Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

The Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe is spicy, cheesy and very fun to eat. These bite-sized cups are perfect for parties, game nights or snacks.

They combine crispy tater tots, creamy cheese and a little heat from jalapeños. I love how easy they are to make and how everyone enjoys them.

If you are looking for how to make Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups, this guide will help. The ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups are simple and easy to find in any kitchen.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made these tater tot cups for a football party. I wanted a snack everyone would love. They were a huge hit.

Crispy tater tots held cheesy filling perfectly. The jalapeños added a gentle kick, not too hot. Kids and adults both asked for seconds.

Cleanup was simple and the recipe was quick. Since then, I make these cups for holidays, birthday parties and weekend snacks. They always disappear fast.

Recipe Card Info

  • Recipe Name: Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe
  • Servings: 12 cups
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Course: Appetizer / Snack
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe
Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Equipment List

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients You Need for Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups

  • Frozen tater tots – 2 cups
  • Cream cheese, softened – 4 ounces
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded – 1 cup
  • Jalapeños, diced – 2 medium
  • Bacon, cooked and crumbled – 4 slices
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
  • Green onions, sliced – 2 tablespoons (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease the muffin tin lightly. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Arrange the Tater Tots

Place tater tots in the muffin tin. Press them to form cup shapes. Make sure the sides and bottom are covered evenly.

3. Bake the Tater Tot Cups

Bake the tater tot cups for 15 minutes. They should be slightly golden and crispy. Remove them carefully from the oven.

4. Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, cooked bacon, garlic powder and black pepper. Stir until fully combined.

5. Fill the Tater Tot Cups

Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture into each tater tot cup. Fill them generously but avoid overflowing. Make sure each cup gets some bacon.

6. Bake Again

Return the filled cups to the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove cups from the oven. Sprinkle sliced green onions if desired. Let them cool for two minutes. Serve warm for best flavor.

Recipe Tips

  • Use medium jalapeños for a gentle kick
  • Soften cream cheese before mixing
  • Press tater tots firmly for sturdy cups
  • Bake cheese-filled cups until bubbly
  • Serve immediately for best texture

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount
Calories180 kcal
Fat12 g
Protein6 g
Carbs12 g
Sodium290 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups as appetizers for parties or snacks with drinks. They go well with ranch dressing or sour cream.

Pair with fresh veggies for a balanced plate. These cups also taste great with a side of guacamole or salsa.

Best Sides To Serve With

  • Ranch or sour cream dipping sauce
  • Fresh vegetable sticks
  • Guacamole or salsa
  • Sandwiches
  • Fruit platter

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cups in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Microwaving works but may make them soft. Always reheat until the cheese is warm and melty.

Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Sara Collins
The Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe is spicy, cheesy and very fun to eat. These bite-sized cups are perfect for parties, game nights or snacks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Cups
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Frozen tater tots – 2 cups
  • Cream cheese softened – 4 ounces
  • Cheddar cheese shredded – 1 cup
  • Jalapeños diced – 2 medium
  • Bacon cooked and crumbled – 4 slices
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
  • Green onions sliced – 2 tablespoons (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease the muffin tin lightly. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Arrange the Tater Tots

  • Place tater tots in the muffin tin. Press them to form cup shapes. Make sure the sides and bottom are covered evenly.

Bake the Tater Tot Cups

  • Bake the tater tot cups for 15 minutes. They should be slightly golden and crispy. Remove them carefully from the oven.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, cooked bacon, garlic powder and black pepper. Stir until fully combined.

Fill the Tater Tot Cups

  • Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture into each tater tot cup. Fill them generously but avoid overflowing. Make sure each cup gets some bacon.

Bake Again

  • Return the filled cups to the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove cups from the oven. Sprinkle sliced green onions if desired. Let them cool for two minutes. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use medium jalapeños for a gentle kick
  • Soften cream cheese before mixing
  • Press tater tots firmly for sturdy cups
  • Bake cheese-filled cups until bubbly
  • Serve immediately for best texture
Keyword Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Read More: Pioneer Woman Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe

FAQs about Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe

Can I make these cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tater tot cups and filling separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for best taste and crispiness.

Can I use frozen jalapeños instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen jalapeños work well. Make sure to drain excess water to prevent soggy cups.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the bacon. Add extra cheese or veggies for flavor. They still taste cheesy and delicious.

How spicy are these tater tot cups?
The spice level is mild with medium jalapeños. You can reduce heat by removing seeds or increase it by adding more jalapeños.

Conclusion

The Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups Recipe is fun, cheesy and perfect for parties. It uses simple ingredients and easy steps.

Once you learn how to make Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups, you will want to make them often.

The ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Cups are easy to keep on hand. Try this recipe and enjoy a warm, spicy and cheesy snack that everyone will love.

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.