Bacon Tater Tot Cups are a fun, crunchy treat packed with flavor! These little cups are made with crispy tater tots and filled with cheese and bacon. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or a cozy movie night. I love how easy they are to make—just layer, bake, and enjoy! Who can resist that cheesy, meaty goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the show! Frozen tater tots create the perfect crunchy shell. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use sweet potato tots instead.
Breakfast Sausage: Use cooked breakfast sausage for added flavor. If you’re going meatless, consider crumbled tofu or a plant-based sausage for a tasty alternative.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great texture. You can try turkey bacon for a leaner version, or even skip it altogether and top with extra cheese.
Cheese: Cheddar gives that classic taste. Feel free to swap half or all of it with pepper jack for some heat, or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Green Onions: These add fresh flavor and a nice finish. You can replace them with chopped parsley or omit them if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Form the Perfect Tater Tot Cups?
Creating those cute tater tot cups is key to this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with the muffin tin sprayed well with cooking spray. It helps in removing the cups easily.
- Layer about 8-10 tater tots in each cup and press them down. Make sure they touch each other to create a solid base.
- Don’t rush the baking time; allow them to get golden and crisp to ensure a sturdy shell!
After shaping, you can fill them up with yummy cheese and toppings without worrying about them falling apart. Enjoy making these little cups! They are sure to be a hit!
Bacon Tater Tot Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 oz cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty Bacon Tater Tot Cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to get those cups nice and crispy! While your oven heats up, grab a muffin tin and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This will help your cups come out easily.
2. Shape the Tater Tot Cups:
Take the frozen tater tots and place about 8-10 in each muffin cup. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press and shape them into a cup so they reach up the sides. Make sure they stick together well!
3. Bake the Tater Tot Cups:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake the tater tot cups for about 20 minutes. You want them to become golden and slightly crispy.
4. Add the Cheese:
Once they’re golden, take the muffin tin out of the oven. Carefully fill each tater tot cup with about 2 tablespoons of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese mixture. Be generous—cheese makes everything better!
5. Top with Sausage and Bacon:
Next, sprinkle some of the cooked sausage crumbles and bacon bits on top of the cheese in each cup. This adds great flavor and crunch!
6. Bake Again:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want to see the cheese melting and bubbling, and for the edges of the cups to get extra crispy.
7. Cool and Remove:
After baking, let the cups cool for a few minutes. This helps them set a bit, making them easier to remove. Carefully take them out of the muffin tin.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for freshness and color. Serve the cups warm, and enjoy every delicious bite of your crispy, cheesy Bacon Tater Tot Cups!
Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tater tots if you have them! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, making sure they cook all the way through and get crispy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian Bacon Tater Tot Cups, simply omit the bacon and sausage. You can replace them with sautéed vegetables or use meat substitutes like plant-based sausage for added flavor.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tater tot cups up to the point of baking. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold.
How to 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 minutes until crispy again, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
