Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty twist on classic comfort food. Imagine crispy tater tots formed into little cups and loaded up with melty cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. These bite-sized snacks are crunchy, cheesy, and full of all those familiar flavors we love from a loaded baked potato.
I really enjoy making these because they’re a great way to get everyone excited about snacking. I like to mix in a little green onion or chives on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to customize—if you like jalapeños or extra cheese, just add them in. It’s like having a mini party on a plate!
When I serve Loaded Tater Tot Cups, I usually bring them to cozy gatherings or casual game nights where everyone can grab one (or three!) and keep the fun going. They’re always a hit and disappear faster than you expect. I think that’s the magic of these little crispy cups—they’re both simple and seriously satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater tots: The star of this recipe! Frozen tater tots work perfectly because they get crispy in the oven. If you don’t have tater tots, small frozen hash browns or shredded potatoes shaped into cups can also work.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor and melts well. Mixing in mozzarella adds extra gooey stretchiness. You can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon are great swaps if you want to keep it lighter or meat-free.
Green onions: These bring fresh, mild onion flavor on top. Chives or finely chopped mild red onion make good alternatives.
How Do You Shape Crispy Tater Tot Cups That Hold Together?
Forming the tater tot cups is easy but needs a gentle touch to keep them from falling apart when baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Lightly grease your muffin tin so the tots won’t stick.
- Press 8 to 10 tater tots into each cup, standing on their edges to create walls with small gaps between for crispiness.
- Press gently but firmly enough so the tots stick to each other after baking.
- Bake long enough (20-25 minutes) until golden and crispy; this helps the tots hold their shape.
Removing them carefully with a small spatula or butter knife helps keep the cups intact. You’ll have crispy, sturdy cups to fill with cheese, bacon, and toppings!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – I prefer a standard muffin tin to shape the tater tot cups easily and evenly.
- Cooking spray or butter – helps the tater tots release easily and keeps them crispy.
- Oven – 400°F (200°C) is perfect for baking until crispy and golden.
- Small spoon or spatula – for evenly filling and removing the cups without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked breakfast sausage or ham instead of bacon for a different protein flavor.
- Mix in jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies and heat.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different cheesy tastes.
- Add a drizzle of ranch or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
Loaded Tater Tot Cup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 to 30 minutes to bake and assemble. So in about 35 to 40 minutes total, you’ll have crispy, cheesy loaded tater tot cups ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Season the frozen tater tots with a pinch of salt and pepper. Press about 8 to 10 tots into each muffin cup, standing them on their edges to form little cups. This shapes the crispy base that will hold your toppings.
2. Bake the Tater Tot Cups:
Bake the tater tot cups in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. This lets them hold their shape and get that perfect crunch.
3. Add Cheese and Toppings:
Remove the muffin tin carefully from the oven. Quickly sprinkle shredded cheese inside each tater tot cup, then return the tin to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts nicely. When melted, take the tin out and top each cup with chopped bacon and green onions.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Gently remove each loaded tater tot cup from the muffin tin. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side or on top. Optional: add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pretty, fresh touch. These treats are best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is melty and the cups are crispy.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, but you’ll need to shred or finely chop the potatoes, par-cook them until slightly tender, then press them firmly into the muffin tin to form cups. Keep in mind, frozen tater tots are more convenient and yield a crispier texture.
Can I Make Loaded Tater Tot Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bake the tater tot cups without the cheese and toppings a few hours ahead. Reheat in the oven, then add cheese, bacon, and green onions just before serving for the best melt and freshness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again; the microwave might make them soggy.
Can I Substitute Bacon with a Vegetarian Option?
Absolutely! Use crispy vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for a delicious meat-free version that keeps the smoky, savory flavor.