Mini tater tot cheeseburgers are a fun and delicious twist on the classic slider. With crispy tater tots serving as buns, these bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, appetizers, or even as a fun family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Twist: Swaps traditional buns for crispy, golden tater tots.
- Perfect Party Food: Easy to make in batches and great for sharing.
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings for endless variations.
- Kid-Friendly: A playful and tasty treat that kids (and adults) will adore.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with a big flavor payoff.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen tater tots
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Slices of cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
- Pickles, sliced
- Ketchup and mustard
- Lettuce, cut into small pieces (optional)
- Toothpicks for assembly
Directions
- Prepare the Tater Tot “Buns”:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until crispy and golden. Allow to cool slightly.
- Cook the Burger Patties:
- Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Form the beef into small, flat patties about the size of a tater tot.
- Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Add the Cheese:
- Place a small square of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt slightly.
- Assemble the Mini Cheeseburgers:
- Place one tater tot as the base. Add a cheeseburger patty, a pickle slice, and any additional toppings like ketchup, mustard, or lettuce.
- Top with another tater tot to complete the mini burger. Secure with a toothpick.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange on a platter and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 mini burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or spicy mayo for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Use veggie burger patties and skip the ground beef.
- Breakfast Style: Top with a quail egg and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like Swiss, American, or pepper jack.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace tater tots with roasted cauliflower bites.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as the tater tots may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the tater tots and burger patties ahead, then assemble and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy?
Serve immediately after baking or reheating. If holding for later, use a warm oven to keep them crisp.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives.
Can I air fry the tater tots?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
How do I prevent the mini burgers from falling apart?
Secure each one with a toothpick to hold the layers together.
Can I add caramelized onions?
Definitely! Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor.
Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free tater tots and ensure all toppings are gluten-free.
Can I make these sliders larger?
You can double up on the tater tots and patties for a slightly larger version, but keep them bite-sized for easy eating.
Can I use homemade tater tots?
Yes! Homemade tater tots will make this recipe even more special.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a creamy chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Mini tater tot cheeseburgers are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a bite-sized snack. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch these mini burgers disappear in no time!
Print
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheeseburgers 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These bite-sized tater tot cheeseburgers combine crispy tater tots with juicy cheeseburger patties for a fun and delicious appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a family-friendly treat!
Ingredients
For the tater tot buns:
- 48 frozen tater tots (about 2 cups)
- Non-stick cooking spray
For the burger patties:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For assembly:
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
- 12 mini dill pickle slices
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 2 tbsp mustard (optional)
- Toothpicks for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the tater tot buns:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the tater tots in pairs on the baking sheet. Gently press each pair together using the back of a spoon to form a flat “bun” shape.
- Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
2. Make the burger patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 small patties, about the size of the tater tot buns.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. Melt the cheese:
- During the last minute of cooking, place a square of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.
4. Assemble the mini cheeseburgers:
- Place one tater tot bun on a serving plate. Add a burger patty with melted cheese on top, followed by a pickle slice, and a small dollop of ketchup or mustard if desired. Top with another tater tot bun.
- Secure each mini burger with a toothpick.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a variation, add mini tomato slices or shredded lettuce.
- Use turkey or veggie ground meat for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.