Loaded Tater Tot Cups

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Introduction

Loaded Tater Tot Cups are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence, perfect for any occasion. These golden, crispy tater tots are baked into muffin tins to form the perfect cup, then filled with classic loaded potato toppings like gooey melted cheese, crunchy bacon, and a dollop of tangy sour cream. The result is a deliciously satisfying snack that combines crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving game-day snacks, or looking for a fun twist on a side dish, these tater tot cups are guaranteed to impress.

The first time I made these, I loved how easy and fun they were to prepare. Pressing the tater tots into the muffin tins and watching them crisp up in the oven was so satisfying. Adding the toppings felt like assembling miniature loaded potatoes, and the final product looked as good as it tasted. They were a hit with everyone at the table!

What makes Loaded Tater Tot Cups even better is how customizable they are. Try swapping the bacon for diced ham, pulled pork, or even crumbled sausage for a different spin, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also top them with guacamole, salsa, or a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor. No matter how you serve them, these cups are a crowd-pleaser every single time!

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Party appetizers
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Kid-friendly treats
  • Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Loaded Tater Tot Cups are guaranteed to be a hit:

  • Crispy and Cheesy: The golden-brown tater tots form a crispy base, perfectly complementing the gooey cheese and creamy toppings.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe quick and foolproof.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make them your own.
  • Kid-Approved: Fun to eat and packed with familiar flavors that kids adore.
  • Perfect Portions: Individual servings make them great for parties and sharing.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 cups
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 15g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Loaded Tater Tot Cups:

  • 4 cups frozen tater tots (about 48 tots)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Ranch dressing, hot sauce, or guacamole for serving

Ingredient Highlights

  • Tater Tots: The crispy base that holds all the toppings together.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness for that classic loaded potato flavor.
  • Bacon: Adds a savory crunch to each bite.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, perfectly balancing the richness.
  • Green Onions: Fresh and zesty, they add a pop of color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tot Cups:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
  3. Place the Tater Tots: Add 4 tater tots to each muffin cup.

Form the Cups:

  1. Bake and Mash: Bake the tater tots for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a small spoon or the back of a measuring cup to mash the tots into a cup shape.
  2. Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Add the Toppings:

  1. Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon evenly into each tater tot cup.
  2. Melt the Cheese: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Top with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream to each cup.
  2. Sprinkle Green Onions: Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

How to Serve

  • On a Platter: Arrange the tater tot cups on a large serving platter with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or green onions for a colorful presentation.
  • Individual Servings: Serve each tater tot cup in small ramekins or cupcake liners for easy handling and an elegant touch.
  • Buffet Style: Set up a toppings bar alongside the tater tot cups, offering extras like sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce for guests to customize.
  • With Mini Skewers: Insert decorative toothpicks or mini skewers into each cup for a mess-free appetizer option, perfect for parties.
  • On a Bed of Greens: Place the cups on a tray lined with lettuce or arugula to add color and a fresh vibe to your serving platter.
  • Drizzle Before Serving: Garnish the cups with a zigzag drizzle of sour cream, ranch dressing, or sriracha for an Instagram-worthy look.
  • In a Tiered Display: Use a tiered serving stand to showcase the cups at different heights, adding visual appeal to your party spread.
  • Serve Warm in Cast Iron: Present the tater tot cups in a warm cast-iron skillet straight from the oven for a rustic, family-style approach.
  • As a Side Dish: Pair the cups with grilled meats, burgers, or a fresh salad for a fun and hearty side dish at a barbecue or dinner.
  • In Bento Boxes: Pack tater tot cups into compartments of a bento box alongside dips, veggies, and small treats for a portable snack or lunch.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Skip Mashing: Pressing the tots into a cup shape ensures they hold the toppings perfectly.
  • Cook the Bacon Ahead: Save time by cooking the bacon before starting the recipe.
  • Crispier Cups: For extra crispy cups, bake the mashed tots a little longer before adding toppings.
  • Cheese First: Add the cheese before the bacon so it melts into the tots.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the cups without the sour cream and reheat before serving. Add sour cream just before serving.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Jalapeño Cups: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  2. Chili Cheese Cups: Top with chili and cheese for a hearty variation.
  3. Buffalo Chicken Cups: Add shredded buffalo chicken and ranch dressing.
  4. Vegetarian Cups: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes.
  5. Southwest Cups: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
  6. Breakfast Cups: Top with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a morning treat.
  7. Pulled Pork Cups: Add BBQ pulled pork and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
  8. Spinach Artichoke Cups: Fill with spinach artichoke dip for a creamy, savory option.
  9. Pizza Cups: Top with mini pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
  10. Loaded Tex-Mex Cups: Use seasoned ground beef, salsa, and avocado.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze fully baked cups (without sour cream) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Special Equipment

  • Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping the tater tots into cup form. Use a standard or mini muffin tin, depending on your preferred portion size.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: To prevent the tater tot cups from sticking to the muffin tin.
  • Potato Masher: Useful for pressing the tater tots into cup shapes while they’re warm.
  • Piping Bag or Squeeze Bottle: Great for neatly adding sauces like sour cream, ranch, or cheese sauce as a garnish.
  • Cheese Grater: For freshly grating cheese to melt over the tater tots.
  • Kitchen Tongs: Handy for precisely placing tater tots into the muffin tin.
  • Baking Sheet: To pre-bake or crisp up the tater tots before shaping them in the muffin tin.
  • Silicone Spatula: For scooping and spreading fillings like bacon, cheese, or veggies into the cups.
  • Pastry Brush: To brush melted butter or oil on the tater tots for an extra crispy texture.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: If you need to let the cups cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin to maintain their shape.

FAQ

  1. Can I use homemade tater tots? Yes, homemade tater tots work just as well and may add extra flavor.
  2. Can I air fry these cups? Yes, you can air fry them in small batches at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
  3. What’s the best cheese to use? Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend also works great.
  4. Can I make them gluten-free? Most frozen tater tots are gluten-free, but double-check the packaging to ensure no added gluten.
  5. How can I make these healthier? Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Conclusion

Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit. With a crispy, golden tater tot base and a variety of indulgent toppings like gooey cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, these bite-sized treats are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, they’re as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, you can top them with your favorite ingredients—think chili, pulled pork, or even a spicy jalapeño twist. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Loaded Tater Tot Cups are sure to impress.

I can’t wait to see how you make these tater tot cups your own! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or twists in the comments. Happy snacking!

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