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These little bundles of joy bring together the crispy goodness of tater tots, the hearty warmth of chili, and the gooey richness of cheese in a mouthwatering fusion.

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that combines comfort food favorites into a single, bite-sized delight, look no further than Tater Tot Chili Cheese Cup Bites!

The foundation of these delectable bites is none other than the beloved tater tot.

The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of these golden nuggets provide the perfect ingredient to create the base for these delicious little tater bites. My current addiction to these little pillows of crispiness runs deep, my friends!

Baked to perfection, the tater tots become a crunchy little bowl that holds together the entire taste experience. Canned chili becomes the flavorful filling! Top them off with grated cheese, a dab of sour cream and chopped onion, and you have created the perfect game day snack!

So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, tie on your apron and treat yourself to a tasty experience that’s as fun to make as it is to devour! I’m the M.V.P. of devouring!

Ingredient List

• 60 Tater Tots – slightly thawed
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or mexican blend
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ¾ cup of your favorite canned chili with beans – I used Hormel Chili
• 12 slices of jalapeños – fresh or canned
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons of melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make Tater Tot Chili Cheese Bites

Preheat the oven to 425° (F). Spray a 12 cup Muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Place 5 tater tots in the bottom of each muffin tin cup.

Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and place it on a baking rack or hot pad.

Using a shot glass…no we’re not drinking…or a small metal butter carafe, smash the partially baked tater tots to form a “cup”.

TIP: Make sure the bottom of each cup is completely covered with smashed tater tots. If not, push the tater tots around with your fingers to cover any holes. Each cup needs a solid bottom.

In a microwave-safe bowl, place 3 tablespoons of butter and ½ teaspoon of garlic salt. Microwave on high for 20 seconds or until the butter is melted. Remove from the microwave and stir to combine.

Using a pastry brush, brush the inside of each tater tot cup with melted butter mixture. Making sure to go all the way up the sides and around the top edge of each smashed tater tot cup.

Place the butter brushed tater tots back in the oven for an additional 14–17 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You now have 12 mini bowls for your chili filling!

Filling and Finishing Tater Tot Cups

Fill each baked tater tot cup with 1–2 tablespoons of chili. I was able to get one heaping tablespoon into each prepared potato cup.

NOTE: You do not have to preheat the chili. These little bundles of joy are going back into the oven to bake one more time, and it will heat the chili and melt the cheese perfectly.

Sprinkle the top of each chili filled cup with 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese.

Place the muffin tin back in the oven and bake another 5 minutes until the chili is heated through, and the cheese is melted.

Remove the pan from the oven. Let the tater tots cool for 3–5 minutes until cool enough to handle, and the cups have time to firm up.

Using a butter knife, or fork, carefully remove each chili-filled tater tot. Place on a serving tray and garnish with a small dollop of sour cream, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a slice of jalapeño, if desired. You can also top each one with a small amount of salsa or pico de Gallo.

Any topping you love on chili will go great with these little spicy cups of joy!

Serve warm…but they are good at room temp too. I admit they are much better hot, but just know that your guests won’t turn their noses up at these chili cheese cups if they’ve set out for a bit. I am speaking from extensive experience!

Q & A for Tater Tot Chili Cheese Cups

• Can I use homemade chili in these little Tater Tot cups? Yes, of course. I’m just sharing a quick and easy way to produce a really fun and yummy appetizer.
• How can I kick up the flavor in these little bites? I recommend serving them with hot sauce or sprinkling them with red chili flakes if you love heat! It would be fun to have several different bottles of hot sauce next to them on the serving table.
• Can the leftovers be stored and reheated? Leftovers?!!! Well, if there are any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in the air fryer or oven at 400° for 5–8 minutes until heated through.
• Can these be made in the air fryer? If you have a muffin tin small enough to fit in your air fryer…yes! Otherwise, it would be difficult to achieve the cup shape necessary to create this appetizer.

Other Favorite Football Snacks

• Hot Pastrami and Swiss Cheese Sliders
• Loaded Tater Tots Recipe
• Copy Cat Winger Wings
• Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sliders
• Homemade Pizza Rolls
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings from Soulfully Made

These bite-sized wonders are not just for solo enjoyment. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear within minutes.

They make for a fantastic appetizer at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. The combination of familiar flavors presented in an innovative way is sure to impress your guests.

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy snacking Friends!

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