Dinner

Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe

Name: Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48 frozen tater tots (about 4 per cup); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or plant-based bacon bits); 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; Salt and pepper, to taste; Nonstick spray; Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado; Ranch seasoning; Vegan cheese or dairy-free sour cream

ByLila Prescott January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

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Introduction

These Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are crispy, cheesy, bite-sized cups packed with bacon, sour cream, and green onions. They make the perfect finger food for game day, parties, or family gatherings. Think of them as mini loaded baked potatoes in a convenient, snackable form!

A white plate holds several small tart shells filled with golden, crispy fried shrimp. Each shell has a light brown, crunchy texture with a round shape, holding a creamy white sauce inside. The shrimp are reddish-brown, slightly curled, and placed standing up in the tart shells. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top and around the shrimps, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48 frozen tater tots (about 4 per cup)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or plant-based bacon bits)
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Salt and pepper, to taste

Nonstick spray
Optional: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, ranch seasoning, vegan cheese, or dairy-free sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Place 4 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes until they are softened but not fully cooked.
Step 3: Using a spoon or a small glass, press the tots down and up the sides of each muffin cup to form nests or cups.
Step 4: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the tater tot cups are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Remove the tin from the oven and sprinkle each tater tot cup with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Let the loaded tot cups cool slightly, then top each with sour cream and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based crumbles.

Use sweet potato tots for a sweet-savory flavor twist.
Press the tots firmly into the muffin tin cups to ensure they hold their shape well.
Customize toppings with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, or ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Make ahead by baking the tot cups in advance; store and reheat before adding any cold toppings.

Storage

Store leftover loaded tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to regain their crispiness before adding fresh toppings like sour cream and green onions.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with six round, crispy golden brown taco shells arranged in a circle. Each shell is filled with a mixture of light brown cooked meat, topped with a drizzle of white sauce and small green herb pieces, likely cilantro. The texture of the meat looks slightly crumbly, and the taco shells have a crunchy appearance. The background surface is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Frozen tater tots are recommended for ease and consistency, but you can make your own potato cups from grated and pre-cooked potatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to press them firmly into the muffin tin and bake until crispy.

Can I prepare these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the tater tot cups in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the cups until crispy, then add the toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.