Introduction

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are bite-sized delights perfect for parties or snack time. Crispy tater tots sandwich flavorful mini beef patties melted with cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and pickles. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
8 slices American or mild cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
1/2 small yellow onion, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
Mini pickles or gherkins, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (for serving)
Optional: sesame seeds, fresh chives, toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C) according to the tater tot package directions. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread tater tots in a single layer and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Step 2: Cut each slice of cheese into four smaller squares.
Step 3: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
Step 4: Take about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture per patty. Roll into a ball, then flatten into a 1-1.5 inch diameter, 1/4-inch thick disk. Place on a plate. Optionally, chill for 15-20 minutes to help patties hold together.
Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Step 6: After flipping patties and cooking for 1-2 minutes on the second side, place a cheese square on each patty. Reduce heat to low, cover, and melt cheese for 30-60 seconds. Remove patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: To assemble each mini cheeseburger, place a crispy tater tot on a serving platter. Add a small dollop of your preferred sauce (ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise). Top with a cheese-melted mini beef patty, then layer with shredded lettuce and 1–2 pickle slices. Finish by placing another crispy tater tot on top.
Step 8: Secure each mini cheeseburger with a toothpick if desired. Arrange on a platter with halved cherry tomatoes and extra shredded lettuce. Serve immediately for best crispiness and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use mild cheddar or American cheese for meltiness, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Chilling patties before cooking helps them keep their shape and cook evenly.
Add sesame seeds or fresh chopped chives on top for extra flair and flavor.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces on the side to customize each bite.

Storage

Store any leftover mini cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep tater tots from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the flavors meld and makes cooking easier on the day of serving.

What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy?

Baking tater tots on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and flipping halfway ensures even crispiness. Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy their crunchy texture.

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe

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4.6 from 774 reviews

These Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack featuring bite-sized beef patties topped with melted cheese, sandwiched between crispy tater tots. Combining flavorful seasoned beef, melty cheese, and classic burger toppings, these mini cheeseburgers are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. They’re easy to assemble and offer a playful twist on traditional burgers with a crispy tots bun.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 mini cheeseburgers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

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 Tots and Cheese

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
8 slices American or mild cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil

Toppings and Serving

Mini pickles or gherkins, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
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) according to the tater tot package directions. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer on the sheets and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare cheese squares: While the tots bake, cut each slice of American or mild cheddar cheese into four smaller squares. These will be used to top each mini patty.
Mix the beef: In a large bowl, gently combine the lean ground beef with the minced yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix just until combined to avoid tough patties.
Shape mini patties: Take about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture per patty. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a small disk approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Place formed patties on a plate. Optional: chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Cook the patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the mini patties for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
Melt cheese on patties: After flipping the patties and cooking for 1-2 minutes on the second side, immediately place a cheese square on top of each patty. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the cheese to melt for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the patties and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble mini cheeseburgers: To build each mini cheeseburger, start by placing a crispy tater tot on a serving platter. Add a small dollop of your desired sauce—ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Top this with a cheese-melted mini beef patty, then layer on shredded iceberg lettuce and 1 to 2 pickle slices. Finish by placing another crispy tater tot on top to sandwich the patty and toppings.
Serve: Optionally secure each mini cheeseburger with a toothpick. Arrange all the assembled mini cheeseburgers on a platter alongside halved cherry tomatoes and extra shredded lettuce. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture, offering additional condiments on the side for guests to customize.

Notes

Do not overmix the beef mixture to keep the patties tender.
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Use a sturdy pair of toothpicks to assemble the mini burgers securely.
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.
Feel free to add sesame seeds or fresh chives on top for garnish and extra flavor.

Keywords: mini cheeseburgers, tater tot burgers, appetizer, party food, bite-sized burgers, easy snacks