Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty twist on classic loaded tots, packed with crispy tater tots, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream on top. They’re like little handheld bites of all your favorite comfort foods, easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or just a cozy night in.
I love making these because they’re super customizable and can come together quickly. I usually like to add some green onions or jalapeños for a little extra kick, but you can keep them simple or go wild with your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re always a big hit whether I’m bringing them to a party or just snacking while watching a movie.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Loaded Tater Tot Cups is right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the tots are perfectly crispy. They make a great appetizer, side dish, or even a fun after-school snack. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater tots: These are the base and give the dish its crispy texture. Use frozen tots for convenience. If you want a healthier option, try oven-baked or sweet potato tots for a twist.
Shredded cheese: Cheddar provides a sharp, rich flavor and melts beautifully. Mozzarella adds nice stretchiness. You can also try Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for milder taste.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great crunch and smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, swap with cooked diced mushrooms or tempeh bacon bits.
Green onions/chives: These fresh herbs brighten the dish with a mild oniony punch. If unavailable, finely chopped regular onions or parsley work too.
Sour cream: It cools and balances the richness. Substitute plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangy flavor.
How Do You Make the Tater Tot Cups Crispy and Hold Their Shape?
The secret lies in shaping warm tots tightly in a muffin tin so they stick together and form a sturdy cup once baked.
- Bake the tots first for a bit so they start crisping.
- While still warm, press 7-8 tots firmly into each muffin cup to create a cup with sides and bottom.
- Make sure the tots are packed tightly to avoid gaps that break apart.
- After filling with cheese and bacon, bake again to melt everything and further crisp the tots.
- Allow cooling for a few minutes before removing the cups to help them set and hold together better.
These steps help your loaded tot cups stay crisp and hold their shape for easy serving and eating. Patience in pressing and baking is key!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-cup muffin tin – I like it because it cradles each tot cup and helps shape them evenly.
- Baking sheet – perfect for crisping the tots before forming the cups.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – easy to press warm tots into the muffin tin without squishing them.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing toppings and mixing ingredients if needed.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate cheese, sour cream, and toppings portions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage or shredded chicken for different proteins that give a new flavor kick.
- Use pepper jack or pepperoni slices for a spicy, pizza-like twist.
- Add sautéed peppers, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra veggies and crunch.
- Mix in some taco seasoning or ranch powder to season the cheese layer for more flavor.
Loaded Tater Tot Cup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-mozzarella blend)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced green onions or chives, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil (for greasing muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total — around 15 minutes for pre-baking the tater tots, 10 to 12 minutes for baking the loaded cups, plus a few minutes to cool and garnish. It’s a quick and tasty treat ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Tater Tots:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or oil. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, until they’re just starting to turn golden and crispy.
2. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Remove the tots from the oven. Quickly and carefully press about 7-8 warm tots into each muffin cup, forming them into a cup shape with the tots standing upright on the sides and bottom. This creates a crispy, sturdy basket. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top.
3. Fill, Bake, and Finish:
Fill each tater tot cup with shredded cheese and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Bake in the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the tots are nicely crispy and golden brown. Let the cups cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Top with chopped green onions or chives, then drizzle or dollop sour cream over the top. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy snacks!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Bag?
Yes! Just bake them first for about 15 minutes so they start to crisp up before shaping into cups. This helps them hold their shape and get nice and crispy.
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the tater tot cups and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve crispiness.
