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A close-up featured image showcases golden-brown Tater Tot Appetizer Cups, filled with savory toppings and ready to be served.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
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.