If you’re craving a bold, fun, and utterly crave-worthy snack or meal, then look no further than this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. These sliders perfectly blend spicy buffalo chicken with the irresistible crunch of crispy tater tots and the tangy creaminess of blue cheese, all nestled inside a soft slider bun. It’s a party of flavors and textures in every bite that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) without hesitation. Trust me, these little sliders are a total game changer whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want something deliciously satisfying for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a distinct role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy spiced chicken to the crunchy tots and creamy blue cheese, these components come together beautifully to make every bite exciting and fulfilling.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up flavors and stays juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle, sweet onion flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the other tastes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild kick and warmth.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (divided): Delivers that signature tangy heat that buffalo lovers adore.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the patties to a golden brown perfection.
- 12 frozen crispy tater tots: Bring irresistible crunch and a comforting potato flavor.
- 6 slider buns: The soft, slightly sweet vessel that holds all the delicious fillings.
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy punch with every bite.
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced celery: Offers a fresh and crunchy element that brightens the sliders.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Adds mild oniony notes and a pop of color.
- Butter lettuce or greens (optional): For a crisp, refreshing bed beneath the patties.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the frozen tater tots according to the package instructions. The goal is to get them golden and crispy, so they hold their crunch when layered inside the sliders. This step lays the crunchy foundation for these irresistible creations.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and half of your buffalo sauce. Mixing the sauce into the meat allows the patties to soak up that spicy, tangy flavor right from the start, ensuring each bite bursts with buffalo goodness.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Chicken Patties
Shape the chicken mixture into 6 small slider-sized patties, making sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The skillet cooking also develops a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 4: Coat the Patties in Buffalo Sauce
Once your patties are cooked, toss them gently in the remaining buffalo sauce. This extra step coats the chicken in spicy sauce for an intensified buffalo flavor that complements the crispy tots beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Start by placing a few leaves of butter lettuce or greens on the bottom half of each slider bun. Next, add one buffalo chicken patty, then top it with two crispy tater tots for that fantastic crunch. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the tots, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing, and finish with thinly sliced celery and chopped green onions. Cap each slider with the top bun and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh celery slices and chopped green onions not only add a delightful crunch but also brighten up the rich and spicy flavors of the sliders. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top balances the heat and adds a creamy layer that enhances every bite. Feel free to sprinkle extra crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch of tanginess.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with classic game day sides like crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy pickles, or a fresh tossed salad. A cool coleslaw or veggie sticks with dip also complement the spicy, creamy flavors while adding more texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve these sliders on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing for dipping. Adding colorful garnishes like sliced cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs on the side will make the presentation pop. Putting toothpicks through each slider helps keep them intact and makes grabbing them extra convenient during parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover buffalo chicken patties, tater tots, and slider buns separately in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator promptly to keep everything fresh. Keeping components separate preserves texture, especially the tots and buns, so they don’t become soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken patties and baked tater tots before assembling the sliders. Wrap patties individually and place tots in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for best texture, then assemble fresh sliders.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken patties and tots, warm them in a skillet or oven to regain that crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tots soggy. Toast slider buns lightly before assembling for added warmth and crunch. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute and will still absorb the buffalo sauce flavors nicely. Just make sure to cook the patties thoroughly as you would with chicken.
Is it necessary to use blue cheese?
While blue cheese adds a classic tangy bite, you can swap it for shredded cheddar or pepper jack if you prefer a milder flavor. The ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps balance the overall taste.
How spicy is this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe?
The heat level is moderate from the buffalo sauce, but you can easily adjust it to your taste by adding more or less buffalo sauce or even a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra kick.
Can I prepare these sliders vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based ground meat alternative seasoned similarly, or even black bean patties. Swap buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce if desired.
What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy?
Baking them directly before assembly and reheating in the oven or skillet helps maintain their crunch. Avoid stacking or storing tots with moist ingredients too early to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bursting with flavor, fun textures, and easy enough to whip up on any given day, this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. From the tender buffalo chicken patties to the crispy tots and creamy blue cheese, every mouthful feels like a mini celebration. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and dive into making these tasty little sliders that are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders feature juicy ground chicken patties tossed in buffalo sauce, paired with crispy baked tater tots, blue cheese, and fresh celery on soft slider buns. Perfect as a game day appetizer or a flavorful main course, these sliders combine spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Slider Assembly
- 12 frozen crispy tater tots
- 6 slider buns
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup thinly sliced celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Butter lettuce or greens (optional)
Instructions
- Bake Tater Tots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy, typically about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ¼ cup of buffalo sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings and sauce.
- Form Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a small slider-sized patty.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken patties and cook them for 4–5 minutes per side until they are cooked through and have a golden brown crust on each side.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a bowl and toss with the remaining ¼ cup buffalo sauce to coat them evenly.
- Assemble Sliders: On the bottom half of each slider bun, place a couple of butter lettuce leaves if using. Add one buffalo chicken patty, top with two crispy tater tots, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the tots, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and scatter sliced celery and chopped green onions on top.
- Serve: Place the top bun half over the assembled ingredients and serve the sliders immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before forming patties.
- Swap blue cheese for shredded cheddar cheese if preferred for milder flavor.
- Toast the slider buns lightly before assembling to add a crunchy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Use butter lettuce or other greens for added freshness and crunch in the slider.
- Ensure patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
