These Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites are like tiny burgers with a crispy twist! They mix ground beef, cheese, and fluffy tater tots into bite-sized happiness.
Who doesn’t love burger bites served on a crispy base? I can’t resist them at parties, and neither can my friends. They’re just so fun to eat! 😄
I love making these for game nights. Just pop them in the oven, and they’re ready in no time. Perfect for dipping in ketchup or mustard too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These frozen gems are what make this recipe a hit. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using baked tater tots or sweet potato tots for a twist on flavor.
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 beef for a juicy patty. For a leaner option, you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken, but remember they may need a bit more seasoning.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and has great flavor. If you want a change, you can use pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for something different.
Barbecue Sauce: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. Honey mustard or a spicy aioli are good alternatives if you want to switch it up!
How Do I Make Perfect Mini Burger Patties?
Making mini patties is key to getting that perfect bite! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a 1.5-inch cutter or your hands to shape even-sized balls of ground beef.
- Gently flatten them—too much pressure can make them tough. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick.
- Make a small indent in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly without puffing up.
- Cook on medium-high heat for a nice sear, around 2-3 minutes per side works best.
Keep an eye on them! Once they’re golden and cooked through, you’re ready to stack your tater tot bites!
Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 30-35 minutes total—about 25 minutes for cooking the tater tots and the beef, with a little extra time for assembling. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat or fun enough for a party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots, usually around 425°F (220°C). This will get your tots nice and crispy!
2. Bake the Tater Tots:
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a bit.
3. Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well! Now, form the seasoned beef into small patties, about the same size as the tater tots—roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the mini patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re fully cooked. In the last minute, add a quarter slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty so it can melt perfectly.
5. Assemble the Mini Cheeseburgers:
Now it’s time to make the bites! Take one crispy tater tot and place it at the bottom as the “bun.” Stack a cheesy burger patty on top. If you’re using it, brush a little barbecue sauce on the beef for added flavor, then finish with another crispy tater tot on top.
6. Secure and Garnish:
Use a toothpick or small skewer to hold your mini cheeseburger bites together. For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for color. Serve them warm with some ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, perfectly bite-sized tater tot cheeseburger treats for your next party or snack! They’re always a hit!
Can I Use Different Meats for the Patties?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just be mindful of the seasoning, as leaner meats may need a bit more flavoring to keep things tasty!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat these bites is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy! You can also warm them in the microwave, but be aware they might lose some crunch.
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you want to switch things up, consider using ketchup, mustard, or a spicy aioli for dipping. You can also try a tangy ranch dressing or a honey mustard sauce for a fun twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Cheeseburger Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.