Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger, served bite-sized with crispy tater tots as the “buns.” These adorable sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or a creative family dinner. Each bite combines juicy beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and all the familiar burger fixings—stacked into a crave-worthy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini cheeseburgers are irresistibly cute and loaded with flavor. The crispy tater tots offer a crunchy contrast to the juicy beef and smooth cheese, creating a snack that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. They’re easy to assemble, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for entertaining or pleasing picky eaters.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
24 tater tots, cooked until golden 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
directions
Prepare the beef patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and form into small patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the patties:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mini patties for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, place a square of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
Assemble the mini burgers:
Take one cooked tater tot and place it on the bottom.
Add a piece of lettuce, then a cheeseburger patty, a pickle slice, and a slice of cherry tomato.
Top with another tater tot.
Secure everything with a toothpick.
Serve:
Arrange on a platter and serve warm with sides of mayonnaise and ketchup for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 mini burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 130–150 kcal per mini burger (depending on toppings)
Variations
Spicy version: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dab of spicy mayo for a kick.
Veggie option: Substitute beef with mini black bean patties or plant-based ground meat.
Topping swap: Use bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, or barbecue sauce for a twist.
Slider format: Use mini slider buns instead of tater tots for a traditional presentation.
Breakfast style: Swap ground beef for breakfast sausage and top with a quail egg for a morning treat.
storage/reheating
Storage: Store assembled mini cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as the tater tots may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the patties and prepare the tater tots in advance, then assemble just before serving to keep them crispy.
Can I bake the mini patties instead of frying?
Yes. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but American, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack also melt well and add flavor.
Are tater tots sturdy enough to hold the stack?
Yes, when cooked until golden and crispy, tater tots hold their shape and work well as “buns.”
Can I use frozen meatballs?
If using meatballs, slice them in half and flatten slightly for easier stacking.
Are these freezer-friendly?
It’s best to freeze the patties and tater tots separately, then assemble after reheating.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ketchup, mayo, mustard, burger sauce, ranch, or sriracha mayo are all great choices.
How do I ensure the patties don’t overcook?
Keep them small and monitor closely—2–3 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, both the tater tots and mini patties can be cooked in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—these mini burgers are a hit with kids and fun to assemble together as an activity.
Conclusion
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food, combining the best of a cheeseburger with the crispy goodness of tater tots. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun weeknight meal idea, these mini stacks deliver big flavor in a playful, satisfying package. Serve them up warm with dipping sauces and watch them disappear in no time.
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 mini cheeseburgers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are an irresistibly cute and delicious party snack or appetizer! Bite-sized beef patties are topped with melty cheddar, nestled between crispy tater tots, and finished with classic cheeseburger toppings. Perfect for game day, kids’ parties, or anytime you want mini burger magic!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
24 tater tots, cooked until crispy
-
6 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
-
12 small pickle slices
-
6 cherry tomatoes, sliced
-
Lettuce leaves, chopped into small pieces
-
Mayonnaise and ketchup, for serving
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Toothpicks (for assembly)
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef Patties:
In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and form into 12 mini patties, each about 1 inch wide. -
Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mini patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a small square of cheddar to melt. -
Assemble the Cheeseburgers:
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Place one tater tot as the bottom “bun.”
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Add a lettuce piece, then the cheeseburger patty.
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Top with a pickle slice and a cherry tomato slice.
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Finish with another tater tot on top.
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Secure with a toothpick.
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Serve:
Arrange on a platter and serve warm with mayonnaise and ketchup for dipping.
Notes
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For extra flavor, try seasoned tater tots or spicy cheese.
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Can be assembled ahead and warmed in the oven before serving.
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Great for party trays and appetizer boards.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Skillet, Baking
