Tater Tot Burger Kabobs: Easy, Crispy Fun for Everybody

Mini burgers, crispy tots, and melty cheese, what’s not to love?

If you love sliders and tater tots, just wait until you try tater tot burger kabobs. These fun little skewers pack all the bold flavor of a cheeseburger with the crispy, salty edge of a tot, all in one handheld bite. They’re made with just five simple ingredients, but the combo hits every note: savory, cheesy, crunchy, and a little tangy from the pickle.

Even better? They come together quickly in a single pan and are perfect for prepping ahead. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding a hungry crew of kids, or just want something fun and low-effort, these kabobs are the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests without a bit of stress.

Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Burger Kabobs Recipe

The idea for these came together last weekend while I was getting ready for a laid-back backyard hangout. I had some ground beef that needed using and a bag of frozen tater tots staring at me from the freezer door. One thing led to another, and next thing I knew, these tater tot burger kabobs stole the show. I barely had time to stack them before the tray was empty.

There’s just something playful about food on a stick, it turns simple ingredients into party-ready bites in the best way. These little burger skewers pack everything we love about comfort food into one irresistible mouthful, and trust me, they go fast.

• Incredibly easy – Just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes from start to finish
• One-pan wonder – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your guests
• Kid-approved – Mini portions are perfect for little hands and big appetites
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble earlier in the day and cook when ready
• Budget-smart – Uses affordable pantry staples you likely already have
• Crowd-pleasing – Appeals to picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike

KEY INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN

Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. The slight fat content keeps these mini patties moist and prevents them from drying out during cooking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that classic cheeseburger tang. Cut each slice into four equal pieces for perfect portion control. American cheese works wonderfully too if you prefer a milder, creamier melt.

Tater Tots: These crispy potato gems serve as both the top and bottom “buns” of our burger kabobs. Choose a quality brand that crisps up well. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior mimics a toasted bun perfectly.

Dill Pickle Slices: The acidic crunch cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. Use your favorite brand, but avoid extra-thick slices that might overpower the other flavors or make the skewers difficult to bite.

Romaine Lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and that essential burger experience. Romaine holds up better than softer lettuces and won’t wilt when layered with warm ingredients.

VARIATIONS + SUBSTITUTIONS

Protein Swaps: Try ground turkey seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder, or use pre-cooked breakfast sausage crumbles for a different flavor profile. Plant-based ground “meat” works too.

Cheese Options: Swiss cheese adds nuttiness, pepper jack brings heat, or try mini mozzarella balls for a fun twist. Vegan cheese shreds work for dairy-free guests.

Tater Tot Alternatives: Sweet potato tots, cauliflower tots, or even small roasted potato chunks can replace traditional tater tots for different dietary needs.

Flavor Boosters: Mix worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or onion powder into your ground beef. Add sliced tomatoes, bacon bits, or different pickle varieties.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free tater tots and ensuring your seasonings don’t contain gluten.

STEP BY STEP SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS

Form Your Mini Patties

Shape the ground beef into small patties about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Don’t overwork the meat or press too firmly, you want tender, juicy burgers. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.

Prep Your Cheese

Cut each cheddar slice into four equal squares. This gives you the perfect cheese-to-burger ratio and ensures even melting coverage.

Cook the Burger Patties

Heat your skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook patties for about 5 minutes on the first side without moving them, this creates a nice crust. Flip carefully, add cheese squares on top, then cover the pan. Cook another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef safety.

Prepare the Tater Tots

While burgers cook, prepare your tater tots according to package directions. Air fryer tots come out extra crispy in about 10 minutes at 400°F. Oven-baked tots need about 25 minutes at 425°F, flipped halfway through.

Slice the Lettuce

Cut romaine into small pieces roughly the same size as your cheese squares. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Assembly Time

Thread one tater tot onto each skewer, followed by a pickle slice, burger patty with melted cheese, lettuce piece, and finally another tater tot as the base. The bottom tater tot acts as a stable platform.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS

• Let tater tots cool for 2-3 minutes before handling to avoid burns and ensure they hold their shape on skewers
• Soak bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes before using to prevent splintering
• Don’t skip the thumb indent in burger patties, it prevents that annoying dome shape that makes stacking difficult
• Cook burgers in batches if needed rather than overcrowding your pan
• Keep assembled kabobs in a warm oven (200°F) if making multiple batches
• Pat lettuce completely dry to prevent soggy kabobs

THE SECRET TO PERFECT MINI BURGERS

The key to exceptional tater tot burger kabobs lies in the cooking technique and timing. Most people rush the burger-cooking process, but these mini patties need gentle, even heat to develop flavor while staying juicy. The cheese placement timing is crucial too, add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it melts perfectly without burning.

