Tater Tot Appetizer
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This tater tot appetizer brings big flavor in a little bite. Crispy tater tots hold a juicy ground beef patty, melty cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a crunchy pickle. Perfect for game day, movie night, or any party spread, these mini cheeseburger bites are a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Fun and easy to assemble, great for first appetizers or party snacks
- Golden brown tater tots add a crisp, savory base
- Juicy ground beef seasoned with onion soup mix gives a classic burger flavor
- Each piece is the perfect size for a quick, delicious appetizer
- Uses simple ingredients found at any grocery store
Ingredients for loaded tater tots appetizer
- Ground beef
- Onion soup mix
- Tater tot crowns, prepared
- Cheddar cheese slices
- Green leaf lettuce
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Dill pickle slices
Equipment and kitchen tools
- 12 toothpicks or mini bamboo forks (exact ones used Konilaomu Bamboo Appetizer Forks, 3.5″ Disposable Mini Bamboo Forks for Charcuterie, Fruit, Desserts (100 Pack))
How to make loaded tater tot skewers
- Cook tater tots according to the package directions until crispy and golden. Set aside to cool slightly. In a bowl, mix ground beef with onion soup mix until fully combined.
2. Place the meat between two sheets of parchment paper and flatten evenly. Remove the top sheet and use a knife to score the beef into small squares, slightly wider than a tater tot. Gently
separate the pieces before cooking.
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3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the mini patties until browned and cooked through, flipping once.
4. Top each burger with a slice of pre-cut cheddar cheese and let it melt over the warm patties.
5. Use a bamboo fork or toothpick to build each bite. Start with a tater tot as the base, then layer on a pickle chip, a small piece of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a cheesy burger patty. Top with another tater tot to complete the stack and repeat for all.
Tips for the best results
- Cook the tater tots until deep golden brown and let them cool slightly so they hold their shape better.
- Use parchment paper when flattening and cutting the beef for easier cleanup and less sticking.
- Melt the cheese slices fully before stacking, so everything stays together.
- Keep a paper towel nearby to dab off any excess grease from the patties.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add crispy bacon or bacon bits on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- Use regular tots if you can’t find tater tot crowns.
- Drizzle with cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Top with green onions for a fresh, bright finish.
FAQs about this recipe
Use an air fryer for extra crispy tots, or bake on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray and bake on the bottom oven rack until crispy.
Mini bamboo forks hold everything together and make them easier to grab from a serving platter.
Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. They’re a great snack or can work as a fun side dish.
More amazing appetizers
What to Make Next
Aren’t party foods fun? Next, try my Shredded Beef Sliders or my easy Taco Cups. These fun appetizers are a heartier slider option to round out a party spread.
Tater Tot Appetizer
Equipment
- 12 toothpicks or mini bamboo forks
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package onion soup mix
- ½ bag Tater tot crowns prepared
- 12 slices pre-cut cheddar cheese
- 12 pieces green leaf lettuce
- 12 sliced cherry tomatoes
- 12 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Cook tater tots according to the package directions until crispy and golden. Set aside to
- cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with onion soup mix until fully combined. Place the meat
- between two sheets of parchment paper and flatten evenly. Remove the top sheet and
- use a knife to score the beef into small squares, slightly wider than a tater tot. Gently
- separate the pieces before cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the mini patties until browned and cooked
- through, flipping once.
- Top each burger with a slice of pre-cut cheddar cheese and let it melt over the warm
- patties.
- Use a bamboo fork or toothpick to build each bite. Start with a tater tot as the base, then
- layer on a pickle chip, a small piece of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a cheesy burger
- patty. Top with another tater tot to complete the stack. Repeat with the remaining
- ingredients and serve with your favorite condiments on the side.
Nutrition
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These were so cute and they went fast.