These Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are a fun twist on a classic meal! Delicious little burgers are topped with melty cheese and crispy tater tots that everyone will love.
I mean, who wouldn’t want a bite-sized burger? They’re perfect for parties, or just a cozy night in with your favorite movie. I can never eat just one! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These little bites are the foundation of your dish. If you don’t have frozen tater tots, you can make your own by grating potatoes, mixing with seasonings, and baking them into little bites. Sweet potatoes also make a tasty alternative!
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its flavor, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you use.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings great flavor, but you could also try pepper jack for a kick, mozzarella for a milder taste, or even a dairy-free cheese if you need a lactose-free option.
Barbecue Sauce: This is where you can get creative! If you’re not a fan of barbecue sauce, use ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce. A spicy sauce can really jazz it up!
How Do You Cook Perfect Mini Burger Patties?
Cooking the mini burger patties properly is key to getting them juicy and tasty. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the seasonings into the ground beef gently. Over-mixing can make the patties tough.
- Form the patties evenly, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, to ensure they cook evenly.
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil and patties. This helps to sear the outside.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, but always check that they are fully cooked (internal temp should be 160°F for beef).
- Add cheese during the last minute to let it melt without overcooking the patty.
These tips will help you make tasty burger bites every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (about 20-24 pieces)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut into smaller squares to fit mini burgers
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (or your favorite burger sauce)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (for frying/skillet cooking)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the tater tots and mini burgers, and the rest will be for assembling these delicious bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Tater Tots:
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the tater tot package. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake them according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until crispy.
2. Prepare the Mini Burger Patties:
While the tater tots are baking, take the ground beef and place it in a bowl. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and mix gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix! Form the mixture into small patty shapes, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Cook the Burger Patties:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Once the skillet is hot, place the mini burger patties in the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are fully cooked. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.
4. Melt the Cheese:
When the patties are almost done cooking, place the cheese squares on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute to help the cheese melt perfectly.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take one crispy tater tot and place a cheeseburger patty on top. Then, add a second tater tot on top of the cheeseburger to create a tasty layered bite.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle a small amount of barbecue sauce on the top tater tot. To make it look pretty and add a fresh flavor, garnish with a small cilantro leaf.
7. Secure and Serve:
Use a toothpick or small skewer to hold the layers together. Repeat the assembly process with the remaining ingredients. Serve these warm and enjoy as a fun appetizer or snack for parties!
These Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are sure to be a hit, combining crispy potato goodness, juicy beef, melted cheddar, and tangy sauce for a delightful handheld treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for the Patties?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Toothpicks or Skewers?
No worries! You can simply serve the bites without securing them. Just make sure to serve them on a platter, and guests can pick them up easily!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, use vegan cheese for the patties, and skip the egg in any binding mixture. For the tater tots, just ensure they are vegan-friendly!