Temperature control makes the difference between good and great. Keep your heat at medium to prevent the outside from burning before the inside cooks through. And here’s a pro tip: resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula. This squeezes out all those delicious juices we worked so hard to preserve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS + PAIRINGS

These tater tot burger kabobs shine as party appetizers, but they’re versatile enough for various occasions. Serve alongside classic picnic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal experience.

For dipping options, set out small bowls of ketchup, mustard, and ranch dressing. A simple burger sauce made from equal parts mayo and ketchup with a splash of pickle juice elevates the experience even further.

These pair beautifully with other finger foods like loaded potato skins, mozzarella sticks, or chicken wings for game day spreads. For beverages, think casual and refreshing, lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite cold beer.

STORAGE, REHEATING, AND FREEZING TIPS

Refrigerator Storage: Assembled kabobs keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Store on a covered plate or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave, which makes tater tots soggy and cheese rubbery.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Cook burger patties and tater tots up to one day ahead. Store separately and assemble kabobs the day of serving for best texture.

Freezing: Cooked burger patties freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Don’t freeze assembled kabobs, the lettuce and pickles won’t survive the process.

Best Practices: Tater tots are always best served fresh and crispy. If you must store assembled kabobs, expect some texture changes in the tots.

FAQ

Can I make these kabobs gluten-free?

Yes! Most tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always check the package label. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.

What’s the best way to cook the burger patties evenly?

Use medium heat and resist moving the patties around. Cook 5 minutes on each side, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F internal temperature. The small size means they cook quickly.

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Cook the burger patties and tater tots earlier in the day, then assemble the kabobs 1-2 hours before serving. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

What if I don’t have bamboo skewers?

Toothpicks work in a pinch, though they’re harder to handle. You can also serve these deconstructed as a “burger bowl”, just layer all ingredients in small appetizer cups.

Enjoying This Tater Tot Burger Kabobs Experience

There’s something fun about food on a stick, and these tater tot burger kabobs are no exception. They’re playful, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing in that “gone in sixty seconds” kind of way. If you end up with an empty tray before you’ve even sat down, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

We’d love to know how you made them your own! Did you add a special sauce? Swap in turkey or plant-based patties? Leave us a comment after making them and tell us how you put your spin on these tiny burger bites.

Tater Tot Burger Kabobs:

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

If you love sliders and tater tots, just wait until you try tater tot burger kabobs. These fun little skewers pack all the bold flavor of a cheeseburger with the crispy, salty edge of a tot, all in one handheld bite.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 Servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, shaped into tender, bite-sized mini patties

3 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares for perfectly melted layers

24 tater tots, cooked until golden and crisp on the outside

12 dill pickle slices, for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness

1 romaine lettuce leaf, torn into small, fresh pieces for a pop of color and crisp texture

Instructions

1. Start by shaping the ground beef into mini patties, about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. They should be small enough to fit comfortably on a skewer without falling apart. Slice each cheddar cheese slice into four even squares, these will melt neatly over the burgers later.
2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and let them sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes, developing a golden crust. Flip each patty, top with a square of cheddar, then cover the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness.
3. While the burgers cook, prepare the tater tots according to the package instructions, either in the oven or air fryer, until they’re hot and perfectly crisp. Slice the romaine lettuce into small, ribbon-like strips about the same size as the cheese squares for easy layering.
4. To assemble, start with a tater tot on the skewer, followed by a pickle slice, then a warm mini burger with melted cheese, a sliver of lettuce, and finish with another tater tot to create a playful little burger stack.
5. Serve warm right away, or refrigerate and reheat gently if making ahead. They’re just as charming the second time around.

Equipment

Dutch Oven Casserole Pot

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Measuring Cups & Spoons Set

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Skewers – Bamboo

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Wooden Cooking Spoons

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• Author: Jennifer West
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Stove
• Cuisine: American

Jennifer West Senior Recipe Editor

As a Senior Recipe Editor, Jennifer West shares flavorful and easy meal recipes with a creative twist,. Perfect for busy families and everyday home cooks.

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