Name: Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added flavor); 12-15 mini tater tots (store-bought or homemade); 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut into halves or quarters to fit mini burgers); Mini pickles or dill pickle chips; Ketchup and mustard (or your favorite condiments); Lettuce (optional); Sliced tomatoes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a fun and delicious twist on classic comfort food? Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers combine two beloved dishes—cheeseburgers and crispy tater tots—into one irresistible bite-sized treat. These mini burgers feature juicy, flavorful beef patties nestled between crispy tater tots, with melted cheese and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for game days, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, these bite-sized cheeseburgers are a sure way to please your guests and satisfy your cravings for both burgers and tater tots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Two Favorites in One

Who can resist the combination of a juicy cheeseburger and crispy tater tots? These mini burgers bring together two classic comfort foods in one bite-sized treat.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. You’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal ready in no time.

3. Perfect for Parties

These mini cheeseburgers are the ideal finger food for parties, tailgates, or casual get-togethers. They’re easy to serve, and everyone will love their bite-sized portion.

4. Customizable

You can load these mini burgers with your favorite toppings, whether it’s ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, or onions—make them your own!

5. Kid-Friendly

Kids will love the fun and familiar combination of cheeseburgers and tater tots. Plus, they’re perfect for little hands to grab and enjoy.

Ingredients

Frozen tater tots
Ground beef
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Burger buns (mini slider buns work great)
Ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, and onions (optional, for toppings)

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef patties for veggie patties or plant-based burger alternatives for a meat-free version.
Bacon Tater Tot Cheeseburgers: Add crispy bacon to the patties or on top of the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as American, Swiss, or pepper jack to give the burgers a unique taste.
Spicy Option: Add a few slices of jalapeños or spicy mustard for a fiery kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crispy, typically around 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

While the tater tots are baking, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape the beef into small, mini patties that are roughly the same size as the tater tots. Cook the patties on a skillet or grill over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Once the patties are cooked, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. If you prefer a melted, gooey cheese effect, cover the pan for the last minute.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cheeseburgers

To assemble, place a cooked tater tot on the bottom half of each mini bun. Top each with a burger patty and melted cheese, then add your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, or onions. Finally, place the top half of the bun on top to complete the mini cheeseburgers.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your mini tater tot cheeseburgers with a side of extra tater tots, fries, or a fresh salad. These bite-sized burgers are perfect for snacking or as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Ground Beef: For the best flavor, choose fresh ground beef instead of pre-packaged patties. You can even grind your own beef for a more personalized touch.
Customize the Toppings: The beauty of these mini burgers is how easily you can customize them. Experiment with different cheeses, condiments, and toppings to make them your own.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: To keep the burgers juicy, be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry patties, so cook them until they’re just right.
Crispy Tater Tots: Make sure to bake the tater tots until they are extra crispy for the best texture when combined with the burger patty.

How to Serve

These Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are best served as an appetizer or main dish at parties, game days, or family gatherings. Pair them with crispy fries, a side of pickles, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. They also go perfectly with a cold drink or a milkshake for a fun, nostalgic dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover mini tater tot cheeseburgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can keep the burgers and tater tots separate to maintain their texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each mini cheeseburger in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven until heated through and crispy.

Reheating

Reheat the mini burgers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option, though they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen burger patties instead of homemade ones?

Yes, frozen burger patties work well if you’re looking for a quicker and easier option. Just make sure to cook them fully before assembling the cheeseburgers.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the mini patties and tater tots in advance. Assemble the burgers just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.

3. Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use cheddar, American, Swiss, or even pepper jack cheese, depending on your preference.

4. Can I make the tater tots from scratch?

Yes, you can make homemade tater tots by grating potatoes, seasoning them, and frying or baking them until crispy. This adds an extra homemade touch to your mini cheeseburgers.

5. Can I use turkey or chicken for the patties?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of these mini cheeseburgers.

6. Can I make these spicy?

You can easily make these mini cheeseburgers spicy by adding jalapeños, spicy mustard, or even hot sauce to the patties or toppings.

7. Can I use regular-sized burger buns instead of mini buns?

Yes, you can use regular-sized buns, but they will make the burgers larger. You may need to adjust the cooking times and portions accordingly.

8. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the beef patties with veggie patties, black bean patties, or any vegetarian option you prefer.

9. Can I freeze the assembled mini burgers?

Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled mini tater tot cheeseburgers. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing and thaw before reheating.

10. Can I cook these on a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, grilling the patties adds extra flavor. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time to ensure the burgers stay juicy.

Conclusion

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics, making them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make and even easier to eat! Whether you’re hosting a party, making a quick dinner, or simply craving something fun and delicious, these bite-sized burgers will hit the spot. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, meaty goodness in every bite!