred and parboil fresh potatoes, then press them into the muffin cups to create a similar effect. Keep in mind the texture and baking time may vary.

How do I prevent the tater tot cups from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly spray your muffin pan cups with cooking spray before adding the tots, and spray the glass you use for shaping as well. This helps release the cup shapes easily after baking.