Loaded Tater Tot Cups

Featured in Delightful Bites & Starters.

Enjoy a playful twist on potato classics with these loaded tater tot cups. Each bite offers crisp tater tots forming a cup that holds gooey cheddar and savory bacon. Aromatic ranch seasoning and garlic add extra flavor, while a finishing touch of sour cream and freshly sliced green onions enhances the taste and presentation. Quick to assemble, these are oven-baked in muffin tins for convenient, individual servings. Ideal for parties or appetizers, these tasty cups bring creamy, cheesy and savory notes in every mouthful, pleasing both kids and adults alike.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:10:11 GMT
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Loaded Tater Tot Cups make any get-together more exciting with crispy potato bites filled with melty cheddar and bacon. When you need a party appetizer that always disappears fast this is the one to make. The mix of gooey cheese and crunchy tots with a finishing touch of sour cream brings everyone back for seconds.

My kids get ridiculously excited when I make these for game days. The look on their faces when I pull these golden bites out of the oven is the best reward.

Ingredients

  • Frozen tater tots: These are key for the crisp base Choose a well-reviewed brand for best flavor and crunch
  • Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and adds bold taste Use a cheese block and cut into cubes for even melting
  • Bacon pieces: Give a smoky savory layer Use freshly cooked bacon for best texture
  • Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes Go for fresh ground if possible
  • Ranch seasoning: Gives an extra pop of tang Read ingredient lists for clean flavors
  • Sour cream: Adds cool creaminess as a topping Look for thick full-fat options
  • Green onions: Give a fresh oniony bite Add just before serving for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees and spray a standard twelve cup muffin tin well so nothing sticks later
Season and Bake Tater Tots:
Drop six tater tots into each muffin cup then sprinkle with a pinch each of garlic powder and ranch seasoning Bake for about twenty minutes until the tots are hot and just soft enough to press
Form the Cups:
Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to gently push down the warm tots creating a little well in each muffin cup This makes a perfect spot for your fillings
Add Cheese and Bacon:
Drop two cubes of cheddar cheese and a generous pinch of bacon into each tater tot cup Try to get the cheese tucked in so it melts without overflowing
Melt and Crisp:
Slide the muffin tin back in the oven and bake another ten minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble up
Finish with Toppings:
Let the muffin tin cool for a few minutes then carefully lift each cup out top with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions
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The sharp cheddar is hands-down my favorite part of every bite Sometimes I even swap in pepper jack when I want a little extra kick This recipe reminds me of movie nights with everyone crowded around the kitchen waiting for the first batch

Storage Tips

Once baked let the tater tot cups cool completely Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag They reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer making them perfect for prep ahead parties or easy snacks

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cheddar try mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy twist Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative to regular bacon You can skip the ranch and use only garlic powder if needed For a dairy free version try your favorite non-dairy cheese and sour cream

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Serving Suggestions

Serve loaded tater tot cups hot and fresh with extra sour cream green onions or even spicy hot sauce They pair perfectly with cold drinks on game day and double as a hearty after-school snack You can even pile them together as a playful side at family dinner

Cultural Context

These tater tot cups are inspired by classic potato skins a popular American appetizer that first became famous in casual bars and chain restaurants They have the same irresistible combination of crispy potato smoke from bacon and creamy cheese but are sized for easy eating at modern gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep tater tot cups from sticking?

Lightly coat the muffin tin with non stick cooking spray before adding the tater tots. This helps them lift out easily once baked.

→ Can I use different cheese for these cups?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for varied flavors and melts.

→ Do these cups stay crispy after baking?

The tater tot cups develop a golden, crispy crust during baking. For extra crunch, serve them immediately after baking.

→ Are the tater tot cups suitable for freezing?

They can be frozen after baking. Reheat in the oven to help retain their crisp texture and fresh flavor.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Other great toppings include diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra zing.

→ Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Assemble and bake the cups ahead, then warm them just before serving. Add sour cream and green onions last for freshness.

Loaded Tater Tot Cups

Crispy tater tot cups filled with cheddar, bacon, and finished with sour cream and green onions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Reham


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
02 8 ounce block cheddar cheese, cut into ½ inch squares
03 1 cup bacon pieces
04 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 ½ teaspoon ranch seasoning

→ For topping

06 sour cream
07 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 02

Add 6 tater tots into each muffin cup. Sprinkle garlic powder and ranch seasoning evenly over the tater tots.

Step 03

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tater tots are soft enough to smash.

Step 04

Using the back of a spoon or a small glass, gently press down on the tater tots to create a cup shape.

Step 05

Place 2 cubed pieces of cheddar cheese and a few crumbled bacon pieces into each tater tot cup.

Step 06

Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 07

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the tater tot cups from the muffin tin, then top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Spoon or small glass

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, sour cream)
  • Contains pork (bacon)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 264
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~