Julia Koch
Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. These savory little treats bring together the comforting crunch of tater tots with a rich combination of melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Sprinkled with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, game day snacks, or even a fun dinner side.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors—salty, creamy, crunchy, and a little tangy. They’re easy to prep and even easier to devour. Best of all, you can customize them with different toppings to match your craving or guests’ preferences. Whether served on a platter or straight from the baking sheet, these little morsels never stick around for long.
Ingredients for this Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers Recipe
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Base
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray or oil. Place 2–3 frozen tater tots in each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Shape and Bake Again
Remove the tin from the oven and use a spoon or small glass to press the tots down into each cup, forming little potato “nests.” Return them to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove the tater tot cups from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly into each one while they’re still hot so the cheese melts slightly. Place the tin back into the oven for 2–3 more minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
Step 4: Load Them Up
Top each cheesy tater cup with a small dollop of sour cream. Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously over the top. Finally, add a few chopped chives for a fresh, colorful finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the loaded tater tot appetizers cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently lifting them out with a spoon or small spatula. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful crunch and creamy toppings in every bite.
Storage Instructions
Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but they can be stored for later munching as well. Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quick and crispy refresh. Microwaving is an option, but it may make the tots slightly soggy.
Estimated Nutrition (per piece, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the tater tot cups in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat and top with cheese and toppings just before serving.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend all work great with this recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The oven or air fryer is ideal for keeping them crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain texture.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon or substitute it with crispy mushrooms, caramelized onions, or vegetarian bacon.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the plain baked tater tot cups. Reheat in the oven and add fresh toppings after they’re heated through.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your tater tots and toppings (especially bacon and cheese) are certified gluten-free.
How do I serve them at a party?
Place them on a platter with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing. Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo on the side.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Try jalapeños, green onions, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 mini appetizers (depending on muffin tin size)
Description
Loaded Tater Tot Appetizers are crispy, cheesy, and topped with all your favorite fixings—perfect for game days, gatherings, or just a fun snack. Each bite-sized tot cup is filled with melty cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, savory bacon, and fresh chives. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear!
Ingredients
1 (32 oz) bag of frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
- Place 2–3 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and press tots down with a spoon or small glass to form a cup shape.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese into each cup and bake for 2–3 more minutes until melted.
- Top each with a small dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chives.
- Let cool slightly, then gently remove from muffin tin.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer