Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty twist on your classic comfort food favorite. Imagine crispy golden tater tots nestled in a little cup shape, filled with melty cheese, smoky bacon bits, and a dollop of creamy sour cream, all topped with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and just the right size for snacking or sharing.
I love making these when I want something that feels like party food but is super easy to put together. What makes them special for me is how you can mix and match the toppings—sometimes I add a little chili, or swap sour cream for ranch, depending on who I’m serving. It’s kind of like building your own little potato masterpiece, and everyone always ends up going back for seconds!
These tater tot cups are perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in with a movie. I usually serve them warm right out of the oven, and they’re even better with a side of good conversation and laughter. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen—they can help sprinkle the cheese and bacon, which always makes the treat feel extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater tots: These are the base and give the cups their crispy, crunchy texture. If you don’t have tater tots, you can try small frozen potato patties or shredded hash browns pressed firmly. Just make sure they crisp well.
Cheddar cheese: This melts nicely and adds a sharp flavor. I like using sharp cheddar, but you could swap for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix if you prefer a milder taste or a different melt.
Bacon: The smoky crunch that makes these pop. For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or skip it altogether and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
Sour cream & green onions: These add creaminess and freshness after baking. If you want, swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or ranch dressing. Green onions can be replaced with chives or finely chopped parsley.
How Do You Make Crispy Tater Tot Cups That Hold Their Shape?
Getting the tot cups to stay crispy and keep their shape is key here. Here’s what I do:
- Press the tater tots firmly against the muffin tin’s sides and bottom to form a tight cup. This helps them stick together during baking.
- Use cooking spray or oil in the muffin cups to prevent sticking and encourage crisping.
- Bake at a hot temperature (400°F) so the tots get golden and crispy without getting soggy.
- Don’t add the cheese and bacon until after the cups have crisped, then bake a little more so the cheese melts without slipping around.
- Let the cups cool slightly before removing from the tin; they firm up as they cool, making removal easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-cup muffin tin – It shapes the tater tots into perfect cups and makes baking easy.
- Cooking spray or oil – Helps prevent sticking and makes the edges crispy.
- Oven – Needed to bake the tots and melt the cheese evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For portioning out cheese, bacon, and toppings.
- Spatula or tongs – To handle hot tater cups carefully when removing from the tin.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham instead of bacon for a different smoky or meaty flavor.
- Add sautéed onions, jalapeños, or chopped bell peppers for more veggies and flavor.
- Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder or spicier twist.
- Mix in cooked corn or black beans to make the cups more filling and add a bit of Southwest flair.
How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tater Tot Cups:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to bake the tater tots into cups, plus an extra 5 minutes to melt the cheese and bacon. So, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes total from start to finish—quick and easy for a delicious snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil. Take the frozen tater tots and place about 6 to 7 in each muffin cup. Press them firmly against the sides and bottom to create a cup shape that will hold your toppings.
2. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake the tater tot cups for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. This will give your cups a nice crunch and help them hold their shape.
3. Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Bake Again:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly into each tater tot cup. Return the tin to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts nicely.
4. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the tater tot cups from the muffin tin once they’re cool enough to handle. Top each cup with a small dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Add salt and pepper if you like, and enjoy warm!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Bag?
Yes! Use the tater tots frozen as-is—no need to thaw. Just press them firmly into the muffin tin to form the cup shape before baking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the tater tot cups, then add the cheese and bacon and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake again until the cheese melts and cups are warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and crispy again—avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to swap bacon for sausage or ham, add sautéed veggies, or use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack. Sour cream can also be replaced with Greek yogurt or ranch dressing for variety.
