These Bacon Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty treat! Crispy tater tots form a little bowl filled with cheese and crispy bacon, making them perfect for snacking or parties.
What’s not to love? Anytime I make these, they vanish quickly. Just watch out — they might make you a star at your next get-together! 🌟
They are super easy to whip up, and everyone will enjoy them. I’m always ready to munch and share these cheesy bites with friends! Just pop them in the oven and let the magic happen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find tater tots, you could try using hash browns, but the texture will be different. I personally prefer the classic frozen variety for that perfect crunch!
Cream Cheese: This adds rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead. It still provides a nice creaminess while cutting down on calories, but the flavor will be a bit tangy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold flavor. You can swap it for mild cheddar or even a cheese blend if you’re after something different. Pepper jack would be great for a spicy twist!
Bacon: I love using crispy bacon for the crunch it adds. Turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative, but be mindful that it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Green Onions: These lend a fresh element. If you don’t have them, consider using chives or even some jalapeños for extra zest!
How Do I Ensure My Tater Tot Cups Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture for your tater tot cups is key! Follow these steps:
- Make sure to press the tater tots tightly into the muffin tin, covering the bottom and sides. This helps them hold together while baking.
- Bake them long enough (25-30 minutes) until they’re golden brown. Don’t rush this step! It builds the crunch.
- Let them cool slightly before adding the filling. This helps them firm up, making it easier to fill them without breaking.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to making delicious, crispy Bacon Tater Tot Cups that everyone will love!
How to Make Bacon Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time assembling the ingredients, baking the tater tots, and then filling them up with delicious cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure those tater tot cups release easily once baked.
2. Prepare the Tater Tot Cups:
Grab your frozen tater tots and start arranging them in the muffin cups. Gently press the tater tots tightly to form a little cup shape, covering the bottom and sides. If you need to, you can break some of the tots to fill in any gaps so that the cups hold up nicely.
3. Bake the Tater Tots:
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake the tater tot cups for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and become crispy. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Mix the Filling:
While the tater tots are baking, grab a medium bowl. Mix the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon (make sure to save a bit for topping later), sour cream (if you like), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
5. Fill the Tater Tot Cups:
After letting the cups cool slightly, it’s time to fill them! Spoon the cream cheese and bacon mixture into each tater tot cup, packing it in nicely.
6. Top with Cheese and Bacon:
Now, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the filled cups, and add the reserved chopped bacon for extra flavor.
7. Bake Again:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly—yum!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, garnish each cup with some finely chopped green onions for that fresh touch. Serve them warm and watch your guests enjoy every bite!
These Bacon Tater Tot Cups are a crowd-pleaser as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy the crispy tater tot shell filled with cheesy, savory goodness. Happy munching!
Can I Use Different Cheeses for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor. Just make sure they melt well!
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
If you want to avoid bacon, you can easily substitute it with cooked mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some spinach for added flavor and texture. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the cream cheese filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it. Just give it a good stir before filling the tater tots cups!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through!
