If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible textures, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots layered with tender buffalo-spiced chicken, topped with tangy blue cheese dressing and nestled inside soft slider buns. Each bite is a perfect harmony of spicy heat, creamy coolness, and crunchy satisfaction. These sliders bring so much excitement to any gathering or casual night in, making them an instant favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each element adds its own magic — from the crispy tater tots giving that satisfying crunch to the silky blue cheese dressing balancing the heat from the buffalo sauce. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish come alive.
- 12 slider buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns work beautifully to cradle these flavorful fillings without overpowering them.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: These are the crispy, golden stars that add incredible texture and structure.
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy and packed with protein.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adjust this according to your preferred spice level for that signature zesty kick.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: Creamy and tangy, this dressing cools down the heat and adds depth.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love an extra punch of bold cheese flavor, this is a delightful addition.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to brush the buns for a lightly toasted, golden finish.
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: For tossing the shredded chicken so every bite bursts with flavor.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on buns or mixed with honey for a luscious glaze.
- 1 tbsp honey (optional): A touch of sweetness that balances the bold heat perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
Start by baking the frozen tater tots according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. The crispy shell is what will provide that satisfying crunch in every slider bite, so don’t skip this step or rush it!
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
While the tots are baking, shred your cooked chicken breast and toss it with the 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. This ensures every shred is beautifully coated in spicy, tangy flavor, making each slider mouthwateringly tasty.
Step 3: Toast the Slider Buns
Brush the slider buns lightly with olive oil and the melted butter—add the honey here if you want that subtle sweetness to shine through—then toast them in a hot skillet or oven until they are warm and slightly crisp. This elevates the buns from soft to irresistibly buttery and golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Layer each bun bottom with a generous spoonful of buffalo chicken, a crispy tater tot, a drizzle of blue cheese dressing, and if desired, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions on top. Cap them with the toasted bun tops and get ready for a flavor explosion.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh when the tots are still crispy and the buffalo chicken warm. They make for a show-stopping appetizer or a fun, casual meal that’s bursting with personality and bold tastes.
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To top off your Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe, sprinkle fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and a mild, fresh onion bite. You can also add extra crumbled blue cheese for those who love that creamy sharpness. A few celery sticks on the side add a refreshing crunch and help mellow the heat.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with simple sides like crunchy celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip. For something a little heartier, try sweet potato fries or a crisp garden salad to complement the rich and spicy sliders without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these sliders the star at your next party by serving them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing for dipping. Layer them with toothpicks topped with tiny blue cheese crumbles or green onion slices for a charming presentation that invites everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store the assembled sliders separately from the crispy tots to avoid sogginess. Keep the shredded buffalo chicken in an airtight container and the baked tots in another. The slider buns can also be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for a day.
Freezing
You can freeze the buffalo chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The tots are best freshly baked but can be frozen before baking if you want to prep ahead. Slider buns generally freeze well wrapped tightly to keep their softness intact.
Reheating
Reheat the buffalo chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. To restore the tots’ crispiness, pop them in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes instead of microwaving. Toast the buns just before serving for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing?
Absolutely! Ranch dressing works wonderfully as a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken, making it a great alternative if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
Is it possible to make this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the shredded chicken for crispy buffalo cauliflower bites or a plant-based chicken substitute while keeping the other ingredients intact for a dish that’s just as flavorful.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Start with milder buffalo sauce if you prefer just a hint of spice, or go for extra hot buffalo sauce if you love a fiery kick.
Can these sliders be made ahead for a party?
You can prepare most components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble just before serving to retain the crispy texture of the tater tots and the freshness of the toasted buns.
What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy?
Bake them at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to crisp them back up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, crowd-pleasing bite that packs a ton of flavor and texture, this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe is your new go-to. From game day snacks to casual dinners with friends, these sliders bring warmth, spice, and total deliciousness in every mouthful. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked and eager to make these again and again. So, roll those buns out, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience a slider sensation like no other!
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 spicy and satisfying appetizer or snack, featuring shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, crispy tater tots, and creamy blue cheese dressing all sandwiched in soft slider buns. The perfect combination of flavors and textures makes these sliders a crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
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 Honey Butter
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven according to the tater tots package instructions. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking.
- Toss the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken breast with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Make Buffalo Honey Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, melted unsalted butter, and honey until smooth. This will be used to brush the slider buns for extra flavor and moisture.
- Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the 12 slider buns in half horizontally. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the inside of each bun with the buffalo honey butter mixture to add a spicy, sweet richness. Optionally, toast the buns lightly in the oven or skillet for added texture.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each slider bun. Layer with a generous spoonful of buffalo chicken, followed by a handful of crispy tater tots. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of the tater tots for an extra punch of flavor if using.
- Finish and Garnish: Place the top half of the slider bun over the stack and, if desired, garnish with chopped green onions for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the heat in the dish.
- For a milder version, substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce.
- Blue cheese dressing and crumbled blue cheese add authentic flavor but can be omitted for dairy-free versions.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be assembled ahead and warmed before serving.
