Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a crispy, cheesy, and fun bite-sized treat perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Made with crunchy tater tots formed into mini cups and filled with delicious toppings, these little bites are endlessly customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: Golden tater tots form the perfect crunchy base.
• Easy to Make: Requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party finger food.
• Customizable: Fill them with your favorite toppings like bacon, cheese, or sour cream.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty snack that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen tater tots
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Sour cream
• Green onions, chopped
• Cooking spray

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Bake the Tater Tots: Place 2-3 tater tots in each muffin cup and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Form the Cups: Use a spoon or small cup to press the softened tater tots into a cup shape.
5. Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle shredded cheese into each cup and bake for another 5-7 minutes until crispy.
6. Top and Serve: Let cool slightly, then add crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 appetizer cups
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded buffalo chicken with cheese before baking.
• Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
• Loaded Potato Style: Add ranch dressing, sour cream, and chives.
• Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, avocado, and salsa for a meat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled tater tot cups for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade tater tots?

Yes! Homemade tater tots will work, but make sure they are firm enough to shape into cups.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are great choices for a melty, flavorful filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the tater tot cups in advance and reheat before serving. Add toppings just before serving.

How do I keep the cups from falling apart?

Make sure to press the tater tots firmly into the muffin tin and bake until crispy.

Can I add meat to these?

Absolutely! Try ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Ranch dressing, sour cream, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo are all great options.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, they will soften as they bake, making them easy to shape.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but you may need more tater tots per cup and a longer baking time.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your tater tots and toppings are gluten-free.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake a little longer before pressing them into cups and use a higher-temp oven for a crispier texture.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for a snack, or as a fun family treat, these mini tater tot cups will be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

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