Super Crispy Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe – A Party Hit

Crispy, golden tater tot appetizer cups burst with flavor and promise to steal the show at any gathering.

These bite-sized delights pack a serious punch of cheesy, savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream, these little cups are more than just a snack, they’re a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, each tater tot cup delivers a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms ordinary tater tots into an irresistible appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” Prepare to become the hero of your next party with these mouthwatering, irresistible bites that guarantee smiles and empty plates.

Serve these up and watch as your guests dive into a world of crispy, cheesy deliciousness.

Why Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Are a Crowd Favorite

• These appetizer cups deliver an irresistible crunch with perfectly golden tots transformed into edible vessels that crackle with every bite.
• Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations, making it simple to swap ingredients based on preferences or what's in your kitchen.
• Super simple preparation means you can whip up a batch quickly, impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen and creating an instant conversation starter.
• Uses basic pantry staples and common ingredients, reducing shopping stress while guaranteeing delicious results that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Cups

• Tater Tots: Classic potato nuggets that serve as the base and crispy cup for this appetizer.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts perfectly and adds rich flavor to the appetizer cups.

• Sour Cream: Creamy topping that provides a cool and tangy contrast to the crispy tots.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds a savory crunch to the appetizer.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that brings a light, sharp flavor and bright color to the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and helping the tots form crispy cups.
• Shot Glass: Key tool for shaping the tater tots into perfect little cups during preparation.

How to Make Tater Tot Appetizers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 450ºF.

Generously spray a muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the appetizer cups.

Step 2: Create the Potato Base

• Mini muffin pan: 2-3 tots per cup
• Regular muffin pan: 4-5 tots per cup

Bake on the bottom oven rack for 10 minutes to warm and slightly crisp the tots.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Cups

Remove the pan from the oven.

Spray a shot glass with cooking spray.

Press and twist the tots firmly to create cup-shaped formations, ensuring the sides are well-defined and compact.

Step 4: Achieve Crispy Perfection

Return the muffin pan to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tots turn deep golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into each tot cup.

Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Allow the cups to cool for 5 minutes.

• Sour cream
• Crumbled bacon
• Sliced green onions

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests!

Tips for Golden Tater Tot Cups

• Use a hot oven (450ºF) to ensure crispy exterior and soft interior, guaranteeing perfect texture every time.
• When forming potato cups, use a shot glass and twist firmly to create sturdy, well-shaped tot cups that hold their structure.
• Add shredded cheddar and return to oven for 4-5 minutes, allowing cheese to melt evenly without burning or overcooking.
• Top with cold ingredients like sour cream, crumbled bacon, and green onions right before serving to maintain fresh taste and temperature contrast.
• Always spray muffin pan with cooking spray before adding tots to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of appetizer cups.

Storing and Reheating Tater Tot Cups

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual tot cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375ºF. Arrange tot cups on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Place tot cups in air fryer basket at 350ºF for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispness.

Pairing Suggestions for Tater Tot Bites

• Craft Cocktail Companion: Mix a zesty Moscow Mule with ginger beer, vodka, and lime to complement the crispy, cheesy tot cups.
• Beer Buddy Pairing: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity to balance the appetizer's creamy and salty flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
• Mocktail Magic: Blend a sparkling cucumber-mint spritzer that offers a cool, light counterpoint to the warm, indulgent tot cups.

Fun Variations on Tater Tot Cups

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular tater tots for gluten-free potato tots available in many grocery stores. Ensure all toppings like cheese and bacon are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe enjoyment.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with crumbled vegetarian bacon bits or roasted bell pepper chunks. Use plant-based cheese shreds for a meat-free alternative that still delivers rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tater tots with zucchini rounds or cauliflower florets pressed into mini muffin cups. Top with crispy pancetta or parmesan cheese for added protein and crunch.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix shredded cheese with diced jalapeños before adding to potato cups. Garnish with cilantro and a small dollop of chipotle sour cream for a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tater tots for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly. Just make sure they’re thawed before using and pat them dry to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these appetizer cups?

A muffin pan and a shot glass are the key tools. If you don’t have a shot glass, any small round object that can press down the tots will work.

• How do I prevent the tater tot cups from sticking to the pan?

Always spray the muffin pan generously with cooking spray before adding the tots. This creates a non-stick surface and helps with easy removal.

• Can I make these appetizer cups ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the cups in advance and reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy tater tot appetizer cups bring Wisconsin party magic to your plate, melding cheesy goodness with savory bacon bits. Guests will devour these bite-sized delights, craving more of this irresistible crowd-pleasing snack perfect for game day or casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounces) bag frozen tater tots
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, sliced (green part only)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the muffin pan by coating it with cooking spray and heat the oven to 450ºF, ensuring a crisp exterior for the tater tots.
2. Arrange 2-3 tots in mini muffin cups or 4-5 tots in regular-sized cups. Position the pan on the bottom oven rack and bake for 10 minutes to warm and slightly crisp the tots.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and use a cooking spray-coated shot glass to press and twist the tots into cup shapes, creating firm potato vessels with defined sides.
4. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tots achieve a deep golden brown color with crispy edges.
5. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese into each tot cup and bake for 4-5 more minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
6. Allow the cups to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Embellish each cup with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon pieces, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the appetizer’s crispy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Customize tot cups by using different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for extra flavor complexity.
• Ensure tots are pressed firmly and evenly to create sturdy, consistent cup shapes that won’t crumble.
• Prepare tot cups ahead of time and reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 462 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 16 mg