These Bacon Tater Tot Cups are a fun and tasty treat perfect for a party! Imagine crispy tater tots shaped like little cups, filled with yummy bacon and cheese. What’s not to love?
Every bite is crunchy and cheesy, making them so hard to resist! I like to serve them with some dipping sauce on the side—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use sweet potato tots for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the baking time as they might cook differently.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds tons of flavor. You can swap it with turkey bacon for a lighter choice or leave it out for a vegetarian version. Try adding some diced bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a classic flavor. You can mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese works well for a dairy-free option but check the melting properties as they can vary.
Cream Cheese: This softens when baked and gives creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, a non-dairy cream cheese can be a nice alternative. You could also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
How Do I Ensure My Tater Tot Cups Are Nice and Crispy?
Creating crispy tater tot cups is key to getting that delightful texture! Here are some steps to keep in mind:
- Press Tater Tots Firmly: Make sure to press them down into the muffin tin. This helps form a sturdy cup that holds together.
- Layering: Start with a base of tater tots and avoid overfilling them. The oven’s heat circulates around, making them crispy if there’s enough space.
- Final Bake: Observe the second baking stage closely. The longer they bake after adding cheese and bacon, the crunchier they will become.
- Let Them Cool: After removing from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes in the tin. This helps them firm up and releases them easily.
How to Make Delicious Bacon Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and another 40-50 minutes for baking. So, plan for about an hour total to make these tasty treats! They come out warm and delicious, perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This helps the tater tots come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it gets nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Once it cools, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Now, it’s time to make the tater tot cups! Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer in each muffin cup. Press them down lightly with your fingers to make sure they hold together and form a cup shape. This is the base of your delicious bites!
4. Bake the Tater Tots:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots start to turn golden and crispy. This step is important for getting that crunchy texture!
5. Add Cream Cheese:
Once the tater tots have baked and are crispy, take the muffin tin out from the oven. Using a spoon, place about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese inside each tater tot cup, filling the bottom.
6. Cheese and Bacon Layer:
Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the cream cheese in each cup. Don’t hold back; we want every bite to be cheesy! Then, top each cup with the crumbled bacon you prepared earlier.
7. Final Bake:
Put the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the tater tots to be golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cups to cool slightly. This will make them easier to remove. After a few minutes, use a fork or spoon to gently lift each cup out of the tin.
9. Garnish and Enjoy!
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with sliced green onions if you like. Serve these warm, and watch how fast they disappear!
Enjoy your delicious crispy Bacon Tater Tot Cups!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tater tots, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh tater tots may require a shorter baking time, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a substitute for bacon, try using turkey bacon or chopped sausage. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or tempeh crumbles can add a nice flavor and texture!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tater tot cups up to the point of adding cheese and bacon, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture—microwaving can make them soggy.
