Description
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are delightful bite-sized appetizers combining crispy baked tater tots with juicy ground beef patties melted with cheese. These easy-to-make mini burgers are perfect for parties or game day gatherings, featuring layers of savory beef, melted cheese, fresh pickles, and lettuce between crispy tater tots, served with classic condiments for a fun, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 small yellow onion, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Tater Tot Burgers
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 8 slices American or mild cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- Mini pickles or gherkins, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Garnishes & Serving
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (for serving)
- Optional: sesame seeds, fresh chives, toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C) following the tater tot package directions. Line baking sheets with parchment paper, then spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside once done.
- Prepare Cheese: While the tots bake, cut each slice of cheese into four smaller squares to be used as mini cheese slices for the patties.
- Mix Beef Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender; avoid overmixing.
- Form Mini Patties: Take about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture per patty. Roll each into a ball and flatten into a disk roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Place patties on a plate; optionally chill for 15-20 minutes for firmer patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mini patties in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Melt Cheese: After flipping and cooking for 1-2 minutes on the second side, place a cheese square on each patty. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 30-60 seconds. Remove the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble Mini Cheeseburgers: On a serving platter, place one crispy tater tot as the base. Add a small dollop of your desired sauce (ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise). Top with a melted cheese mini beef patty, then layer shredded lettuce and 1-2 slices of pickles. Finish by placing another crispy tater tot on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Secure each mini cheeseburger with a toothpick if desired. Arrange them on a platter accompanied by halved cherry tomatoes and extra shredded lettuce. Offer additional condiments on the side. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture at its best.
Notes
- For firmer patties that hold shape better, chill the formed patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Use mild cheddar or American cheese for smooth melting; sharper cheeses may overpower the flavors.
- Cooking time for tater tots may vary depending on your oven and brand—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- These mini cheeseburgers are best served fresh to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
- Use toothpicks to secure the layers for easier serving and eating at parties.
