If you’ve been on the hunt for a fun, crowd-pleasing snack that packs a punch of flavor, you are absolutely going to love the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. These sliders combine the irresistible crunch of perfectly baked tater tots with the spicy tang of buffalo sauce and the creamy decadence of blue cheese. Each bite bursts with bold flavor and satisfying textures that make these sliders the ultimate game day treat or party favorite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your snack rotation for their unique twist on classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe are straightforward yet powerful in creating the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy. Each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy base that mimics a slider bun with golden crunch and tender potato inside.
- Ground chicken or turkey: Lean protein offering a juicy, flavorful patty that soaks up buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The soul of the recipe, providing the signature tangy and spicy buffalo flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Subtle yet essential spices that deepen the savory notes in the patties.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Adds a bold, creamy punch that complements the heat perfectly.
- Blue cheese dressing: A smooth, tangy drizzle that cools down the spice while adding richness.
- Chopped chives or green onions: A fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens each slider.
- Shredded lettuce or slaw mix (optional): For added crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- Oil spray: For baking the tots to crispy perfection without excess fat.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded to ensure maximum crispiness. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides develop that beautiful golden color. Crisp, well-baked tots create the perfect sturdy foundation for your sliders.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Patties
While the tots are baking, mix the ground chicken or turkey with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This combination infuses the meat with intense buffalo flavors and just the right amount of seasoning. Shape this mixture into small, flat patties roughly the size of your tot stacks—these will be the flavorful hearty center of your sliders.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your buffalo-seasoned patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want them cooked through but still juicy. The buffalo sauce in the mix caramelizes slightly, adding a subtle glaze that tastes fantastic with the crispy tots. Once done, set the patties aside while you finish the tots.
Step 4: Assemble the Tot Sliders
Take your crispy tater tots and press them together into small stacks of 3 to 4 tots, forming a solid “bun” base each time. Place a freshly cooked buffalo patty on top of each tot stack. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the patty, then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese. Add a generous dollop of blue cheese dressing for that cool creaminess. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and some shredded lettuce or slaw if you’re using it. Finish each slider with another tot stack on top to complete these irresistible little towers of flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe beautifully. I recommend a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and gentle onion flavor. Optional shredded lettuce or a crunchy slaw mix can also add a refreshing bite amid all the richness, keeping every mouthful light and balanced.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine as a centerpiece for party platters, but pairing them with simple sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a crisp green salad complements them perfectly. The crisp veggies offer a crisp, cool contrast that cuts through the boldness of buffalo sauce and blue cheese, making it a well-rounded snack or appetizer option.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve these sliders on a wooden board garnished with extra buffalo sauce drizzles and small bowls of blue cheese dressing for dipping. You could also thread mini skewers through each slider to keep them neat and easy to grab. These little touches make serving easy and inviting, perfect for game day gatherings or casual parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the slider components separate if possible to maintain the tots’ crispiness—stack your patties and dressings apart from the tot stacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties and baked tots separately for up to 2 months. Simply cool them completely, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Assemble the sliders fresh when you’re ready to enjoy to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the tots in a toaster oven or conventional oven to help them regain their crispness. Heat the patties gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Then, assemble the sliders fresh and add the blue cheese dressing and garnish just before serving to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken or turkey for the patties?
Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe, lending a richer flavor. Just keep the same buffalo sauce and seasoning ratios for that delicious kick.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the patties?
Yes, you can use vegetarian patties or even shredded jackfruit seasoned with buffalo sauce for a meatless version. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I substitute ranch dressing for the blue cheese dressing?
Definitely. Ranch offers a milder, creamier alternative that still complements the spicy buffalo flavor well if blue cheese isn’t your favorite or if you want a less intense taste.
How spicy are these sliders?
The level of spice depends on your buffalo wing sauce choice. They have a pleasant heat that lingers but doesn’t overwhelm, and the blue cheese balances it nicely. You can adjust by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to make sure the tots stay crispy when assembling?
Baking the tots on a single layer ensures they get evenly crisp. Pressing them gently into compact stacks will help the “bun” hold together without becoming soggy. Assemble and serve immediately after baking for peak crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe is a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or snack. With its perfect combo of crispy, spicy, and creamy elements, it’s truly a flavor sensation that invites sharing and enjoying together. I can’t wait for you to make these and watch how quickly they disappear – trust me, they’re that good!
Print
Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Delicious Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders combine crispy baked tater tots with flavorful buffalo ground chicken patties, topped with blue cheese and a creamy dressing. Perfect for game day or party appetizers, these sliders offer a spicy, tangy, and crunchy bite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Tot Buns
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Oil spray for baking
Buffalo Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions
- Shredded lettuce or slaw mix (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Tater Tots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Mixture: While tots are baking, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and sauce.
- Form and Cook Patties: Shape the chicken mixture into small, flat slider-sized patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Assemble Tot Buns: Once the tots are baked and crispy, press 3 to 4 tots together to form a small stack that will act as the “bun” base for each slider.
- Build the Sliders: Place a cooked buffalo chicken patty on each tot stack. Drizzle with additional buffalo wing sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese. Add a dollop of blue cheese dressing on top.
- Add Garnishes and Complete: Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions and add shredded lettuce or slaw if desired. Top each slider with another stack of 3 to 4 tots pressed together to complete the slider. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use vegetarian patties for a meatless version of this recipe.
- Ranch dressing can be substituted for the blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- These sliders are ideal for parties, game day appetizers, or casual entertaining.
