Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty twist on classic tater tots, packed with all the toppings you love. Think crispy tots baked until golden brown, then loaded up with melted cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions. They’re like mini little flavor bombs that are super easy to hold and even easier to enjoy.
I love making these for casual get-togethers or when I want a quick snack that feels special without much fuss. One thing I’ve learned is that making sure the tots are really crisp before adding the toppings makes all the difference—it keeps everything from getting soggy and keeps that nice crunch going. Plus, you can tweak the toppings to match whatever you’re in the mood for, which makes it so fun to play around with.
Serving these Loaded Tater Tot Cups on a platter is always a hit—everyone loves picking up their own little cup and digging in. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in when you want some comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Whenever I make them, they disappear fast, and I’m already thinking about the next time I can make them again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater tots: These are the base and provide the crispy texture. If you can’t find frozen tots, you could use small diced potatoes, but the cooking time will be longer. For a healthier twist, try sweet potato tots!
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds sharp flavor. If you like, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, gooey result.
Bacon: It adds a smoky crunch. For a vegetarian option, try crispy smoked tempeh or omit it and add extra cheese and spices.
Sour cream: This gives a cool tangy contrast. Greek yogurt works well too if you want a lighter topping.
Parsley or green onions: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. Use whatever fresh herbs you have, like chives or cilantro.
How Do You Get Crispy & Well-Shaped Tater Tot Cups?
To shape and crisp the tot cups perfectly, follow these tips:
- Use a lightly greased muffin tin so tots don’t stick and come out easily.
- Press the tots firmly into the sides and bottom of each cup to hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the cups first before adding cheese and bacon to ensure the tots are crispy and hold together.
- After adding cheese and bacon, return to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese without softening the tots too much.
This two-step baking keeps the cups crispy on the outside and melty inside. It’s worth the extra attention for the best texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- muffin tin – I prefer a non-stick muffin tin for easy removal and even baking.
- Baking sheet – useful for baking the tots before pressing them into cups, or if you want to keep the muffin tin clean.
- Cooking spray or oil – helps prevent sticking and makes the tot cups extra crispy.
- Small spatula or spoon – for scooping and pressing the tots into the muffin cups.
- Oven – necessary to bake and melt everything to perfect golden-brown goodness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage crumbles or diced ham for a different smoky flavor.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or pepperoni for a spicy kick.
- Mix in sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a lighter version, top with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs instead of sour cream.
Loaded Tater Tot Cup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked and diced onions or jalapeños for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes of baking time. Overall, plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a quick and easy dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin using cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. You can also use silicone muffin liners if you have them.
2. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Place the frozen tater tots into a large bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Take a handful of tots and press them firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, creating a cup shape that will hold the fillings.
3. Bake the Cups:
Bake the muffin tin for about 15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and starting to crisp. This helps the cups hold their shape and get nicely crispy.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly inside each cup, then top with crumbled cooked bacon. Feel free to add any optional ingredients like diced onions or jalapeños now.
5. Finish Baking:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the tater tot cups from the muffin tin carefully. Drizzle each with sour cream and sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious Loaded Tater Tot Cups!
Can I Use Homemade Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade tots are firm and chilled before shaping them into cups. You may need to bake them a bit longer to ensure they crisp up nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Tater Tot Cups?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tater tot cups and add cheese and toppings later. Just keep the cups refrigerated and add cheese and bacon before finishing in the oven right before serving.
What Are Some Good Toppings or Add-Ins?
Feel free to experiment! Other great toppings include cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for extra flavor.