BEST TATER TOT APPETIZER CUPS

Tired of the same old party snacks? Imagine biting into a perfectly Crispy Tater Tot Appetizer Cup, the warm, cheesy filling oozing out with the salty, savory flavor of bacon dancing on your tongue. These aren’t just appetizers; they’re little flavor bombs guaranteed to disappear in minutes, and I’m here to show you how to make the absolute BEST ones.

Ingredients

For the Tater Tot Cups:

• 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots, thawed slightly
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Bacon Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Started: Making the Crispy Tater Tot Cups!

Alright, my friend, let’s dive into creating these irresistible Tater Tot Appetizer Cups. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef; I’ll guide you through every step. We’re aiming for Cheesy Tater Tot Appetizer Cups that are both easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Tater Tots:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent sticking!
2. In a large bowl, toss the slightly thawed tater tots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Arrange the tater tots in the mini muffin tin, placing about 5-6 tater tots in each cup. Press them down with your fingers to form a cup shape. This might feel a little tricky, but just keep pressing and arranging until you get a good little nest.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to burn!
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before filling.

Making the Cheesy Bacon Filling:

1. While the tater tot cups are baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Filling and Baking (Again!):

1. Once the tater tot cups have cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. A small spatula or knife can help with this. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.
2. Spoon the cheesy bacon filling into each tater tot cup. Don’t overfill them; about a tablespoon per cup is perfect.
3. Return the filled tater tot cups to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of bacon if desired.

Tips for Tater Tot Triumph

Let’s talk about some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Because nobody wants a Tater Tot tragedy!

• Tater Tots Sticking? Make sure you grease that muffin tin really well. Non-stick cooking spray is your best friend here. If they still stick a little, run a thin knife around the edges of each cup to loosen them before removing.
• Filling Too Runny? Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened. Letting it sit at room temperature for at least an hour will make a big difference. If it’s still too runny, add a bit more shredded cheddar cheese to thicken it up.
• Tots Not Crispy Enough? Don’t overcrowd the muffin tin. Giving the tater tots enough space allows them to crisp up nicely. You can also broil them for the last minute or two, but watch them closely to prevent burning!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe. Now, let’s get creative! These Cheesy Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

• Spicy Southwest: Add some diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese to the filling for a spicy kick. A dollop of salsa on top would be amazing!
• Pizza Tots: Use mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a spoonful of marinara sauce in each cup. Pizza night just got a whole lot easier.
• Broccoli Cheddar: Add finely chopped broccoli to the cheese filling for a veggie boost. This is a great way to sneak in some greens for the kids (or picky adults!).
• Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a tangy and spicy filling.
• Breakfast Tots: Scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese make a delicious breakfast version of these cups. Perfect for brunch!

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Presentation

Presentation is key, my friend! These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are delicious, but a little extra flair can take them to the next level.

• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, sour cream, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of paprika or chili powder also adds visual appeal.
• Platters: Arrange the cups on a decorative platter or serving tray. Use parchment paper or a doily to line the platter for an elegant touch.
• Skewers: For a fun and interactive presentation, thread the tater tot cups onto skewers with other appetizers like cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, or olives.

Making Ahead & Storage

Life gets busy, I get it! The good news is that these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups can be made ahead of time.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tater tot cups and the filling separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
• Storage: Leftover Tater Tot Appetizer Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.

Why These Are The BEST Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Okay, so what makes these *the best*? It’s all about the combination of crispy tater tots, flavorful filling, and endless customization options. These Cheesy Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are:

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make these a breeze to whip up.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves tater tots and cheese! These are guaranteed to be a hit at any party or gathering.
• Versatile: The filling can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, these are a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Other Appetizer Ideas You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more delicious appetizer ideas, be sure to check out these other recipes. They are all super easy and sure to please!

• For a hearty and comforting dish, try this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. It’s a family favorite!
• These elegant Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups are always a hit.
• Looking for something with a kick? This Jalapeno Popper Soup is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• If you’re planning a get together for the holidays, don’t miss these Holiday Appetizers!
• For a quick and easy side dish, try these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage.
• And you can’t go wrong with classic Baked Mac And Cheese.

Conclusion

So there you have it! My ultimate guide to making the BEST Tater Tot Appetizer Cups. These little bites of cheesy, crispy goodness are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just craving a delicious snack, these cups are sure to hit the spot. Now go forth and create some Tater Tot magic – I know you can do it!

Best Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

These tater tot appetizer cups are a delicious and crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any occasion. Crispy tater tots form a cup filled with a cheesy bacon mixture that is sure to be a hit. They are easy to make and offer endless customization options.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 32 minutes mins

Total Time 52 minutes mins

Servings: 24

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Equipment

• Mini muffin tin
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoons
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Small spatula or knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, toss the slightly thawed tater tots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Arrange the tater tots in the mini muffin tin, placing about 5-6 tater tots in each cup. Press them down with your fingers to form a cup shape.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before filling.
6. While the tater tot cups are baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Once the tater tot cups have cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. A small spatula or knife can help with this.
9. Spoon the cheesy bacon filling into each tater tot cup. Don’t overfill them; about a tablespoon per cup is perfect.
10. Return the filled tater tot cups to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of bacon if desired.

Notes

Make sure to grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid a runny filling. Don’t overcrowd the muffin tin to ensure crispy tater tots. You can prepare the tater tot cups and the filling separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For variations, try spicy southwest with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, pizza tots with mozzarella and pepperoni, broccoli cheddar, buffalo chicken, or breakfast tots with scrambled eggs and sausage.