1) Crisp the tater tots
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) (or air fryer to 400°F / 205°C).
- Bake tots on a sheet in a single layer for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until very crispy.
(If they’re not crisp enough, they won’t hold up as “buns.”) - Optional: spray lightly with oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt/garlic powder.
2) Form mini patties
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire (optional).
- Form small patties about 1 1/2 inches wide and thin (they shrink while cooking). Aim for 18–24 patties.
3) Cook patties
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (add oil if needed).
- Cook patties 1–2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low, place cheese squares on top, and cover 30–60 seconds to melt.
4) Assemble mini tater tot cheeseburgers
- Place one crispy tater tot on the bottom (flat side down if possible).
- Add a mini cheeseburger patty on top.
- Add a tiny pickle piece or a dot of sauce if you like.
- Top with a second tater tot to make a “sandwich.”
- Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining tots and patties.
5) Serve
- Serve immediately while tots are crispy and cheese is melty.
- Offer dips on the side for dunking.
Serving and Storage:
Serving: Best served hot and fresh. Arrange on a platter with dips and pickles, or add them to a game-day snack board.
Storage: Store cooked patties and tater tots separately in the fridge up to 3 days. Assemble right before serving for best texture.
Reheat: Reheat tater tots in the oven or air fryer until crisp again. Reheat patties gently, then assemble.
(Microwave softens tots.)
Tips:
- Extra crispy tots: Crispiness is key—bake a few minutes longer than the bag suggests if needed.
- Keep patties thin: Thin patties cook fast and stack better.
- Cheese squares melt cleaner: A small square of sliced cheese melts neatly and stays on the patty.
- Use toothpicks: They make serving easy and keep everything from sliding.
- Season beef well: Small patties need bold seasoning to taste “burger-y.”
Variations:
- Bacon cheeseburger tots: Add bacon pieces on top of the melted cheese.
- Spicy: Use pepper jack and add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- BBQ: Mix BBQ sauce into beef and serve with extra BBQ for dipping.
- Turkey version: Use ground turkey and add a little olive oil for moisture.
- Breakfast tots: Swap beef for breakfast sausage patties and add a tiny fried egg piece.
Tips:
- Party timing: Keep tots warm and crisp in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a rack until ready to assemble.
- Make a burger sauce: Mix mayo + ketchup + mustard + pickle relish + garlic powder for a fast dip.
- Less mess: Serve sauces on the side instead of inside the stack.
- Batch cook: Cook patties in two rounds so you don’t crowd the pan.
Conclusion:
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are the ultimate bite-size comfort food—crispy potato “buns,” juicy seasoned beef, and melty cheese in the
middle. They’re fun to serve, fast to make, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any party. Pair them with dipping sauces and
watch everyone reach for seconds.
FAQ:
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry tater tots at 400°F (205°C) until very crispy. Patties can be pan-cooked or air-fried too, but pan gives the best sear.
What’s the best cheese for mini cheeseburgers?
American melts the smoothest, cheddar gives bolder flavor, and pepper jack adds spice. All work well.
How do I keep tater tots from getting soggy?
Bake or air fry them until extra crisp and assemble right before serving. Keep them warm on a rack to avoid steam.
Can I prep these ahead?
You can cook patties ahead and crisp tots ahead, but assemble at the last minute for best texture.
How many should I plan per person?
As an appetizer, plan 3–5 per person. As a meal, plan 6–8 per person with sides.
Can I use frozen mini burger patties?
Yes, that’s a great shortcut. Cook according to package directions and melt cheese on top before stacking.
