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You won't believe how these Tater Tot Cups stole the show at my last game day party. What started as me playing around in the kitchen turned into pure snacking magic. That crispy potato shell filled with melty cheese and smoky bacon bits topped with a dollop of sour cream it's impossible to eat just one. My friends now request these little bites of heaven at every gathering.
Perfect Party Bites
These cups came to life one day when I was craving something different for movie night. The moment that first batch came out of the muffin tin golden and crispy I knew I'd struck gold. Now watching everyone's faces light up as they stuff them with their favorite toppings brings me so much joy. My nephew even started calling them potato treasures.
Key Ingredients
- 2 bags frozen tater tots thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon cooked crispy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions chopped
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
Simple Steps to Make
- Press thawed tots into muffin tin cups
- Bake at 425°F until golden
- Fill with cheese and bacon
- Return to oven until cheese melts
- Top with sour cream green onions
- Serve while hot and crispy
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Party Success Tips
Want to be the ultimate host? Pop those potato cups in the oven before guests arrive keep them warm until showtime. I love setting up a little topping bar letting everyone dress up their cups just how they like. My sister in law started bringing her famous guacamole just for these it's become quite the tradition.
Mix It Up
Last weekend I surprised everyone with breakfast versions filled with scrambled eggs and sausage. My vegetarian friend inspired me to try mushroom and caramelized onion cups totally delicious. When my spice loving cousin visits I make his batch extra hot with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese gets him every time.
Perfect Pairings
Set out little bowls of ranch BBQ sauce and hot sauce let everyone get creative with dipping. These cups love to share a plate with fresh veggies or my famous sliders. Cold beer or fizzy drinks alongside make everything even better. Just watch those cups disappear faster than you can say seconds please.
Save Some For Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Pop them in the fridge they'll stay good for a couple days. Just remember the microwave is not their friend use your oven to bring back that crispy magic. Sometimes I make extra cups freeze them without toppings then finish them off fresh when friends drop by unexpectedly.
More Than Just Snacks
These little cups have sparked so many great moments in my kitchen. From my daughter learning to press the tots just right to friends gathering round still warm batches sharing stories and laughs. Food has this amazing way of bringing people together and these crispy bites do exactly that every single time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these ahead and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat at 350°F until warm and crispy.
- → What size muffin tin works best?
Both mini and regular muffin tins work well. Use 2-3 tots for mini cups or 4-5 tots for regular size cups.
- → Why use a shot glass to form the cups?
A shot glass helps create an even cup shape in the softened tater tots. Make sure to grease it to prevent sticking.
- → Can I freeze these appetizer cups?
You can freeze the baked cups without toppings. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
- → What other toppings can I use?
Try different cheese varieties, chopped jalapeños, or even pulled pork. Any toppings that work well on loaded potatoes will work in these cups.