Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly fun to eat—these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in, they’re super easy to make and packed with savory goodness. Trust me, you’re going to want to make extra because they’ll disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These are ready in just 35 minutes, with minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or skip the Bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Perfect Party Snack: Bite-sized and packed with flavor—ideal for gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty cups (and some tips to make them extra special):
- Tater Tots: The crispy golden base of this dish, frozen, works perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness.
- Cooked Bacon (optional): Adds a smoky, savory crunch.
- Sour Cream: A creamy topping that balances all the flavors.
- Green Onions or Chives: For a fresh, herby finish.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray: Keeps the cups easy to remove and perfectly formed.
Note: Exact measurements for the ingredients will be listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Form the Tater Tot Cups
Place 2-3 tater tots into each cup of the mini muffin tin. Use the back of a spoon or a small shotglass to press them down firmly into a “cup” shape.
Step 3: Bake the Tater Tots
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove and re-press the tater tots into their cup shape if they’ve puffed up. Then, please return them to the oven for another 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Take the tater tot cups out of the oven. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and crumbled Bacon (if using) into each cup. Place them back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the cups cool slightly, then carefully remove them from the tin with a fork or small spatula. Top each one with sour cream and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Extra Crispiness: Make sure the tater tots are baked until golden before adding toppings.
- Alternative Toppings: Experiment with shredded pepper jack cheese or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Easy Removal: Use a silicone mini muffin tin for effortless removal.
How to Serve Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
- Dipping Delight: Pair with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.
- Party Platter: Serve alongside other appetizers like sliders or veggie sticks.
- Brunch Vibes: Add a poached egg on top for a breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze these in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Reheating
Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I make these vegetarian? Absolutely! Just skip the Bacon and load up on extra cheese or your favorite veggie toppings.
2. Can I use homemade tater tots instead of frozen ones? Yes, but make sure they’re fully cooked and firm enough to press into cups before using.
3. How do I prevent the tater tots from sticking to the muffin tin? Using non-stick cooking spray or a silicone muffin tin will make removal a breeze.
4. Can I prep these ahead of time? Yes! Form the cups and bake them initially, then store them in the fridge. Add toppings and do the final bake just before serving.
These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a guaranteed hit—crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Whip up a batch for your next gathering and watch them vanish!
