Get ready for a flavor explosion with Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders! These little bites of heaven combine everything we love about comfort food—crispy tater tots, spicy buffalo sauce, tangy blue cheese, and the convenience of a slider. Imagine crispy, golden tots nestled between soft slider buns, drizzled with buffalo sauce and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. It’s like the perfect buffalo chicken wing, but easier to eat and more fun to share. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a delicious appetizer, or craving something crave-worthy, these sliders are your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders
Here’s why these sliders are going to be your new favorite dish:
- Crispy & Crunchy: The crispy tater tots provide that satisfying crunch, making every bite addictively delicious.
- Bold Buffalo Flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce adds a zingy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy blue cheese.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a crowd, watching the game, or just want a quick, fun dinner, these sliders are a guaranteed hit.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these sliders—they’re simple to assemble and bake, yet pack in big flavor.
- Totally Customizable: Adjust the level of buffalo heat or swap the blue cheese for ranch or cheddar if that’s more your style.
Ingredients for Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavor-packed sliders:
- Frozen Tater Tots: The crispy base of these sliders, providing the perfect crunch.
- Buffalo Sauce: The spicy, tangy sauce that gives these sliders their signature heat and flavor.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: For that creamy, tangy kick that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Slider Buns: Soft and slightly sweet buns that hold all the crispy goodness together.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch and lightens up the sliders.
- Ranch Dressing (Optional): For a cooling drizzle to balance the heat, optional but highly recommended!
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheese adds a rich, creamy layer to the sliders.
- Butter: For brushing over the buns to give them a golden, crispy finish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a little extra flavor to the tater tots and the buns.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card above!)
Instructions
Let’s get these sliders ready to go!
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions until crispy and golden brown, usually about 20-25 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Toss Tater Tots in Buffalo Sauce
In a large bowl, toss the crispy tater tots with buffalo sauce until they’re fully coated. You can add more sauce if you like it extra spicy, or keep it mild to suit your taste.
Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half, creating top and bottom halves. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish or on a large tray. Layer the buffalo-coated tater tots on top of the bottom buns, followed by a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. If you’re adding cheddar cheese, place a slice or a small handful of shredded cheese on top of the tots as well.
Add the Toppings
Place a small handful of shredded lettuce on top of the cheese and tots, then cover with the top halves of the buns.
Brush with Butter
Melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the top of the buns for an extra golden, crispy finish.
Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese has melted. If you want the tops to get even crispier, remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve immediately. For extra cooling power, serve with a side of ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders
These sliders are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- With Fries: Serve alongside crispy fries or sweet potato fries to make it a full meal.
- Veggies and Dip: Pair with fresh vegetables like celery and carrots and a cool ranch dip for that classic buffalo wing vibe.
- Extra Buffalo Sauce: If you’re a heat-lover, serve these with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
- Beer Pairing: These sliders go perfectly with a cold beer—lager or pale ale works best to complement the spice!
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Want more heat? Add some sliced jalapeños to the sliders or mix a bit of hot sauce directly into the buffalo sauce.
- Switch the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
- Use Homemade Tater Tots: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own tater tots from scratch for an extra touch of homemade goodness.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular potato tots instead of crispy tater tots?
A1: Yes, but make sure they’re fully crispy before you toss them in buffalo sauce. Otherwise, they might get soggy!
Q2: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble them and store them in the fridge, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I make these sliders with different toppings?
A3: Yes, you can add ingredients like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese to customize them to your taste.
Q4: Can I use something other than buffalo sauce?
A4: If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, try barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to enjoy again.
Q6: Can I use gluten-free buns?
A6: Yes! Just swap the regular slider buns for gluten-free buns to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Q7: Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese?
A7: Absolutely! If you prefer ranch, go ahead and swap it in for a milder, creamier topping.
Q8: Can I make these sliders spicier?
A8: Of course! Add extra hot sauce to the buffalo sauce or include some sliced jalapeños for that added heat.
Q9: How long do these sliders take to bake?
A9: They bake for about 10-12 minutes covered with foil, and then an additional 3-5 minutes uncovered for extra crispiness.
Q10: Can I freeze these sliders?
A10: Yes! You can assemble them and freeze them before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders are the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion. They’ve got all the crave-worthy flavors of buffalo wings with the added bonus of crispy, golden tots and soft buns that make them even more irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a delicious treat for yourself, these sliders will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients and get ready for a flavor-packed, crispy, cheesy treat you won’t be able to stop eating!
PrintBuffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders are the ultimate game-day or party snack! Crispy tater tots are topped with spicy buffalo chicken, melted blue cheese, and all the classic slider fixings, sandwiched between soft slider buns. They’re the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and spicy, making them a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 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)
- 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)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the frozen tater tots in a single layer. Bake the tater tots according to the package instructions until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes. - Prepare the Chicken:
While the tater tots are baking, shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the buffalo sauce until well-coated. Set aside. - Prepare the Slider Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the buns with olive oil for extra crispiness. - Assemble the Sliders:
Once the tater tots are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Place 1 or 2 tater tots on each bottom bun. Top each with a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture, then drizzle with blue cheese dressing. Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese if desired. - Bake the Sliders:
Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings and press gently to compact. Bake the assembled sliders in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the buns are golden and slightly crispy. - Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While the sliders are baking, combine the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Once the sliders are done baking, drizzle the buffalo sauce over the top of the sliders for an extra layer of flavor. - Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Variations: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, or even ground chicken if you prefer.
- Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on your desired level of spiciness. Add more honey if you want to balance the heat with sweetness.
- Blue Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute with ranch dressing or another creamy sauce.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the buffalo chicken and tater tots ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg