Name: Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48-60 frozen tater tots (16-oz bag); 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup sour cream; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 green onions, sliced (green part only)

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Introduction

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are a fun and tasty snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Crispy on the outside and loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.

The image shows seven small round cheese cups with crispy golden edges placed on a wooden surface. Each cup has three layers: the outer rim is a bright orange-yellow crispy cheese shell, inside there is a smooth light yellow layer, and on top, a dollop of white cream is garnished with small pieces of reddish-brown bacon and finely chopped green herbs scattered inside and around the cups. The background is replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48-60 frozen tater tots (16-oz bag)
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, sliced (green part only)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450ºF and spray the muffin pan cups with cooking spray.
Step 2: For mini-sized muffin pans, place 2-3 tater tots in each cup. For regular-sized muffin pans, place 4-5 tater tots in each cup.
Step 3: Place the muffin pan on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven.
Step 4: Spray the bottom of a shot glass or small juice glass with cooking spray. Leave a small gap between the glass and the muffin cup opening. Gently twist the glass to press the tots into a cup shape, pushing the edges of the potatoes up near the top of the muffin tin.
Step 5: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potato cups turn deep golden brown.
Step 6: Add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese to each potato cup. Bake for 4-5 minutes, until the cheese melts. Transfer to a platter and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Top the potato cups with sour cream, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use a silicone muffin pan for easier removal of the potato cups.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the tots before baking for extra flavor.
Substitute sour cream with ranch dressing or a dollop of guacamole for variation.

Storage

Store leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350ºF oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the potato cups soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows several small, golden brown crispy potato nests arranged on a wooden board. Each nest has a rough, crunchy outer layer with a slightly uneven edge, filled with a layer of white sour cream or cheese, topped with small pieces of reddish bacon, and sprinkled with bright green chopped chives. The potato nests vary slightly in shape but all have a round, bowl-like form holding the toppings inside. Small bits of bacon and chives are scattered around the nests for a natural, casual look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these appetizer cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the potato cups in advance, then add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have a shot glass to shape the cups?

A small jar or any similarly sized, oven-safe round container can work. Just make sure to spray it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.