These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are the ultimate party snack — crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside, and loaded with flavor. They’re made with baked tater tots pressed into mini muffin tins and filled with a savory mixture of cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Perfect for game days, holidays, or casual get-togethers, these bite-sized treats always steal the show!
Each cup has everything you love about loaded potatoes — gooey cheese, smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and a little crunch — but in a fun, handheld form that’s easy to serve and eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
These simple ingredients come together for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can easily customize them to fit any taste:
Tater Tots: The crispy base for the cups. Use frozen tater tots — no need to thaw. Sweet potato tots can be used for a sweeter twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and adds rich flavor. Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese for variety.
Bacon: Provides smoky, salty crunch. Substitute with turkey bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage — or skip it for a vegetarian version.
Sour Cream: Brings creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative.
Green Onions: Add color and freshness. Chives or finely chopped red onions can also work.
Ranch Seasoning (optional): Adds extra savory depth — great for fans of bold flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin (24-cup size)
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Small spoon for pressing and filling
- Nonstick cooking spray
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Tex-Mex Cups: Fill with taco meat, cheese, and a spoonful of salsa or guacamole.
- Buffalo Chicken Cups: Add shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Loaded Veggie Cups: Skip the bacon and fill with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and a sprinkle of cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
How to Make Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
About 30 minutes total — 10 minutes prep, 20 minutes baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Bake the tater tots
Place one tater tot in each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes until softened but not crispy.
3. Form the cups
Remove from the oven and use the back of a spoon to gently press each tater tot down and along the sides of the cup, forming a small “nest.” Return to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
4. Prepare the filling
In a bowl, combine sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and ranch seasoning. Mix until creamy and well combined.
5. Fill and melt
Remove the tater tot cups from the oven and fill each with about a teaspoon of the mixture. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Serve and garnish
Let the cups cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Garnish with extra green onions or a small dollop of sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Cups
- Press gently: Don’t press too hard when forming the cups — just enough to create a hollow center.
- Use crispy tots: Let them bake until golden brown before filling to ensure they stay crunchy.
- Make ahead: Bake the tater tot shells in advance, then reheat and fill right before serving.
- Mini size matters: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized, crispy edges — regular tins won’t crisp up as well.
- Serve warm: These taste best hot from the oven when the cheese is melted and gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-bake the tater tot cups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling.
Can I air fry them instead?
Definitely! Air fry the tots at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes to soften, press them into cups, then air fry another 5–6 minutes until crisp.
How can I keep them from getting soggy?
Make sure the cups are golden and crispy before adding any filling. Avoid adding too much sour cream or liquid ingredients.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze baked and cooled cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
What dips go best with them?
They’re delicious with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or chipotle mayo for an extra flavor boost.