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There’s something irresistible about crispy tater tots, and when you turn them into bite-sized appetizer cups, they become the perfect party food. These little cups are crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and filled with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of fresh chives. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a holiday gathering, or just a casual snack, they’ll disappear in no time.
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You only need a few ingredients, and the process is quick with very little prep work. The key is using frozen tater tots, which crisp up beautifully in the oven. Once baked, they form the perfect nest for all kinds of delicious fillings. You can keep them classic with cheese and bacon, or get creative with pulled pork, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Not only are these tater tot cups incredibly tasty, but they are also easy to customize. You can prepare them in advance and add toppings right before serving, making them ideal for entertaining. Plus, they’re a great way to repurpose leftovers—just add shredded chicken, taco meat, or roasted veggies for a completely new twist. However you serve them, they’re sure to be a hit.
Quick Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tater Tot Cups:
- 24 frozen tater tots (2 per cup)
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for crispiness)
For the Filling: (Choose your favorites!)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a kick!)
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream or ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional, for spice lovers)
How to Make Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Bake the Tater Tots: Place two frozen tater tots in each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes until they soften slightly. The heat will make them easier to shape into cups in the next step.
3. Shape the Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Using the back of a spoon, small cup, or shot glass, press the softened tater tots down and up the sides of each muffin cup to form a little nest. Work quickly while they are warm, as they will be easier to mold.
4. Bake Again for Crispiness: Return the tater tot cups to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the edges. If you prefer extra crispy cups, leave them in for an additional 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the Fillings: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon into each tater tot cup. The heat from the tots will begin to melt the cheese. Place the tin back in the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish: Let the tater tot cups cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream, chives, and diced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Tater Tot Cups
- For Extra Crispiness: Spray the muffin tin with oil and broil the cups for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead Option: You can bake the tater tot cups ahead of time and reheat them before adding the toppings.
- Swap the Fillings: Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, ground beef, or even a mix of sautéed veggies for a different flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or sriracha for an extra layer of flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Tater Tot Cups
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized cups are a crowd-pleaser at any event.
- Quick and Easy: Only 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Endlessly Customizable: Use whatever fillings you love or have on hand.
Pinterest Pro Tip
Save this recipe for your next party or game day. These crispy, cheesy tater tot cups are guaranteed to be a hit. #TaterTotCups #PartySnacks #EasyAppetizers
