Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers (Print version)

Crispy tater tots sandwich juicy mini cheeseburger patties with cheddar, pickles, lettuce, and a quick burger sauce.

# Ingredients:

For the tots and patties

01 - 24 frozen tater tots
02 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80 or 85 percent lean
03 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon neutral oil, if needed for the skillet
09 - 4 slices cheddar or American cheese, cut into 12 small squares

For the sauce and toppings

10 - 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
12 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
13 - 12 small lettuce squares
14 - 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced into 12 rounds
15 - 12 dill pickle chips
16 - 12 sturdy toothpicks or cocktail picks

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen tater tots on a sheet pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping once, until very crisp and deep golden.
02 - Mix the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper using a light hand. Shape into 12 small patties, each slightly wider than a tater tot.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if the pan is dry, then sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
04 - Top each patty with a small cheese square during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet briefly so the cheese melts.
05 - Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together in a small bowl. Keep the sauce chilled until you are ready to stack.
06 - Place one crisp tot on a board. Add a small dab of sauce, lettuce, a cheeseburger patty, tomato, pickle, and a second tot. Secure with a toothpick through the center.
07 - Arrange the mini burgers on a platter and serve while the tots are still crisp and the cheese is warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after assembly while the tater tots are crisp.
02 - Makes 12 mini cheeseburgers, about 2 per appetizer serving.
03 - For food safety, cook ground beef patties to 160°F.

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