When there are kids in the house you need lots of snack food. We always have chips and other crunchy treats around, but at night we want something a little heavier. These Loaded Tater Tot cups are one of those things that really fit the bill. They can be a late afternoon snack, or great for serving when people come over, or just make a yummy side for burger night. My kids have loved tater tots since they were little and I know they like them a little more dressed up like this now that they’re older.
Making these isn’t hard. It starts with frozen tater tots and a muffin tin. As you see, I dress these up with the classic flavors of sour cream, green onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese. However, if you want to get more creative you can be my guest. I think they would also be good with cheese sauce, or even chili. In a way, you can treat them like you would potato skins. They are a great blank slate for all kinds of flavors!
When these are out of the oven be sure to get the dressed and served quickly. It is best when the tots are hot and still a little crispy. When people are coming over, I’ll make them in paper muffin cups so they are easier to handle. This way people don’t have to get their fingers all dirty with food. You can also have some forks available if people want to be extra care when eating them.
These are definitely a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the new way their favorite tots are being served. Adults like to the more adult twist on a childhood classic. I’ve never met an adult who didn’t want to revisit some of their favorite kid foods once in a while. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
Loaded Tater Tot Cups
These are the perfect snacks to serve at a party with your friends or if you just want to have a heavy snack. They also can be a fun side dish!
Ingredients:
For the Tater Tot Cups:
16 ounces frozen tater tots
Cooking spray
For the Fillings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
Place 3-4 tater tots in each muffin cup, pressing them down gently to form mini cups.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use the bottom of a shot glass or small measuring cup to gently press down the centers of the tater tots, creating deeper cups.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
While the tater tots are baking, prepare your desired fillings. Shred cheese, crumble bacon, chop green onions, and measure out sour cream.
Once the tater tots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Fill each tater tot cup with your chosen toppings. A classic combination is cheese, bacon, and green onions, but feel free to get creative! Drizzle with sour cream if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.