Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty twist on a classic comfort food. Crispy tater tots serve as little edible bowls, packed with melted cheese, savory bacon bits, and a dollop of creamy sour cream on top. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and have just the right amount of heartiness to satisfy any snack craving.
I love making these for parties or casual get-togethers because they’re super easy to eat with your hands, and everyone always asks for seconds. My little secret is to add a touch of green onions or jalapeños for a mild kick that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese and bacon. Plus, it’s simple to customize these cups to your favorite toppings.
These cups are one of those recipes that bring people together—whether it’s game day, a family movie night, or just a cozy weekend treat. I enjoy popping them into the oven right before friends arrive, and I know they’ll be gone in no time. They’re just the perfect little bites of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater tots: These are the star of the recipe, giving that golden crispy shell. If you can’t find frozen tater tots, small potato cubes or shredded hash browns pressed into the muffin tin can work, though tots hold their shape best.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor and melts nicely. You can swap for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder or creamier option.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon brings smoky, salty depth. For a vegetarian version, use cooked mushrooms or a smoky plant-based bacon substitute.
Sour cream: This creamy topping cools down the saltiness and rounds out the flavors. Greek yogurt is a tasty swap if you prefer something lighter.
Green onions: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color. You can replace them with chopped chives or finely diced mild red onion if you like.
How Do I Make Crispy Tater Tot Cups That Hold Their Shape?
Getting crispy and sturdy tater tot cups is all about how you shape and bake them:
- Press the frozen tots firmly up the sides of each muffin cup to build a solid wall—they should fit tightly without gaps.
- Don’t thaw the tots before baking; frozen tots crisp up better in the oven.
- Bake long enough (20–25 minutes) at 400°F so the tots get golden and firm.
- Let the cups cool a few minutes after baking to help them hold their shape before adding toppings.
These tips help your tater tot cups stay crispy and hold together even with all the good toppings piled on top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-cup muffin tin – I like it because it shapes the tater tots evenly and makes perfect cups.
- Cooking spray – keeps the tots from sticking, so the cups come out easily.
- Oven – heats evenly to crisp up the tots and melt the cheese.
- Cooking utensils – spatula or tongs to handle hot muffin tin and toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey instead of bacon for a different protein.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to freshen up the toppings.
Loaded Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to bake the tater tot cups, then an extra 5 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the toppings. Altogether, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, including a brief cool-down time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to make sure the tater tot cups don’t stick.
2. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Place frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Press them down gently and shape them up the sides to form a little cup or nest shape. This will hold your fillings later.
3. Bake the Tater Tot Cups:
Bake the shaped tater tot cups in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy when they’re ready.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Take the muffin tin out of the oven. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into each cup over the crispy tots.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Put the muffin tin back in the oven for about 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts nicely.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the cups from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, drizzle BBQ sauce if you like, and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes, but it’s best to shred and partially cook fresh potatoes first to help them hold their shape and crisp up. Frozen tater tots are recommended for convenience and consistent results.
Can I Make Loaded Tater Tot Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bake the tater tot cups in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Add toppings like sour cream and green onions just before serving to keep them fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep them crispy.
What Are Some Good Topping Substitutions?
If you want to switch things up, try using cooked ground beef or sautéed mushrooms instead of bacon. For cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack work well, and Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.