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These Loaded Tater Tot Cups are my ultimate party trick. Imagine crispy potato cups filled with melty cheese tangy sour cream crispy bacon and fresh chives. They're so simple but everyone goes crazy for them every single time.
Why These Are Special
I love how versatile these cups are. The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft and the toppings just make everything better. Plus they're so easy to customize everyone can make them their own way.
What You'll Need
- Frozen Tater Tots: One bag for the base of the cups.
- Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated for that melty goodness.
- Sour Cream: Adds creamy tang to the topping.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: For that irresistible savory crunch.
- Fresh Chives: A sprinkle of freshness on top.
- Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking and ensure crispy edges.
Let's Make These
- Preheat and Prep
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Spray a mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray.
- Shape Tater Tot Cups
- Place two frozen tater tots in each cup and bake for 10 minutes. Press them into cup shapes using a shot glass or similar tool.
- Add Cheese
- Sprinkle grated cheddar into each cup and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve
- Add sour cream, bacon bits, and fresh chives. Let them cool slightly before removing with a butter knife.
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My Best Tips
I've learned to grate fresh cheddar it melts so much better than pre-shredded. Press those tots firmly into the cups while they're hot they'll hold their shape better. Give them a minute to cool before removing or they might break.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I make bigger portions in regular muffin tins. Try different cheeses pepper jack adds nice heat. I love adding diced jalapeños or tomatoes. When I'm rushed store bought bacon bits work just fine.
Perfect Partners
Serve these cups warm with ranch dipping sauce or spicy ketchup. They're amazing alongside sliders at parties. Just keep the dips close by people love dunking these little bites.
Keep Them Fresh
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up they taste almost like fresh made.
Success Tips
Make sure those tots are super crispy before shaping them into cups. I spray my pan really well with cooking spray nothing worse than stuck tots. A non stick mini muffin pan makes life so much easier.
Make Them Pretty
I love arranging these on my favorite platter with extra chives scattered around. Set out little bowls of sour cream and spicy mayo let people add extra toppings as they like.
Perfect For Any Party
These tot cups work at every gathering from game days to fancy parties. They're grab and go easy perfect for potlucks and picnics too. I've made them for holiday dinners and casual snacks they just fit anywhere.
Perfect Drinks
Cold beer makes these taste even better. Iced tea works great too. For brunch I serve them with spicy Bloody Marys the flavors match perfectly.
Make Them Your Own
Skip the bacon and add mushrooms for vegetarian friends. Mix hot sauce into the sour cream for heat lovers. These little cups are so adaptable you can really play with the toppings.
Why Everyone Loves Them
It's that perfect combo of crispy creamy and savory that makes these irresistible. They're easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced cooks. Plus who doesn't love loaded potato anything?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Make the cups ahead and reheat in oven until crispy. Add toppings just before serving for best results.
- → Why are my cups falling apart?
Let them cool slightly before removing. Use a butter knife around edges and handle gently while warm.
- → What other toppings work well?
Try diced jalapeños, green onions, different cheese blends or crumbled sausage. Any potato topping works great.
- → How do I get crispy cups?
Make sure to press tots firmly against sides of pan. Don't skip the initial baking step before shaping.
- → Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?
Fresh shredded cheese melts better and gives creamier results. Pre-shredded has additives that affect melting.
Conclusion
Mini tater tot cups turned into bite-sized loaded potato bites. Crispy outside, creamy inside with classic potato toppings.