Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe
Introduction
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun and tasty twist on classic sliders, perfect for parties or casual snacks. These bite-sized treats combine juicy beef patties with crispy tater tots, melted cheddar, and a flavorful burger sauce. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 24 mini tater tots, frozen
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 12 small lettuce leaves
- 12 grape tomatoes, halved
- Toothpicks for assembly
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Step 3: Shape the seasoned beef into 12 small, flat patties that are slightly larger than a mini tater tot.
- Step 4: Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
- Step 5: While the patties cook, prepare the frozen tater tots according to the package directions until they are crispy and golden.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to make a simple burger sauce.
- Step 7: To assemble each mini cheeseburger, place a cooked beef patty on a tater tot, add a small dollop of the burger sauce, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, add a lettuce leaf and half a grape tomato, then top with another tater tot.
- Step 8: Secure each assembled mini burger with a toothpick to hold everything together.
- Step 9: Serve immediately while the tater tots are warm and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing a little Worcestershire sauce or finely chopped onion into the beef before shaping the patties.
- You can substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.
- Add a slice of pickles or a dash of hot sauce in the burger sauce for a spicy kick.
- If mini tater tots are unavailable, use regular-sized tater tots and cut the patties accordingly to keep them bite-sized.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store the mini cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to keep the tater tots crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tots soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these mini cheeseburgers ahead of time?
You can prepare the patties and burger sauce ahead, but it’s best to assemble just before serving to maintain the tater tots’ crispiness.
What can I use instead of tater tots?
If tater tots aren’t available, small roasted potato cubes or mini hash browns can work as alternatives for the base and top of the mini burgers.
PrintMini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun and delicious appetizer that combines crispy baked tater tots with juicy, seasoned beef patties, melty cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, and grape tomatoes, all held together with a flavorful homemade burger sauce. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized cheeseburgers are easy to assemble and bake quickly in the oven for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheeseburgers 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Tater Tots and Cheese
- 24 mini tater tots, frozen
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Burger Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
Garnish
- 12 small lettuce leaves
- 12 grape tomatoes, halved
- Toothpicks for assembly
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking both the beef patties and tater tots.
- Mix Seasonings with Beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Form Patties: Shape the seasoned beef into 12 small, flat patties that are slightly larger than a mini tater tot to ensure proper assembly and cooking.
- Bake Patties: Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked through, reaching a safe internal temperature.
- Cook Tater Tots: While the patties bake, prepare the 24 mini tater tots according to the package instructions, typically baking them until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, and 1 teaspoon mustard to create a flavorful burger sauce that will add moisture and tanginess.
- Assemble Mini Burgers: To assemble, place one cooked beef patty on top of a crispy tater tot. Add a small dollop of the prepared burger sauce on the patty, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Layer a small lettuce leaf and half a grape tomato on top, and finally, cap with another tater tot. Secure each mini cheeseburger with a toothpick to hold everything together.
- Serve: Serve the mini tater tot cheeseburgers immediately while warm and crispy for the best taste and texture. They make an excellent snack or appetizer for gatherings.
Notes
- Ensure the beef patties are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- You can customize the burger sauce by adding a dash of hot sauce or relish for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based patties and use vegan cheese and mayonnaise.
- Keep the assembled mini burgers warm by covering lightly with foil until serving.
- Use toothpicks with decorative tops for a festive presentation at parties.
Keywords: mini tater tot cheeseburgers, appetizer, snack, tater tots, cheeseburgers, party food, quick recipe
