Name: Insane Loaded Tater Tot Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 frozen tater tots (about 3 per cup); Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; Optional toppings: hot sauce, ranch dressing, chopped jalapeños, diced bell peppers, shredded chicken

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Introduction

These Insane Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy crispy tater tots with savory fillings. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these cups combine melted cheese, bacon, and fresh toppings for a truly irresistible treat.

The image shows a white plate filled with 12 small baked potato bites arranged closely together. Each potato bite has a golden brown crispy skin outer layer with a soft creamy white inside. On top of each potato is a smooth layer of melted bright yellow cheddar cheese, followed by a small dollop of white sour cream in the center. Tiny green chives are sprinkled over and around each potato bite, with small reddish-brown bacon bits placed on the sour cream. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

36 frozen tater tots (about 3 per cup)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Hot sauce (optional)
Ranch dressing (optional)
Chopped jalapeños (optional)
Diced bell peppers (optional)
Shredded chicken (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and help the tater tots crisp up.
Step 2: Place three frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften the tots so they can be molded.
Step 3: Using a spoon or a small glass, press the softened tots down into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to form a cup shape that will hold the fillings.
Step 4: Return the tater tot cups to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy for a crunchy shell.
Step 5: Remove the cups from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into each cup.
Step 6: Bake the cups for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese and meld flavors together.
Step 7: Let the cups cool for a few minutes. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and savory combination.

Tips & Variations

Add diced bell peppers or chopped jalapeños inside the cups before baking for extra flavor and heat.
Substitute shredded chicken for bacon to make a different protein option.
Use ranch dressing or hot sauce as a dipping option to customize flavors.
Make sure to press the tater tots firmly to create sturdy cups that won’t fall apart.

Storage

Store leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the cups soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface, filled with these bite-sized baked potato cups arranged closely. Each potato cup has a golden-brown crispy outside layer, filled with a creamy white layer of sour cream topped by a smooth, melted bright yellow cheddar cheese layer. On top of the cheese, there are small pieces of crispy bacon and finely chopped green chives scattered over each cup, making a colorful contrast. The potato cups are evenly placed, creating a neat and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tater tot cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the cups ahead, then add toppings like sour cream and green onions just before serving for best freshness.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy topping with fewer calories.