Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups Recipe
These Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer combining crispy tater tots, savory bacon, creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapenos baked into perfectly portioned muffin cups. They are perfect for parties, brunch, or a flavorful snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cups (12 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Hash Brown Cups
- 6 slices bacon
- 72 tater tots (about 16 ounces)
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish (Optional)
- 3 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, let cool, then crumble and set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare Tater Tot Cups: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 3 tater tots in each of 24 mini muffin cups.
- Bake Tater Tot Cups: Bake tots for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully press the tots down and together in each muffin cup using the end of a wooden spoon or the bottom of a shot glass to form a cup shape without breaking through.
- Continue Baking Cups: Return muffin pan to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tater tot cups are golden brown and crispy.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapenos, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill and Garnish: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the cheese and bacon mixture into each tater tot cup. Top with thinly sliced jalapenos if desired.
- Bake Filled Cups: Bake filled muffin cups for 10 minutes until the cheese mixture is gooey, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the hash brown cups stand for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by using fewer jalapenos or omitting the garnish.
- Mini muffin pans are recommended for perfect bite-sized portions.
- For a breakfast twist, add an egg and cottage cheese mixture on top before the final bake as a protein boost.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; leftovers may lose crispiness but remain tasty.
- Double or triple the recipe easily for larger gatherings.
Keywords: Jalapeno popper, hash brown cups, appetizer, tater tots, bacon, cheese, party food, bite-sized, spicy snack
