If you’re looking for loaded tater tot appetizers, you’ve come to the right place. These crispy little cups, packed with cheese and bacon, are a real treat! They’re the kind of finger food you want at every gathering or family movie night.
This loaded tater tot appetizer recipe solves soggy texture, uneven crispiness, difficult shaping, and cheese melting issues common in similar baked snacks.
I remember the first time I attempted these; I wasn’t sure if I could make them crispy without burning them. My kids were hungry, and I was racing against the clock. The smell of melted cheese fills the kitchen in no time, making it hard to wait for them to cool down before digging in!
This recipe delivers crunchy outsides with melted goodness inside every single time. It takes only about 30 to 35 minutes from prep to plate, which is a lifesaver on busy days. If you’re after more quick bites, make sure to check out my Chicken Tenders recipe!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the typical processing methods of tater tots that often include wheat-based ingredients.
- The recipe contains cheddar cheese and bacon, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe suits vegetarian diets as it contains no meat, except for the bacon which can be omitted or replaced.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets because tater tots are high in carbohydrates.
- The recipe is nut-free and dairy-free only if cheddar cheese and sour cream are substituted with plant-based alternatives.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture These loaded tater tot appetizers boast an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheese and savory bacon. You’ll love how satisfying the bite is, making them addictive finger food.
- Rich Flavor Combinations Each cup is a blend of sharp cheddar that melts beautifully and crispy bacon that adds a smoky undertone. These ingredients work together to create a flavor experience you won’t forget.
- Easy Preparation Whipping up these appetizers is a breeze, taking just about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy way to impress your friends with minimal effort, perfect for any casual get-together.
- Customizable Options You can easily adapt these loaded tater tot appetizers with your favorite toppings like sour cream or chives. Personalize each cup, ensuring every guest finds a flavor they enjoy!
How To Make Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious loaded tater tot cups filled with cheese and bacon, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
- 48 frozen tater tots (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), choose crisp and golden tots that are not overly greasy
- 1 1/4 cups (about 125 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated from block cheese preferred
- 3/4 cup (about 115 grams) cooked crumbled bacon, use thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
- Sour cream or ranch dressing, as desired
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a sufficiently hot environment that crisps the tater tots properly.
- Step 2: Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly grease each cavity of a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray, melted butter, or olive oil to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the tater tot cups after baking.
- Step 3: Bake Tater Tots: Place exactly 4 frozen tater tots into each muffin cavity in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The tots should become slightly golden and soft enough to be shaped without crumbling.
- Step 4: Form Tater Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Using a shot glass, press firmly and evenly down on the tater tots in each cavity to form a cup shape with defined edges. Apply firm pressure to ensure the cups hold their shape during the next bake stage.
- Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon: Evenly sprinkle approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled crispy bacon into each formed tater tot cup. This creates a rich, gooey savory filling.
- Step 6: Final Baking: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the tater tot cups develop a crispy texture. Monitor carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 7: Serve with Toppings: Immediately after removing from the oven, top the tater tot cups with your choice of sour cream or ranch dressing. Garnish with finely chopped parsley or chives for a fresh flavor contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Place cooled loaded tater tot cups in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap cups individually tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature prior to reheating.
- If tater tots are not crisping sufficiently after baking, extend the baking time by 5 additional minutes at 425°F (220°C) and check for golden brown color.
- To prevent cup collapse, press the tater tots firmly into the muffin tin cavities with a shot glass immediately after the first 10-minute bake.
- If cheese does not fully melt or bubble during the final bake, add 3 to 5 more minutes in the oven but watch closely to prevent burning.
- For soggy bottoms, bake the tater tots on a baking sheet for 5 minutes prior to forming cups to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Add sour cream or ranch dressing immediately after baking to maintain the freshest flavor and texture contrast.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Tater tots: Look for crisp and golden tots that are easy to bite into. Avoid any that look overly greasy to keep your appetizers light.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. Grate it fresh for a creamier melt, and aim for blocks over pre-shredded for the best texture.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a hearty crunch. Cook it until crispy to give your tots that savory bite, nobody likes floppy bacon!
- Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess. For a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt, which still gives a rich texture.
- Green onions: Fresh green onions bring a nice crunch and bright flavor. Use both the green and white parts for added color and taste.
- Jalapeños: Choose fresh jalapeños for a little kick, or opt for pickled jalapeños if you prefer a tangy twist. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps crisp the tater tots in the oven, enhancing their texture. Try to use extra virgin for a robust flavor.
- Your favorite hot sauce: A few dashes elevate the flavor profile. Pick a sauce that matches your heat tolerance, whether it’s mild or fiery!
Recipe Tips
- If your tater tots aren’t crisping, extend the baking time by 5 minutes at 425 degrees F and check until they are golden brown.
- When the cups collapse, use a shot glass to press down firmly into each muffin cavity after 10 minutes of baking to keep their shape.
- If the cheese isn’t melting well, bake an additional 3-5 minutes until bubbling, keeping an eye on the tops to prevent burning.
- For soggy bottoms, place tater tots directly on a baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking to drain excess moisture before pressing into cups.
- When garnishing, add toppings immediately after baking for the freshest flavor, aiming to incorporate sour cream or ranch right after removing from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh garden salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Add homemade ranch dip or a creamy avocado sauce for extra flavor.
Use to make loaded nachos or a savory breakfast burrito. Add to a taco salad or mix into a creamy potato soup.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or drizzle with ranch dressing. Consider adding fresh chives or crispy jalapeños for a kick.
Recipe variations
- You can use seasoned ground beef as a filling to add protein to loaded tater tot appetizers. Add 1/2 cup cooked beef per 12 cups for richer flavor.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the cheese and bacon mix to introduce smoky, savory notes that enhance the base ingredients.
- Either shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese can replace cheddar for a milder taste. Either option melts well and keeps the cups gooey and tasty.
- If using the recipe for large groups, double the amount to 24 muffin cups. Bake tots in two batches, adding 4 cubes then topping with 1 1/4 cups cheese and 3/4 cup bacon.
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How to Store?
To keep your loaded tater tot appetizers fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place loaded tater tot appetizers in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crunch before serving.
Freezing: Wrap appetizers tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Korean Fried Chicken
- Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks
If you enjoyed this Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
