These oven baked 4-ingredient crunchy party cups are the kind of retro appetizer that never really goes out of style. They have that irresistible mix of creamy, savory filling and crisp little shells that makes people reach for one after another, and they feel right at home at holiday gatherings, game nights, and neighborhood potlucks. Recipes like this became popular in mid-century home cooking because they were simple, budget-friendly, and easy to set out for a crowd.
Serve these warm on a platter with a bowl of pickles or olives nearby, and round out the snack table with fresh vegetables, chips, or a simple fruit tray. They also pair nicely with soup for a light lunch, or alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs, cocktail meatballs, and cheese cubes when you are feeding a party crowd.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Crunchy Party Cups
Servings: 24 party cups
Ingredients
24 bite-size tortilla scoop chips
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the tortilla scoop chips on an ungreased baking sheet or in a muffin tin so they stay upright.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar until well combined.
3. Spoon a small mound of the cheese mixture into each chip cup, filling them generously without overloading.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Kid-Friendly Version: Swap the bacon for finely chopped cooked ham or leave the meat out altogether for a simple cheesy version that tends to go over well with picky eaters.
Make-Ahead Tip: Mix the filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When it is time to serve, fill the cups and bake just before guests arrive so the shells stay crisp.
Extra Flavor: A spoonful of finely sliced green onion or a pinch of black pepper can be stirred into the filling if you want a little more zip without adding extra fuss.
Crispy Cup Tip: Do not fill the chips too early, or they can soften before baking. Setting them upright in a muffin tin is especially helpful if you are making a double batch for a party.