If you love the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and creamy, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. Imagine crispy tater tots nestled inside soft slider buns, piled high with tender, buffalo sauce-coated shredded chicken, and finished with a drizzle of tangy blue cheese dressing. This fun and flavorful dish brings together all the best textures and tastes of game-day classics in a mini sandwich that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting snack, these sliders deliver a punch of bold flavor and satisfying crunch that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this recipe. From the crispy tater tots to the creamy blue cheese, every component is simple yet essential.
- 12 slider buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns give you that perfect fluffy base to hold all the toppings without overpowering each bite.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: Crispy and golden, these tots add the unbeatable crunch that makes these sliders stand out.
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor; this protein packs the spicy buffalo goodness.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show, bringing a spicy kick that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: Creamy with a tangy bite, it cools down the spice and adds irresistible depth.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Sprinkle it on for bold bursts of flavor and an extra layer of creaminess.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Brushing the buns with this ensures a beautiful golden finish and subtle richness.
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional): These add a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of color as a garnish.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Extra sauce for tossing the shredded chicken and brushing on the tots for more spice.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Added richness and helps meld the honey and buffalo sauce for the perfect glaze.
- 1 tbsp honey (optional): Just a touch of sweetness that balances out the heat perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
Start by preheating your oven according to the tater tots package instructions—usually around 425°F. Spread the tots out on a baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. In the last 5 minutes of baking, toss the cooked tots with a mixture of buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey to give them an extra layer of sticky, spicy-sweet flavor. Pop them back in just long enough to set the glaze.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
While the tots are finishing up, take your shredded chicken and toss it thoroughly with half a cup of buffalo sauce. Make sure every shred is coated evenly — this is where your sliders get that vibrant, spicy punch. If you want to tone down the heat a bit, start with less sauce and add more as you go. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice your slider buns in half and brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven or on a griddle until they’re golden and slightly crisp. This helps prevent sogginess from the juicy chicken and sauce and adds a lovely texture contrast to the sliders.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now comes the fun part! On the bottom half of each bun, layer a few buffalo-glazed tater tots, then pile on a generous amount of buffalo chicken. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle on some crumbled blue cheese if you’re using it. Top with a few chopped green onions for freshness, then crown with the bun tops. These lovely little sliders are now ready for their close-up.
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring your Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe to life, don’t be shy with the garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh bite and pretty contrast, while extra crumbled blue cheese amps up the rich, tangy flavor. If you love a little more heat, a dash of smoked paprika or a few thin slices of jalapeño on top are fabulous finishes.
Side Dishes
These sliders are already packed with flavor, but pairing them with simple sides really rounds out the meal. Classic celery sticks or carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip offer a crunchy, fresh balance. For something heartier, crispy sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad work beautifully to complement the bold spice and creamy cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these sliders at a party or game night, presentation is key. Try stacking the sliders into a tiered platter or serving them on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of additional buffalo sauce and dip for guests to customize. Mini skewers or toothpicks decorated with little flags or fun toppers can make eating these a neat, mess-free experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the sliders have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the tater tots separate from the chicken and buns if possible to prevent sogginess and maintain that signature crispness when you reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded buffalo chicken and tater tots separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Slider buns are best fresh but can be frozen for up to a month and toasted again before assembly.
Reheating
To reheat without losing texture, warm the tater tots on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 10 minutes until crisp. Gently warm the buffalo chicken in the microwave or on the stove, and toast the buns lightly just before assembling your sliders again. This method keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese gives these sliders their signature tang, you can swap in ranch dressing and shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a milder, yet still flavorful twist. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust to your taste.
How spicy is this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe?
The heat level depends mostly on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you use. If you prefer mild, pick a milder buffalo sauce or use less. For more heat, go for a hotter wing sauce and add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute shredded chicken with crispy fried cauliflower bites or even seasoned black beans. The buffalo sauce and tots provide plenty of flavor, so the sliders will still be crowd-pleasers.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy buns?
To keep buns from getting soggy, toast them lightly before assembling and try to keep the sauces and wet ingredients to a minimum on the bun itself. Adding the sauce-coated ingredients just before serving also helps maintain crispness.
Can I prepare these sliders for a party in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the chicken and tater tots ahead of time, but assemble the sliders right before serving. You can keep the components warm separately and bring them together quickly for fresh, crunchy sliders every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s fun, crispy, and packed with bold flavors, the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as delicious as it is memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these sliders with your friends and family—the smiles and second helpings are guaranteed!
Print
Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders are a flavorful and fun appetizer or party food featuring crispy tater tots topped with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy blue cheese dressing, and melty blue cheese crumbles, all served on soft slider buns. Perfect for entertaining or game day snacks, these sliders combine crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavors for a delicious bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns work well)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (or rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing buns)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Tater Tots
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Buffalo Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tater Tots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Buffalo Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, melted unsalted butter, and honey (if using) to create a flavorful buffalo butter sauce. Mix well to blend all ingredients.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Brush Buns and Toast: Lightly brush the slider buns with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes or until slightly golden and warm.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread a spoonful of blue cheese dressing on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a layer of crispy tater tots on top, then add a generous portion of buffalo chicken. Drizzle with buffalo butter sauce, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles if using, and top with chopped green onions.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve the sliders immediately while warm, perfect for sharing at your next gathering or game day party.
Notes
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time but cooked, shredded chicken works just as well.
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add an authentic buffalo flavor touch.
- Honey in the buffalo butter sauce adds a nice balance if you prefer a little sweetness.
- For extra crispiness, you can air fry the tater tots instead of baking.
