Step 1

Preheat oven oven to 450°F. Coat a 24-well mini muffin pan (or two 12-well pans) with cooking spray. Place 2 tater tots in each mini muffin cup.

Step 2

Bake tater tots for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy, 12-14 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.

Step 4

Remove muffin pan from oven. Protecting hands, carefully use the bottom of a shot glass or a rounded tablespoon to smash the tater tots in each muffin indentation and create a cup shape. (The cups will hold together once baked.)

Step 5

Bake until crispy, 5 more minutes. Remove pan from oven, immediately sprinkle tater tot cups with 1/2 cup cheese, and let stand until cheese melts, 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Using a small metal spatula or a table knife, remove tater tot cups from the muffin pan to a platter. Top each with a small spoonful of sour cream, some bacon, more cheese, and green onion. Serve with hot sauce on the side if you like.