1. Prepare the tater tot buns:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the tater tots in pairs on the baking sheet. Gently press each pair together using the back of a spoon to form a flat “bun” shape.
- Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
2. Make the burger patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 small patties, about the size of the tater tot buns.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. Melt the cheese:
- During the last minute of cooking, place a square of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.
4. Assemble the mini cheeseburgers:
- Place one tater tot bun on a serving plate. Add a burger patty with melted cheese on top, followed by a pickle slice, and a small dollop of ketchup or mustard if desired. Top with another tater tot bun.
- Secure each mini burger with a toothpick.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.