Can I use different fillings for Tater Tot Appetizer Cups?

Absolutely. Anything that fits in a small cup — taco meat, ham and cheese, buffalo chicken — works perfectly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and bake the tater tot cups, then store unfilled. Add toppings and reheat before serving.

How do I make them crispier?

Bake a few minutes longer or finish under the broiler for extra crunch.

Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes to crisp the cups, then fill and cook 3–4 minutes more.

Are they gluten-free?

Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but check the package to be sure.

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups – Crispy, Cheesy, Bite-Sized Perfection

Description

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are crispy, cheesy, bite-size potato cups baked in a mini muffin tin and filled with classic “loaded” toppings. They’re fast, crowd-pleasing party snacks that stay crunchy outside and melty inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Cooking spray

Classic Loaded Filling

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped

1/2 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp thinly sliced green onions

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Filling Ideas

Diced ham + Swiss

Taco-seasoned ground beef + Monterey Jack

Buffalo chicken + ranch drizzle

Roasted peppers and corn + Monterey Jack

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.

2. Place 3 frozen tater tots into each mini muffin cup. Bake 10 minutes to soften.

3. Remove the pan. Using the back of a spoon, press the hot tots firmly into the bottom and up the sides to form cups.

4. Return to the oven and bake 12–15 minutes more, until the cups are deep golden and crisp.

5. Fill each cup with a pinch of cheddar and a little chopped bacon. Bake 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.

6. Cool 5 minutes in the pan so the cups set. Gently loosen and transfer to a platter. Top with a small dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with green onions. Season to taste and serve warm.

Notes

For best crunch, use the tots straight from the freezer—don’t thaw.

Press evenly: too gentle and they won’t hold shape; too hard and you can punch holes.

Make-ahead: bake and shape empty cups up to 1 day ahead; re-crisp 5 minutes at 400°F before filling.

Air fryer: pre-crisp tots in a silicone mini-muffin insert at 375°F (190°C) for ~8–10 min, press, then air-fry 5–7 min more; add fillings and air-fry 2–3 min to melt.

Freezer: freeze empty baked cups up to 2 months; reheat at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes, then fill.

Variations: buffalo chicken + blue cheese; taco beef + salsa + sour cream; veggie mix with roasted corn and peppers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 cups
Calories: 170
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 360 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg