Description
Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are crispy, cheesy, bite-sized cups made from golden tater tots and filled with bacon, sour cream, and green onions. These tasty appetizers are perfect for game day, parties, or family gatherings. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and offer a delicious twist on loaded baked potatoes in snack form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 Ingredients
- Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado
- Ranch seasoning
- Vegan cheese or dairy-free sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Par-bake tots: Place 4 frozen tater tots in each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes until the tots begin to soften but are not yet crispy.
- Form cups: Using a spoon or a small glass, press the tots down into the muffin cup and up the sides to create nest-shaped cups that will hold the filling.
- Bake again: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the tater tot cups turn golden brown and crispy.
- Fill: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into each crispy tater tot cup. Place back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and serve: Allow the cups to cool slightly, then top each with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and scatter chopped green onions over the top before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon bits or crumbles.
- Consider using sweet potato tots for a sweet-savory flavor variation.
- Firmly pressing the tots into the muffin tin is essential to ensure the cups hold their shape and filling.
- These can be made ahead by baking the tot cups in advance; store and reheat before adding the toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: loaded tater tots, appetizer, party food, game day snacks, cheesy tater tots, bacon appetizers, finger food, tater tot cups
