Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, look no further than these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups! They’re crispy, cheesy, and loaded with delicious toppings like sour cream, turkey bacon, and green onions. Perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings, these bite-sized delights will quickly become a favorite on your appetizer menu.

Why Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a Hit

These tater tot cups are the ideal appetizer for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and customizable fillings, they’re easy to prepare yet look impressive when served. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a quick snack, tater tot appetizer cups are a surefire way to satisfy everyone at the table. They’re great for kids, family events, and even picky eaters because they can be tailored with different toppings to suit any taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Tater Tot Appetizer Cups:

• 48-60 frozen tater tots (about a 16-oz bag) – The star of the show! Frozen tater tots form the crispy base of these cups.
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds that gooey, melted goodness.
• ½ cup sour cream – Brings a creamy, tangy flavor to balance the crispy tots.
• 4 slices turkey bacon – A leaner, savory topping that adds texture and flavor.
• 2 green onions, sliced (green parts only) – For a pop of color and freshness.

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To prepare these tater tot cups, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Muffin pan (mini-sized or regular-sized): This is where the magic happens, turning tater tots into crispy cups.
• Shot glass or small juice glass: Used for pressing the tater tots into cup shapes after pre-baking them.
• Cooking spray: To prevent sticking and help achieve crispy edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tater Tot Cups

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Lightly spray your muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place the Tater Tots
   For a mini-sized muffin pan, place 2-3 tater tots in each cup. If you’re using a regular-sized muffin pan, put 4-5 tots in each cup. Spread them evenly for consistent cooking.
3. Bake the Tater Tots
   Place the muffin pan on the bottom rack of your oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The tots should begin to crisp up.
4. Press the Tater Tots into Cups
   Remove the pan from the oven. Spray the bottom of a shot glass or small juice glass with cooking spray, then use it in a twisting motion to press the tater tots into the shape of cups. This will help form the base for your toppings.
5. Bake Again
   Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the tater tot cups are golden brown and crispy.
6. Add Cheese
   Once the tater tot cups are fully baked, remove the pan and immediately add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese to each cup. Pop the pan back in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
7. Top and Serve
   Remove the tater tot cups from the muffin pan and let them cool slightly on a serving platter for about 5 minutes. Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle on the turkey bacon, and garnish with green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Cups

• Use Frozen Tots: No need to thaw the tater tots before baking. Baking them directly from frozen helps them hold their shape better.
• Pressing the Tots: Make sure to press the tater tots firmly with the glass to form the cups properly. If they aren’t pressed enough, they won’t hold together.
• Crispiness: To get extra crispy tater tots, try brushing them lightly with oil before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Pre-Baking the Tots: Skipping the initial 10-minute bake will result in soggy tater tot cups that won’t hold their shape.
• Overfilling the Muffin Pan: Be careful not to overstuff the muffin cups with tater tots. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and soggy results.
• Not Using Enough Spray: If the muffin pan isn’t well-coated with cooking spray, your tater tot cups may stick to the pan, making them difficult to remove.

Recipe Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be customized in so many ways! Here are some variations:

• Loaded Tater Tot Cups: Add crumbled cooked turkey sausage, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups: Top the tots with shredded buffalo chicken and a drizzle of ranch dressing instead of sour cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey bacon and top with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or even guacamole.

Serving Suggestions

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups can be served as finger food for parties or as part of a larger appetizer spread. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch or salsa for an extra flavor boost. For an extra touch of elegance, you can place them on individual appetizer plates with a garnish of extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika.

How to Store Leftover Tater Tot Cups

If you happen to have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Place the leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the tater tot cups on a baking sheet and bake in a 375ºF oven for 10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350ºF for crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tater tot cups ahead of time by forming and baking the cups, then storing them without toppings. When ready to serve, reheat the cups and add the toppings.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Conclusion

These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a delicious and fun snack that will be the highlight of any gathering. They’re quick to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing them for a game day snack or a family get-together, these cups are sure to become a favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more exciting and easy-to-make recipes!

Print