These tater tot cups give everyone’s favorite childhood finger food a crispy, cheesy glow-up. Made with just three ingredients and loaded with fun topping ideas, they’re the ultimate bite-sized party snack.
If you’re a fan of tater tots, you will LOVE these little bites. I served them recently when I had some friends over, and they disappeared from the plate almost instantly!
These tater tot cups are pure nostalgia in appetizer form. I was craving potato skins one night, found a bag of frozen tater tots in the freezer, and decided to improvise — and honestly, it felt like unlocking a childhood favorite in the best possible way.
Baked in a muffin tin, the tots turn golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft in the center, creating the perfect little cups for melted cheddar, crispy bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. They’re exactly the kind of party food people hover around — easy to grab, no forks required, and totally customizable. Set them out for game day, a casual get-together, or holiday appetizers and watch them disappear within minutes.
When you set down a tray of these little bites, I promise they won’t last long!
These bites remind me so much of potato skins, but they are much easier to make.
What toppings to put on tater tot cups
Loaded tater tot cups are the best! The sour cream, bacon crumbles, and chives combo are my toppings of choice – they make these tater tot cups resemble potato skins or loaded fries. You can totally mix it up though. Here are some other ideas:
- Cheese swap: Instead of cheddar, use another one of your favorite cheeses. Shredded mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack, or pepper jack are all great choices. A spoon full of Boursin cheese also tastes great as a topping!
- Meat options: Use crumbled sausage or ground beef for a heartier bite. I like adding a bit of bbq sauce when I do this.
- Herb swap: Mix it up with some sliced green onions, dill (which goes well with the sour cream), or fresh parsley.
- Drizzle : Swap out the sour cream for guacamole or ranch dressing .
Store and reheat
Store: If possible, store the leftover tater tot cups before adding any toppings, so you can crisp them in the oven before adding toppings. Otherwise, pop them into a covered container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the oven or an air fryer until warm.
Tater Tot Cups – Loaded with Potato Skin Toppings
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Ingredients
- ▢ Spray olive oil
- ▢ 48 frozen tater tots
- ▢ ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- ▢ ¼ cup sour cream (see notes)
- ▢ 3 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons sliced chives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with oil. Place 2 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup and then put them into the oven for 8 minutes. 48 frozen tater tots
- Remove them from the oven and use something small (like a shot glass) to press the tarter tots into the muffin cups and create a cup shape. Sprinkle about one teaspoon of cheese into each cup and then return them to the oven until they are crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
- While they are in the oven, cook the bacon in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat until it is crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove it from the pan and when it’s cool, crumble it. 3 strips bacon
- Let them cool for a minute in the muffin tin and then remove them – a dinner knife or small, offset spatula works well for loosening the edges if they are stuck. Place them onto a serving plate and add a small dollop of sour cream, some bacon bits, and chives to each cup. ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons sliced chives
Video
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Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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I love making these in mini muffin tins because the size is perfect for a 1-2-bite appetizer. But if you’d rather have larger bites, go ahead and use a regular-sized muffin tin!
Four more tasty appies for your party
Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon and Crispy Panko
Pulled Pork Sliders
Lightened-Up Chili Cheese Dip
Pub-Style Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings (Super Crispy!)
Tater Tot Cups - Loaded with Potato Skin Toppings
Ingredients
- Spray olive oil
- 48 frozen tater tots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- ¼ cup sour cream , see notes
- 3 strips bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sliced chives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with oil. Place 2 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup and then put them into the oven for 8 minutes. 48 frozen tater tots
- Remove them from the oven and use something small (like a shot glass) to press the tarter tots into the muffin cups and create a cup shape. Sprinkle about one teaspoon of cheese into each cup and then return them to the oven until they are crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
- While they are in the oven, cook the bacon in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat until it is crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove it from the pan and when it’s cool, crumble it. 3 strips bacon
- Let them cool for a minute in the muffin tin and then remove them - a dinner knife or small, offset spatula works well for loosening the edges if they are stuck. Place them onto a serving plate and add a small dollop of sour cream, some bacon bits, and chives to each cup. ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons sliced chives
