tater tot cups
If you’re a fan of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and all things snackable, you’re going to love these Loaded Tater Tot Cups. Imagine everything you love about loaded potato skins — golden potatoes, gooey cheddar, smoky bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions — but baked into cute, hand-held muffin-sized bites. Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
Perfect as a game day snack, party appetizer, or even a fun dinner side, these little cups pack big flavor in every bite. Bonus: they’re super easy to make and only take about 45 minutes from start to finish.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 oz block cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup bacon pieces (pre-cooked or crisped at home)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ranch seasoning
- Sour cream, for topping
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
👩🍳 How to Make Loaded Tater Tot Cups
1. Prep the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Build the Tater Base
Add 6 tater tots to each muffin cup. Sprinkle garlic powder and ranch seasoning evenly over all the tots.
3. Bake and Smash
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the tots are soft enough to smash. Use the back of a spoon or a small glass to press down and form a cup shape.
4. Add the Good Stuff
Place 2 cubes of cheddar and a few bacon pieces into each tater tot cup.
5. Bake Again
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top and Serve
Let the cups cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tin. Finish each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist.
- Add heat: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based bacon or skip the meat and load up on sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
🥄 Serving Ideas
These are perfect for:
- Game day appetizers
- After-school snacks
- Potluck parties
- Late-night comfort food cravings
Pair with dipping sauces like spicy ranch, chipotle mayo, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
📹 Watch the Recipe in Action
Check out the step-by-step video here to see how easy these are to throw together!
🧁 In a Muffin Tin, But Make It Epic
Loaded Tater Tot Cups are everything you want in a snack: crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and super satisfying. And since they’re made in a muffin tin, cleanup is a breeze. Go ahead and double the batch — trust us, they’ll disappear fast.
📌 Pin it, save it, or print it — this is one appetizer you’ll be making again and again!
