Tater Tot Bites are fun little snacks made from crispy tater tots that are baked to perfection. They’re loaded with cheese and spices for an extra kick!
You can easily whip these up for game day or movie night. I love serving them with dipping sauces. They disappear so fast that I have to hide a few for myself! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: The star of this dish! Choose a good-quality frozen brand. If you want to make it healthier, look for baked or sweet potato tater tots.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor! If you want something milder, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a great touch. For a vegetarian option, you can use crumbled tempeh or even a vegan bacon substitute. Both work wonderfully!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a healthier version. You can also try ranch dressing for a fun twist!
How Do I Form Perfect Tater Tot Cups?
Creating cup shapes from tater tots is key for holding all the toppings. Here’s how to do it!
- After baking the tater tots, let them cool for a few minutes to make them easier to handle.
- Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press each tater tot into the mini muffin tin, ensuring they cover the sides and bottom well.
- Don’t rush this step! The better you form them now, the more filling they can hold later.
With these tips in hand, your Tater Tot Bites will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy crafting these delicious snacks.
How to Make Tater Tot Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes total. You’ll need about 20 minutes for baking the tater tots, plus an additional 10 minutes to put the bites together and bake them again. It’s a fun and easy way to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, generously grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes the bites easier to remove once they’re cooked.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the slices of bacon until they are crispy. Once they’re nice and crunchy, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease. Once they cool down, crumble them into small pieces for topping your bites.
3. Bake the Tater Tots:
Now it’s time to bake the tater tots! Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions until they’re golden and crispy, which should take about 20 minutes. This step is key to getting those perfect crunches!
4. Form the Tater Tot Cups:
Once your tater tots are baked, let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle. Carefully take the tater tots and press each one into the bottom and sides of the mini muffin cups to form little cups. This will hold all the delicious fillings!
5. Add Cheese:
Next, sprinkle about one teaspoon of shredded cheddar cheese into each tater tot cup. This will melt beautifully and create a cheesy goodness!
6. Final Bake:
Pop the muffin tin back into the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and the edges of the tater tots to get extra crispy. Your kitchen will start smelling fantastic!
7. Assemble and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the bites from the tin. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle the crumbled bacon bits over the top, and finish with chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. If you like, drizzle a little barbecue sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Tater Tot Bites right away and watch them disappear—everyone will be asking for more!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, bacon-topped Tater Tot Bites!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just ensure it melts well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some crispness.
Can I Make These Tater Tot Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cups ahead of time! Just form the cups and fill them with cheese and toppings, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want to make these bites vegetarian, feel free to use crumbled tempeh or a plant-based bacon substitute. You can also add extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for flavor and texture!
