Make these Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites for a great game day appetizer or enjoy them any time of the year! A mini cheeseburger sandwiched between two mini tots. Yum!
Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites are the perfect fusion of two American favorites—crispy tater tots and juicy cheeseburgers—all packed into a bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a fun appetizer for family night, these delicious bites are guaranteed to impress your guests. Today, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make these crowd-pleasers, from gathering the ingredients to step-by-step instructions and serving suggestions. Get your frying pan ready and let’s get started!
Why you’ll love Tater Tot Cheeseburger bites
- Great game day appetizer!
- Nice, neat, bite-sized treat!
- Juicy mini burgers with crispy tater tots!
- Serve with your favorite beverage!
- Enjoy any time of the year!
Ingredients Overview
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. The beauty of these Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites lies in their simplicity and versatility. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: Use lean or extra-lean ground beef to avoid greasy bites. You can also substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Tater Tot Crowns: Frozen tater tots are perfect for this recipe—easy to prepare and crispy when baked.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice for cheeseburgers, but you can also try pepper jack, Swiss, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Condiments and Toppings: Keep it classic with ketchup, mustard, and mayo, and add toppings like pickles, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes for that full cheeseburger experience.
- Seasonings: For this recipe we used everything bagel seasoning but you can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the beef. In addition, feel free to add Worcestershire sauce or chili powder for extra flavor and heat.
Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites-Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (or ½ tsp onion powder, ½ garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste)
- 24 tater tot crowns (baked and crispy)
- 2 slices cheddar cheese (cut into 1 inch squares)
- 12 dill chips
- 12 slices cherry tomato
- lettuce (chopped into small pieces)
- ketchup (or your favorite condiment)
Step-by-Step-Instructions
Preparing the Tater Tots and Beef Patties
First, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature on the tater tot package, usually around 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and cook until they’re golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. While the tater tots are baking, you can start preparing the beef patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef with 1 tsp of everything bagel seasoning or use a combination of the following: ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently—overworking the beef can result in tough patties. Shape the mixture into small patties, about 1 inch in diameter, which is the perfect size to match the tater tots. This should make around 12 mini patties depending on the size.
Cooking the Beef Patties
Once the patties are formed, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the mini beef patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they reach your preferred level of doneness. A medium level will keep the patties juicy without overcooking them. During the last minute of cooking, place a small square of cheddar cheese on each patty to allow the cheese to melt. This melted layer of cheese helps bind the patty to the tater tots when assembled.
Assembling the Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites
With your tater tots crisped and your beef patties cooked, it’s time to assemble these fun bites. Start by taking one tater tot crown and placing it on a serving platter. Spread a small amount of ketchup, mustard or your favorite condiment on the top of the tot. Then add a mini beef patty with melted cheese on top of the ketchup. For the full cheeseburger experience, add a small piece of lettuce, a slice of pickle, and a thin slice of cherry tomato. Cap the creation with another tater tot crown, and secure it all together with a toothpick. This assembly method not only makes the bites easy to eat, but it also keeps all the flavors and textures in one perfect mouthful—crispy on the outside, savory and cheesy in the middle.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve your Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce. These bites work great as appetizers or even a fun main dish when paired with sides like fries, onion rings, or a light salad. For extra flair, you can also sprinkle them with sesame seeds to mimic a classic burger bun.
Looking to shake things up? Try experimenting with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for some spice. You can also use sweet potato tots for a healthier, slightly sweeter version. And if you’re catering to vegetarians, swap out the beef patties for plant-based burger alternatives.
Storing, Reheating, and Final Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven to keep the tater tots crispy—avoid microwaving them, as it will soften the tots. For extra tips, make sure the tater tots are fully crispy before assembling to avoid sogginess, and don’t press down on the patties while cooking to retain their juiciness. You can also prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
Take your game day appetizer to the next level!
Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites are a hit at any gathering, combining classic flavors in a fun, portable format. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re an ideal appetizer for game day or snack for any occasion. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own crispy, cheesy bites that are sure to impress your guests. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to make the recipe uniquely yours! Enjoy! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other bite-sized appetizers try:
Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Pear & Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups
Simple Crockpot Kielbasa Bites
Tater Tot Cheeseburger Bites
Equipment
- frying pan
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning or ½ tsp onion powder, ½ garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste
- 24 tater tot crowns baked and crispy
- 2 slices cheddar cheese cut into 1 inch squares
- 12 dill chips
- 12 slices cherry tomato
- lettuce chopped into small pieces
- ketchup or your favorite condiment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Arrange tater tots on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes, until crispy. Flip halfway through.
- While the tater tots are baking, combine beef and seasoning. Mix together, then form into small patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place the cheddar cheese square on the top of each patty during the last minute to melt.
- Assemble: take one tater tot and add a small amount of ketchup on the top. Place the cheeseburger on top, add lettuce, pickle and a slice of cherry tomato. Place another tater top on the top and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve with additional condiments for dipping.
- Enjoy!
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