Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Cups

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil to prevent the tots from sticking.

2. Arrange the Tater Tots:

Place 3 frozen tater tots in each muffin cup. If you have larger muffin tins, you might need to use more tater tots. The goal is to line the bottom of each cup so that they can be pressed into a “crust” later.

3. Bake the Tater Tots:

Bake the tater tots for 10-12 minutes or until they begin to soften. You’ll want them hot and soft enough to mold into the shape of the muffin cups, but not fully crispy yet.

Step 2: Shape the Tater Tot Cups

1. Press the Tots into Cups:

Using the back of a spoon or a small shot glass, gently press down on the tater tots to flatten them into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. This will create a cup shape that can hold your toppings.

2. Return to the Oven:

Place the muffin tin back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. This step ensures that they hold their shape and have a firm, crunchy texture.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake Again

1. Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each tater tot cup. The cheese will melt and add an extra layer of flavor and gooeyness to the cups.

2. Final Bake:

Bake the cups again for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the cheese. The goal is to achieve a beautiful, melted cheese layer.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. Top with Sour Cream and Bacon:

Once the cups are out of the oven, add a small dollop of sour cream to each one. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon for that smoky, savory flavor.

2. Garnish with Chives:

Finish off each tater tot cup with a sprinkle of fresh chives. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the rich toppings.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the tots are still crispy and the cheese is gooey. Arrange them on a serving platter and watch them disappear—they’re that good!