Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a delightful and irresistible finger food that perfectly combines the nostalgia of classic tater tots with the convenience of a bite-sized appetizer. These adorable cups are crispy on the outside and filled with a savory mixture of cheese, bacon, and more, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or casual get-together. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fun snack, these tater tot cups bring a fun twist to traditional comfort food.

Originating from the beloved tater tot, a classic American comfort food, these appetizer cups elevate simple ingredients into a festive dish. Their crispy shell holds a creamy, cheesy filling packed with flavor, perfect for dipping or enjoying as is. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility—you can easily customize the filling to your liking, adding vegetables, different cheeses, or even some spice to suit your taste. Plus, they are easy to make, bake quickly, and are perfect for serving a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup (25 g) chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, additional chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a standard muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Arrange one tater tot at the bottom of each muffin cup, then stand more tots upright around the sides of the cup to form a cup shape. This will take about 7-9 tots per cup.
Bake the tater tot shells in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
While the tater tot cups are baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Once the tater tot cups are crispy, remove them from the oven and spoon the filling mixture into each cup evenly.
Return the filled tater tot cups to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and melted.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before carefully removing each cup from the muffin tin.
Top each cup with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, extra green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for added flavor and a pop of color.
Serve warm and enjoy these bite-sized appetizers with your favorite dipping sauces or as a standalone snack!

Recipe Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: Makes about 12 appetizer cups
Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy tater tot cups, bake the shells a few minutes longer before adding the filling.
Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
These appetizer cups are best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking to save time.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 230 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1.5 g

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests while being easy to make, these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are the perfect choice. Crunchy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, they combine the best elements of comfort food into a party-ready bite. Try them at your next event or as a special snack to elevate your casual gatherings.

Serve these cups alongside your favorite dips like ranch, sour cream, or spicy salsa for an added burst of flavor. Don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments below—we love hearing how you make these tasty tater tot cups your own!