These Easy Loaded Tater Tot Casserole cups are the perfect game day appetizer, combining crispy tater tots with melty cheese, savory bacon, and all your favorite toppings in a convenient, bite-sized form. They are incredibly simple to assemble and guaranteed to disappear fast from any party spread. For more crowd-pleasing tater tot ideas, try this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe or this Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Print Recipe

Author: Dorothy Miller

Ingredients

Scale

48–60 frozen tater tots ((16-oz bag))
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (see notes for substitutions and tips)
1/2 cup sour cream
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, sliced ((green part only))

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spray muffin pan cups with cooking spray.

For mini-sized muffin pan: Place 2-3 tots in each muffin cup. For regular sized muffin pan: Place 4-5 tots in each muffin cup.
Place muffin pan on bottom rack of the oven and bake 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.

Spray bottom of shot glass or small juice glass with cooking spray. Leave a small gap between the glass and cupcake pan opening. Twist the glass or container until the edges of the potatoes are close to the top of the muffin tin opening to create a potato cup. See video below for a demostration.Return to oven; bake additional 15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Add 1 tablespoon of cheese to each potato cup. Bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Transfer to platter and let cool for 5 minutes.

Garnish and top the loaded tater tot appetizer cups with sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead. Keep the baking sheet covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For the best texture, bake your Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers just before serving so the tots stay crisp.

What are the best toppings for these appetizers?

Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to customize with jalapeños, different cheeses, or barbecue sauce to make these Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers your own.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Absolutely. An air fryer works great for a faster, crispier result. Cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method is perfect for these Tasty Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers.

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Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Easy Recipe