Loaded Tater Tot Cups are a fun, tasty twist on a classic comfort food. Crispy, golden tater tots form the perfect little cups, filled with melted cheese, savory bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with all the best flavors you love in a loaded baked potato—all in a bite-sized snack.
I love making these for casual get-togethers because everyone can grab one (or three!) and enjoy without needing utensils or plates. Plus, they come together fairly quickly, which is a bonus when you’re hungry or short on time. My favorite tip is to use extra sharp cheese for a little more punch and add some green onions on top to brighten things up.
These Loaded Tater Tot Cups always get people smiling, and I’ve found they’re great for sharing at parties or as a cozy snack while watching a game. I like to serve them warm with a side of ranch dressing for dipping—it makes them feel extra special. They’re a simple way to turn tater tots into something a bit more exciting and totally addictive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Tater Tots: These are the base and give the cups their crispy texture. If you can’t find tater tots, small diced and roasted potatoes work fine too. Just make sure they’re crisp before shaping.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts well. You can swap in Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or veggie bacon are great swaps if you want something leaner or vegetarian. For a vegetarian version, try crispy cooked mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth.
Sour Cream: A classic topping for that cool, creamy contrast. Greek yogurt works well here too, especially if you want a healthier option.
Green Onions: These give a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. You could also use finely chopped chives or parsley if you prefer.
How Do I Get Crispy, Well-Shaped Tater Tot Cups?
The secret is packing the tater tots tightly and baking them long enough to get crispy and hold their shape.
- Use a muffin tin: It helps the tots form into a cup shape. Spray or grease well so the cups release easily.
- Arrange tots upright and snug: This makes the outer edges crispy and sturdy, so the cup holds its filling.
- Bake at a high temperature: 400°F is perfect for crispiness without burning. Bake 15-20 minutes to brown the edges.
- Add cheese near the end: Sprinkle the cheese after the tots are nearly done, then bake briefly to melt, avoiding sogginess.
- Cool slightly before removing: Let the cups rest for 5 minutes to firm up before carefully lifting them out.
Following these tips means your tater tot cups will be crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and sturdy enough for all your favorite toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – I recommend a standard 12-cup tin to hold all the tots in place and shape them into cups.
- Cooking spray or oil – helps prevent sticking and makes the cups crispy when baked.
- Skillet – for frying the bacon until crispy, which adds flavor and crunch.
- Baking sheet (optional) – for baking the bacon if you prefer oven cooking over stovetop.
- Sharp knife and chopping board – for crumbling bacon and chopping green onions for toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swaps: Use cooked ground sausage, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for different flavors and protein options.
- Cheese options: Switch sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for varied tastes.
- Veggie add-ins: Mix in cooked sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese before baking for some heat.
Loaded Tater Tot Cup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tater Tot Cups:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing muffin tin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Filling & Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and cook the bacon, 20 minutes to bake the tater tot cups, plus a few minutes to melt cheese and add toppings. In total, expect about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin using cooking spray or oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Cook and Crumble the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Shape and Bake The Tater Tot Cups:
Stand the frozen tater tots upright and pack them tightly inside each muffin cup, shaping them into little cups. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven briefly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly inside each tater tot cup. Return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts nicely.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Carefully take the loaded tater tot cups out of the muffin tin and place them on a serving plate. Top each with crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and scatter chopped green onions over the top.
Serve immediately and enjoy your deliciously crispy and cheesy loaded tater tot cups!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Tater Tots?
Yes! You can dice and parboil fresh potatoes, then roast them until crispy before shaping into cups. Just make sure they’re cooked through and crunchy enough to hold their shape in the muffin tin.
How Should I Store Leftover Tater Tot Cups?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the texture crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tater tot cups and bake them without the cheese and toppings. Store them separately, then add cheese, bacon, and sour cream just before serving and warm briefly to melt the cheese.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you want a lighter option. It offers a similar tangy taste and creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.
