Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers

Introduction

These Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, with each bite bringing a burst of flavors and textures that both kids and adults will love. When I made them for a family get-together, they were an instant hit! Everyone loved the crispy tater tots as buns, the melty cheese, and the mini-sized portions that made them perfect for popping in your mouth. These bite-sized burgers are simple to make, yet they add so much fun to the table and make a fantastic appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 24 tater tots, cooked and crispy
• 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
• 12 small pickle slices
• 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Lettuce leaves, cut into small pieces
• Mayonnaise, for serving
• Ketchup, for serving
• Toothpicks, for assembly

Instructions
Prepare the Beef Patties:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix well and form the mixture into small patties, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Beef Patties:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the mini beef patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
3. During the last minute of cooking, place a small square of cheddar cheese on each patty to allow it to melt.

Assemble the Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers:

1. Take one tater tot and place a small dollop of mayonnaise on top.
2. Add a piece of lettuce, followed by a cheeseburger patty.
3. Top with a slice of cherry tomato and a pickle slice.
4. Place another tater tot on top to complete the mini burger.
5. Secure each mini burger with a toothpick.

Serve:

1. Arrange the mini tater tot cheeseburgers on a serving platter.
2. Serve with ketchup and additional mayonnaise on the side for dipping.
3. Enjoy your fun and tasty Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 12 mini cheeseburgers
• Calories per serving: ~100 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 minutes
• Total time: About 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a party appetizer for guests to enjoy
• Make a kid-friendly dinner with mini sides
• Set up a self-serve station with extra toppings
• Pack in lunchboxes as a fun and unique snack
• Serve alongside a salad or veggie platter for a complete meal

Additional Tips

1. Use frozen tater tots for convenience; just bake or air-fry them until crispy.
2. Make uniform mini patties by portioning the beef with a tablespoon for even sizes.
3. Try various cheeses like American, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.
4. If you prefer, use cherry tomato halves instead of slices to fit better on the mini burger.
5. For extra flavor, add a small dollop of mustard along with the mayonnaise.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Tater Tot Cheeseburgers: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese slices.
• Bacon Lovers: Add a small piece of cooked bacon to each mini cheeseburger.
• Mini BBQ Cheeseburgers: Add a little barbecue sauce to the beef mixture before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on a large platter with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or ranch
• Pair with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a tasty side
• Serve with a pickle platter, including various pickled vegetables
• Offer alongside a fresh veggie tray with ranch dip for balance
• Add them to a slider bar with other types of mini sliders for variety

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Prepare and cook the mini patties ahead of time, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat, then assemble the mini cheeseburgers with fresh ingredients.

FAQ
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and is a leaner option.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the mini patties and store them, then assemble the burgers just before serving.

Q3: How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
A: Cook the tater tots just before assembling to keep them crispy, or re-crisp them in the oven if needed.

Q4: Can I use slider buns instead of tater tots?
A: Yes, slider buns work too, but the tater tots add a fun twist.

Q5: Can I air fry the tater tots?
A: Yes, air frying the tater tots makes them extra crispy, which is perfect for this recipe.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, just ensure your tater tots and condiments are gluten-free.

Q7: How can I make the patties uniform in size?
A: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the beef evenly before forming patties.

Q8: Can I add additional seasonings to the beef?
A: Sure! Try adding Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Q9: Do I need to cook the pickles or tomatoes?
A: No, they’re added fresh, which provides a nice contrast to the warm patty and tater tots.

Q10: Can I serve these with dipping sauces?
A: Yes, ketchup, mustard, ranch, or a cheese sauce make great options for dipping!

Conclusion
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun, easy way to enjoy the classic cheeseburger flavors with a twist. Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or even just a unique family snack, these mini burgers bring excitement to any table. With minimal prep time and ingredients, they’re quick to make and sure to impress. Give them a try, and watch as they disappear in no time!

Print