These Bacon Tater Tot Cups are little bundles of joy! Crispy tater tots form a tasty cup, filled with gooey cheese and smoky bacon. Perfect for snacks or parties!
Honestly, what’s better than tater tots and bacon? Nothing! I love making these for game day—everyone will be coming back for more. Just grab a cup and enjoy the crunchy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star of the show! They provide the crunchy exterior. If you don’t have tater tots, you can use hash browns, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time for even results.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor. While I love regular bacon, turkey or plant-based bacon works as a great substitute for those who want to reduce fat or go meatless.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is fantastic, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice twist. If you’re dairy-free, try shreds made from nuts or soy.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for that rich texture. For a vegan option, consider using scrambled tofu or a chickpea flour mixture for a similar consistency in each cup.
How Do I Ensure My Tater Tot Cups Don’t Fall Apart?
The key to forming sturdy tater tot cups is to ensure they stick together well. Here’s how to get it right:
- Let the tater tots sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using them. This softens them slightly and helps them bond together better.
- When pressing the tater tots into the muffin tin, pack them tightly to form a strong base. This will help keep their shape once cooked.
- Bake them until golden brown—the crispy layer will hold the cups together. Don’t rush this step!
Taking these steps will make sure your cups hold their shape during cooking and are easy to serve. Remember to be patient and have fun while making these delicious treats!
Bacon Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 25-35 minutes for cooking. This means your total time is roughly 50-60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun recipe to whip up for breakfast or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Tater Tots:
Take your frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on the counter for about 10 minutes. This helps them soften up, making them easier to press together. Once they’ve softened, it’s time to get your hands dirty!
3. Form the Tater Tot Cups:
Grab about 8-10 tater tots for each muffin cup. Press them firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the cup to shape little cups. Make sure they’re tightly packed to hold their shape when cooked.
4. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the tater tot cups for 15-20 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. This is the foundation for your delicious cups!
5. Add Cheese:
Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese into the bottom of each tater tot cup. This melty layer adds flavor!
6. Crack the Eggs:
Next, carefully crack one egg into each cup over the cheese. The egg will become the tasty center of your cups. Don’t worry if they look a bit messy—it’ll all come together in the oven!
7. Bake Again:
Put the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! If you prefer runny yolks, take them out sooner; if you like your eggs fully cooked, leave them in a little longer.
8. Season and Add Bacon:
Once the eggs are done, take the muffin tin out and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the crumbled bacon. The bacon adds that extra crunch and flavor that makes these cups irresistible!
9. Cool and Release:
Let the cups cool for a few minutes, then use a knife to gently run around the edges and loosen them. Carefully remove each cup from the tin—be gentle so they don’t fall apart!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Bacon Tater Tot Cups warm. You can even top them with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy bites!
These little cups are crispy on the outside, cheesy, savory, and have a wonderful egg center with smoky bacon on top—perfect as a hearty snack or breakfast treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor. Just be mindful of the cheese’s melting point to ensure a gooey texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tater tot cups in advance! Simply bake them and store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warmed through before cracking in the eggs and baking again!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps them crispy—microwaving may make them a bit soggy.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms before adding the egg. Just make sure they are cooked and drained of excess moisture so they don’t sog up the cups.
