If you love a little spice, a lot of crunch, and that irresistible creamy tang of blue cheese all sandwiched in a soft bun, then you are going to adore this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden tater tots layered with juicy, buffalo-spiced shredded chicken and drizzled with blue cheese dressing, offering an exciting blend of flavors and textures that make every bite pure magic. These sliders are perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a fun and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients is the first step to whipping up this crowd-pleaser. Each component plays an essential role, bringing crispy textures, spicy warmth, and creamy balance to the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe.
- 12 slider buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns provide the perfect fluffy base to hold all those delicious layers without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots: These little golden bites deliver that unbeatable crispy crunch that’s the star of this recipe.
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded: Using cooked or rotisserie chicken keeps things quick and adds savory, tender meat to the sliders.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The zingy kick that wakes up the shredded chicken with just the right amount of heat.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: Creamy, tangy, and cooling—it brings everything together with smooth richness.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who really want an extra punch of bold, cheesy flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to brush the buns, adding a subtle golden finish and preventing sogginess.
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, sharp touch that adds a pop of color and brightness on top.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (extra): Reserved for mixing with melted butter to enhance the tots’ crispiness with an extra buffalo flair.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds lovely richness and helps the tots get even crispier when baked with buffalo sauce.
- 1 tbsp honey (optional): A small touch of sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
Start by tossing your shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce in a mixing bowl. This simple step ensures every bite is infused with that signature spicy flavor. If you like a hint of sweetness to balance the heat, drizzle in a little honey and stir well.
Step 2: Make Buffalo Crispy Tots
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the extra 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. Lightly toss your frozen tater tots in this mixture to coat them evenly. Spread the tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake according to package instructions (usually around 25 minutes at 425°F), turning halfway through to guarantee that insane, crispy texture with a buffalo twist.
Step 3: Toast the Slider Buns
While the tots bake, brush the buns with olive oil and lightly toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crispy. This step adds that wonderful buttery crunch and keeps the buns from becoming soggy once the fillings are added.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Now for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of blue cheese dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Pile on the spicy buffalo chicken, then carefully add a layer of the crispy buffalo tots. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top if you’re using it, then finish with the bun’s top half. Garnish with green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding green onions or thinly sliced celery provides a fresh crunch and a bright contrast to the richness of your sliders. A drizzle of extra blue cheese dressing or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks, carrot batons, or even a crisp garden salad to balance the spicy, cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve with a cool cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw to add variety and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve your Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders on a large wooden board or tiered platter for a rustic, crowd-pleasing effect. You can even offer a DIY slider station with extra blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and buffalo sauce on the side so everyone can customize their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, consider storing the tots and chicken separately and assembling fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded buffalo chicken and tater tots separately in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and assemble your sliders for a quick and tasty meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and tots in the oven at 350°F until hot and crispy, around 10–15 minutes. Toast the buns again briefly before assembling to restore their fresh-from-the-oven softness and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese adds a distinctive tang, shredded cheddar or pepper jack can also work well if you prefer a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to make this recipe less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce. Adding a little extra blue cheese dressing also helps mellow the heat nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the shredded chicken for seasoned plant-based chicken alternatives or extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Are there any dipping sauces that go well with these sliders?
Yes! Ranch dressing, extra blue cheese dip, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce complement these sliders perfectly and add variety to the flavor experience.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the shredded chicken and tots in advance and keep them warm separately. Then quickly toast buns and assemble sliders just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe enough if you’re craving something fun, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table, delivers on bold flavors, and never fails to impress. Next time you want a crowd-pleaser or just a delicious treat for yourself, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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
Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders combine crispy golden tater tots, spicy buffalo chicken, and tangy blue cheese in soft slider buns. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, these bite-sized sandwiches deliver bold flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns work well)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (or rotisserie chicken)
Sauces and Toppings
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Bun Preparation
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing buns)
Buffalo Sauce Enhancement
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Tater Tots: Preheat the oven according to the tater tots package instructions, usually at 425°F (220°C). Spread the tots out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Buffalo Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and honey if using. This mixture will be brushed on the buns for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and toast them lightly in the oven or on a skillet until just golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread blue cheese dressing on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer evenly with the buffalo chicken, then add a handful of crispy tater tots on top of the chicken.
- Add Blue Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of the tots if desired. Drizzle some of the buffalo butter sauce over the top bun halves and place them over the stacks to complete the sliders.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the combination of spicy buffalo chicken, crispy tots, and creamy blue cheese.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time and add extra flavor.
- For a milder version, substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce.
- Make sure to toast the buns to prevent sogginess from the dressings and sauces.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated, then reheated before serving.
