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These Tater Tot Appetizer Cups have turned into my go-to party snack. I found this idea at a football gathering and they're downright impossible to stop eating. Imagine: crunchy potato tots formed into tiny cups packed with gooey cheese, crunchy bacon and a spoonful of sour cream on top. They get gobbled up so quickly I now always whip up twice as many.
What Makes These So Amazing
Believe me, tater tots aren't just kid food anymore. I've taken these to gatherings for ages and they always get snatched up first. The coolest thing? They come together so fast with minimal mess and everyone thinks I slaved away making them. And you can add whatever toppings you want on top.
What You'll Need
- Frozen Tater Tots: Go with regular ones since I've sampled the fancy kinds but basic tots work best
- Cheese You Grate Yourself: I prefer sharp cheddar that I shred by hand for better melting
- Sour Cream: I usually pick the full-fat version but Greek yogurt does the job if you want something lighter
- Bacon Pieces: I like to fry and break up my own bacon but store-bought bits work in a pinch
- Chives: I snip them straight from my garden when I can as they add such nice green color
- Extra Goodies: Get creative here as I love adding chunky salsa, hot cheese sauce or my homemade ranch
Steps To Make Them
- Prep Your Pan
- Spray that muffin tin well because nobody wants their tots stuck to the pan.
- Arrange Your Tots
- Put 5 to 7 tots in each cup and bake until they turn golden and crunchy.
- Shape Those Cups
- Here's my trick push them down with a shot glass to make perfect little potato cups.
- Add Your Cheese
- Fill each cup with plenty of cheese and put it back in the oven until it bubbles and turns golden.
- Finish Them Off
- Sprinkle with bacon add sour cream and scatter chives. Eat them right away while everything's hot and crispy.
Try Different Flavor Combos
I enjoy playing around with different toppings on these cups. Sometimes I'll add some Tabasco for heat or drizzle some BBQ sauce over them. My children absolutely love when I make the pizza version with tomato sauce and lots of cheese. You can make so many different kinds that's why they're so awesome.
Storing Any Extras
If you somehow end up with leftovers stick them in a sealed container and they'll stay good in your fridge for about 5 days. Don't warm them up in the microwave though they'll turn mushy. Instead a quick 350°F heat in your oven or air fryer will bring back their crunch.
Make Them Ahead
When life gets crazy here's my party shortcut. Form the cups add the cheese cover them and keep them in your fridge. When guests arrive just toss them in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes add your favorite toppings and you're all set.
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Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food
I've brought these to everything from football watch parties to casual family get-togethers. They hardly leave any mess which makes them great for walking around and chatting and my favorite part? Everyone can put whatever toppings they want on them.
Other Crowd-Pleasing Snacks
If you fall for these tots you should definitely try my other party favorites. People rave about my Jalapeño Poppers at block parties. My Crab and Shrimp Dip makes folks ask me for the secret recipe. And wait till you try my Spicy Deviled Eggs they put a whole new spin on an old classic.
Tricks I've Learned
After making these countless times I've picked up some handy tips. Always shred cheese yourself since the bagged stuff doesn't melt properly. Let the tots cool slightly before pressing or they'll crumble apart. And load up on those toppings that's what gives these cups their wow factor.
Change Them Up
My family never gets bored with these because we're always trying new versions. Make morning cups with eggs and breakfast sausage. Fix them Mexican style with seasoned beef and jalapeños. I really love them topped with shredded pork BBQ sauce and those crunchy onion bits.
Why Everyone Loves Them
You know what really stands out about these cups? They've got that perfect mix of crispy outside melty inside and you can make them your way. Everyone from my fussy little one to my food-obsessed friends gobbles them up and they're just so simple to grab and munch at parties.
How To Display Them
I like setting these out on my big platter with small dishes of different dips around them. Put out some ranch spicy mayo and extra sour cream so people can try different combos. When you lay them out in neat rows or circles the whole spread just looks so tempting.
Freezer Tips
Want to plan way ahead? Make a bunch of these cups and freeze them before adding cheese. They'll stay good for 3 months in a freezer bag. When you need them just put them frozen into a 375°F oven for around 15 minutes top them however you want and you're done.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I shape the potato cups easily?
- Grab a small juice or shot glass, spray it with oil, and press it firmly into semi-baked tots to create a cup. Be sure to twist gently as you press.
- → Is it okay to prep these in advance?
- Yes! Make the cups, add cheese, and refrigerate. Heat them at 400°F covered with foil for about 10 minutes. Finish with fresh toppings when serving.
- → What other toppings could work well?
- Try things like chopped jalapeños, pulled pork, diced tomatoes, or even add sauces like ranch or sriracha for some kick.
- → Why don’t my cups get crispy?
- Place your tray on a lower oven rack and make sure to follow the two-step bake: once before shaping and again after.
- → Can I freeze them for later use?
- Sure! Store the baked cups (without toppings) in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F until crispy, then add toppings.