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Loaded Tater Tot Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

Crispy, golden loaded tater tot cups filled with melted cheddar cheese, topped with creamy sour cream, savory bacon crumbles, and fresh scallions. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a comforting bite with a delicious twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Cups

  • 1 pound frozen tater tots (about half of a 32-ounce bag)
  • ¾ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Toppings

  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup bacon crumbles
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the tater tot cups.
  2. Fill Muffin Pan with Tater Tots: Distribute 4-5 frozen tater tots evenly into each of the 12 cups of a standard muffin pan.
  3. Bake Initial Layer: Bake the tater tots for 10 minutes to start crisping them up.
  4. Form the Cups: Remove the pan and gently press down the tots in each cup using the flat bottom of a small glass. Twist slightly while pressing to shape the tots into a cup.
  5. Bake to Crisp: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to firm up the cup shape and get them nice and crispy.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the pan and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each tater tot cup.
  7. Melt the Cheese: Bake the cups once more for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  8. Rest the Cups: Let the tater tot cups rest in the pan for 3-4 minutes to cool slightly and set.
  9. Loosen from Muffin Pan: Carefully run a butter knife or small offset spatula around the edges of each cup to prevent sticking.
  10. Remove and Serve: Transfer the tater tot cups onto a serving platter using the offset spatula.
  11. Add Toppings: Top each cup with a dollop (about 1 to ½ teaspoon) of sour cream, sprinkle bacon crumbles generously, and finish with thinly sliced scallions for freshness.

Notes

  • Use a small glass or measuring cup bottom to press down tater tots gently but firmly to form perfect cups.
  • You can substitute bacon crumbles with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • Make sure to let the cups rest in the pan after baking for easier removal and better texture.
  • Serve immediately for best crispiness; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crisp texture.

Keywords: tater tot cups, loaded tater tots, appetizer, snack, party food, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/loaded-tater-tot-cups-recipe/