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Epic Tater Tot Bun Cheeseburger Sliders

The ultimate party appetizer featuring juicy beef sliders, melted cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce sandwiched between two crispy buns made entirely of roasted tater tots.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tater Tot Buns
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots partially thawed
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 spray Non-stick cooking spray
Beef Patties
  • 1 lb ground beef chuck (80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese cut into quarters
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup caramelized onions optional
  • 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 12-cup Muffin Tin
  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shot glass or muddler (for pressing)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, toss the partially thawed tater tots with the grated cheese, garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Place 3-4 tater tots into each muffin cup. Using a small glass or muddler, press them down firmly to form a compact puck. Bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing.
  4. Divide the ground beef into 6 portions. Form into patties slightly wider than the muffin cups. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side. After flipping, top each with two quarter-slices of cheddar cheese to melt.
  6. Assemble the sliders: Drizzle BBQ sauce on a tater tot bun. Add the cheesy patty, bacon, caramelized onions, red pepper, and herbs. Add more BBQ sauce, then top with a second tater tot bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure your tater tots are partially thawed but not completely mushy to press them firmly into shape. Assemble right before serving to maintain the crunch.