Short Description

These Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness in one bite-sized snack. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun game-day treat, or just need a quick snack, these tater tot cups are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms the humble tater tot into a loaded appetizer that everyone will love. The crispy tater tots form the perfect base for melted cheese, crumbled beef, and creamy sour cream. It’s the ultimate comfort food served in convenient little cups, making it ideal for parties or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings or adjust the flavors to your liking.

Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked beef, crumbled
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with silicone cupcake liners.
Place the tater tots in the muffin tin, pressing each one down to form a cup shape. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Once baked, carefully remove the tater tots from the muffin tin and place them on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle each tater tot cup with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled beef.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top each cup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12 appetizer cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a flavorful twist.
Spicy Option: Add a few slices of jalapeños on top before baking or mix some hot sauce into the sour cream.
Cheese Variety: Use a blend of mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.
Meatless Toppings: Top with guacamole, salsa, or black beans for a fun alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick reheat, you can microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the oven method will help maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time by assembling the cups and storing them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best results.

2. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen ones?

Frozen tater tots work best in this recipe because they hold their shape better and crisp up nicely when baked. Fresh tater tots may become soggy during baking.

3. What other toppings can I add to the tater tot cups?

Feel free to get creative! Some great options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.

4. How do I keep my tater tots crispy after baking?

To maintain the crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the muffin tin. If you have any leftovers, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave for the best texture.

5. Can I make these Loaded Tater Tot Cups gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free tater tots and check the labels on any other ingredients like sour cream and beef to ensure they’re gluten-free.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese for the recipe?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack would work well in this recipe.

7. How many tater tot cups will this recipe make?

This recipe will make about 12 tater tot cups, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

8. Can I bake these without a muffin tin?

You can bake the tater tots on a baking sheet and form the cups manually using a spoon or your fingers once they’re crispy, but the muffin tin helps keep the shape.

9. How do I prevent the tater tots from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin or use silicone muffin liners to help prevent sticking.

10. Can I freeze Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cups before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Loaded Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, savory beef, and a creamy topping, they deliver all the flavors you crave in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a casual family meal, these tater tot cups are sure to become a new favorite. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of comfort and flavor!