Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 9, 2026

Featured in: Appetizers

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing finger food that’s both crispy and cheesy, these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups are your go-to choice. Perfectly bite-sized and packed with savory bacon, melted cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream, they deliver a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick snack, these handheld little cups are mess-free, making them ideal for guests to enjoy without fuss. Their golden crispiness and creamy toppings make them disappear fast at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy baked tater tots shaped into perfect handheld cups, ideal for parties and snacking.
Loaded with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions for irresistible flavor.
Easy to prepare in under an hour with simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
Make-ahead option keeps you stress-free while entertaining.

Ingredients

Frozen tater tots: Use a 16-ounce bag with 48-60 tots for perfectly portioned, consistent texture and crunch.
Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar adds a melty, tangy richness and beautiful color.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, this adds cool contrast when dolloped on the finished cups.
Bacon: Four slices cooked and crumbled provide smoky, savory flavor and delightful crunch.
Green onions: Thinly sliced green parts add freshness and mild onion bite as garnish.
Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures the tots won’t stick together or to the muffin pan.
Muffin pan: Regular or mini size to shape the tots into cups.
Shot glass or small juice glass: Sprayed and used to mold the tots into cup shapes during baking.

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the muffin pan: Set the oven to 450°F and spray the cups of your muffin pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. This step prevents sticking and helps the tater tots crisp evenly during baking.
Arrange tater tots in muffin pan cups: For mini muffin tins, place 2-3 tots per cup; for regular tins, use 4-5 tots. Arrange the tots compactly but evenly to form the base and walls of the cups, which will crisp up to hold fillings later.
Initial baking of tots: Bake the arranged tots on the bottom rack for 10 minutes to start cooking and crisping the base. This sets the structure for shaping in the next step.
Mold tater tot cups using a shot glass: Spray the bottom of a shot glass or small juice glass with cooking spray. Gently twist the glass into each muffin cup, pushing the tots upward to form cup shapes with slightly raised edges. This shaping creates a perfect vessel for the toppings.
Bake until deep golden and crisp: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the tater tot cups to develop a rich golden brown color and a crispy, sturdy texture suitable for holding cheese and toppings.
Add cheddar cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle one tablespoon of freshly shredded cheddar onto each cup, then bake for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful topping that binds everything together.
Garnish and serve: Transfer the finished cups to a platter and let them cool slightly for 5 minutes. Top each cup with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and fresh green onion slices for added flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Serve warm for best enjoyment.

You Must Know

Using freshly shredded cheese is key for smooth melting and avoiding the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties.
The shot glass molding technique is essential for creating sturdy, deep cups that hold all toppings without falling apart.
You can prepare the cups ahead of time and reheat before serving to save time on party day.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tater tot cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake or air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed and crispy again.

Serving Suggestions

These appetizer cups pair beautifully with fresh vegetable crudites or a side of spicy ketchup for dipping. They’re also great alongside your favorite game day dips or salads to round out a party spread.

Professional Tips

Shred your own cheese for optimal melting texture and flavor.
Ensure the muffin pan is thoroughly sprayed for easy release and crispness.
Customize fillings by adding chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or switch cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?: Yes! Prepare through step 5, refrigerate, and re-bake at 400°F for 10 minutes before garnishing to refresh the crispiness.
What if I don’t have a shot glass?: You can use any small round glass or cup with a slightly smaller diameter than the muffin cups. Spray it well to prevent sticking.
Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?: Absolutely! Substitute crumbled cooked mushrooms or roasted nuts for smoky texture without the meat.
Which cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp Colby will melt well and complement the flavors nicely.
How do I keep the tater tot cups crispy?: Ensure to spray the pan well and bake at high heat so the tots brown quickly. Avoid covering the cups immediately after baking to prevent steam softening.