Dinner

Insane Loaded Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Name: Insane Loaded Tater Tot Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 frozen tater tots (about 3 per cup); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin); Hot sauce; Ranch dressing; Chopped jalapeños; Diced bell peppers; Shredded chicken

ByMarina Montclair December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

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Introduction

These Insane Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love. Crispy tater tots form a perfect little cup, filled with cheese, bacon, and topped with sour cream and green onions. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or game day.

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden brown baked potato nests, each with a crispy texture on the outside. Each nest has a layer of melted white cheese inside, topped with bright yellow melted cheddar cheese and small pieces of crispy bacon. On top, there are finely chopped green chives sprinkled over all the nests. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

36 frozen tater tots (about 3 per cup)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Optional add-ins: hot sauce, ranch dressing, chopped jalapeños, diced bell peppers, shredded chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Place three frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften.
Step 3: Use a spoon or small glass to press the tots down into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form a cup shape.
Step 4: Return the tater tot cups to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Remove the cups from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits into each cup.
Step 6: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 7: Let the cups cool for a few minutes. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.
Add cooked shredded chicken or diced bell peppers for a heartier appetizer.
Make sure to press the tots firmly so they hold their cup shape perfectly.
Use a non-stick muffin tin or line with foil cups for easier cleanup.

Storage

Store leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several small, round snack bites stacked on a white plate. Each bite has a crispy golden-brown outer layer with a soft, fluffy white inside. On top, there is melted bright yellow cheese, small pieces of cooked dark brown bacon, and finely chopped green herbs scattered over the surface. The plate is placed on a white marbled background. 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?

Using fresh potatoes will change the texture and require more prep time. Frozen tater tots provide the best consistency and ease for forming the cups.