Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are a fun twist on your favorite burger. They combine crispy tater tots with juicy burger flavors and melty cheese for a delicious bite-sized treat!
These little gems are perfect for parties or movie nights. I love dipping them in ketchup—you can’t go wrong with that classic combo! 🍔✨
Making these bites is a breeze. Just load up the tater tots with burger goodness, pop them in the oven, and you’re ready to enjoy. Quick and tasty—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the base of this dish. They provide that crispy texture. If you want a healthier alternative, try using sweet potato tots instead for a different flavor spin.
Ground Beef: I use regular ground beef for flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken to make it leaner. For a vegetarian option, try using black bean patties or a veggie burger patty.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a great taste. Feel free to use any cheese you enjoy, like American, Swiss, or even pepper jack for some heat. Cheese slices are more convenient, but pre-shredded cheese works too!
Bacon: Bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, skip it or use turkey bacon. You can also try crispy onions for added texture without meat.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Mini Burger Patties?
Cooking mini burger patties can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your patties are the same size as your tater tots for easy stacking and even cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the patties; this helps with browning.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t press down; this keeps the juices inside.
- Adding cheese on top one minute before finishing helps it melt perfectly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tasty little burger bites every time!
Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese, halved
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Dill pickle slices
- Ketchup
- Small lettuce leaves or shredded lettuce (optional)
- Toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total: about 10 minutes for preparation, 20-25 minutes for baking and cooking the patties. It’s an easy and fun recipe that comes together quickly for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots, typically around 425°F (220°C). Getting the oven ready is essential so the tots turn out crispy.
2. Prepare the Tater Tots:
Next, arrange the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet in pairs, placing two tots side by side. This way, they’ll easily sandwich the burger filling once assembled.
3. Bake the Tater Tots:
Now, pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tater tots until they are golden and crispy, usually around 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking!
4. Make the Mini Patties:
While the tater tots are baking, season your ground beef with salt and pepper. Then, shape the beef into small mini patties, about the same size as a tater tot. This ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
5. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the mini patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked. Remember, no need to press down on them! About a minute before they’re done, place a halved cheddar cheese slice on each patty so it can melt beautifully.
6. Cool and Assemble:
Once the tater tots are baked, take them out and let them cool slightly so you can handle them easily without burning your fingers.
7. Build Your Mini Cheeseburger Bites:
Now, it’s time to assemble! Take one tater tot and place it flat-side up. On top, add a mini cheeseburger patty, a dill pickle slice, and some small lettuce leaves or crumbled bacon if you like. Then, place a second tater tot on top and secure everything with a toothpick.
8. Add Ketchup and Serve:
Finish off each mini cheeseburger bite by dolloping a little ketchup on top of the upper tater tot. It adds a burst of flavor and looks cute, too!
9. Repeat and Enjoy:
Continue assembling the rest of the bites until you’ve used all the ingredients. Serve these warm and watch them disappear quickly!
These Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tater tots are perfect for this recipe since they bake up crispy without any extra prep. Just follow the package instructions for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian version, try using black bean patties or a store-bought veggie burger patty!
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Cheeseburger Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, so they regain some of their crispiness.
Can I Make These Mini Cheeseburger Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time! Bake the tater tots and cook the patties, then assemble them before serving. They could be kept assembled in the fridge for up to a couple of hours, just add the ketchup before serving for the best flavor!