If you’re craving a bold, irresistible snack that packs a punch of flavors and textures, you’ve got to try the Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe. These little sliders bring together juicy, blue cheese-studded beef patties topped with crispy, smoky grilled tater tots and drizzled with tangy buffalo sauce, all sandwiched in soft buns. Every bite is a delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy that makes these sliders a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to treat yourself to something fun and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe just right starts with simple, flavorful ingredients that each play a crucial role in making the sliders memorable. From the robust seasoning for the beef to the classic buffalo sauce heat and irresistible blue cheese bite, these elements work perfectly together to create a deliciously balanced treat.
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably sirloin: Lean yet juicy beef provides a flavorful base for your patties.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to season the meat and bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat and sharpness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For just the right amount of buffalo-inspired spice.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (to mix into burgers): Introduces creamy, tangy pockets of flavor throughout the patty.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (to top burgers): Extra cheesiness to sprinkle on top for a hit of richness.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The bold, spicy sauce that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 16 frozen potato tater tots: These become crispy, golden, and slightly charred for a wonderful textural contrast.
- 8 slider buns (pretzel buns recommended): Soft yet sturdy buns that hold all the juicy goodness without falling apart.
How to Make Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Season and Mix the Beef
Start by gently mixing the ground sirloin with the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The goal is to combine everything evenly without overworking the meat, which keeps the patties tender and juicy.
Step 2: Fold in Blue Cheese Crumbles
Carefully add half a cup of blue cheese crumbles to the beef mixture. You want the cheese to be well incorporated but still chunky enough to give bursts of creamy flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Form Patties
Divide the beef mixture into 16 equal portions and gently shape each into 2-ounce slider-sized patties. This size ensures they cook quickly and fit perfectly into your slider buns.
Step 4: Grill the Sliders
Heat your grill to medium-high, then cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side. This timing usually achieves a medium to medium-well doneness, locking in the juicy flavors while melting the cheese inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Grilled Tots
While the burgers rest, place the frozen tater tots directly onto the grill. Press them gently into the grill grate to achieve good grill marks and crispiness without losing them through the gaps. Flip the tots carefully to crisp both sides, giving that addictive smoky crunch that complements the sliders perfectly.
Step 6: Toast the Buns and Assemble
Optional but recommended: toast the pretzel slider buns on the grill briefly for that toasty crunch. Spread buffalo sauce on each bun, then stack the grilled burger topped with extra blue cheese crumbles, and crown it with the crispy grilled tots. Close it up and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate these sliders to the next level. Try adding thinly sliced green onions for a mild crunch or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to brighten the bold flavors. A dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing also pairs wonderfully with the buffalo sauce, cooling any lingering heat.
Side Dishes
Complement your Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe with simple sides that balance the zest. Classic coleslaw offers cool, crisp relief, while a side of crunchy celery sticks stays true to buffalo tradition. Or, for a filling option, creamy mac and cheese is always a welcome guest.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual, rustic vibe. Skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick to make them easy to handle at parties. You can also create a DIY slider bar with extra toppings so guests can customize their own delicious combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders left, store the patties and tots separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns aside to avoid sogginess, and assemble fresh when ready to serve again.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked patties and tots on a baking sheet and flash freeze them individually before transferring to freezer bags. This prevents sticking and allows you to thaw just the amount you need. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat patties on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to maintain juiciness. Tots regain their crunch best when reheated in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving tots as they tend to get soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders without blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese gives these sliders their signature tangy bite, you can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a milder flavor—though it won’t be quite the same Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders experience.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
You can swap ground beef for plant-based burger patties and use dairy-free blue cheese or another vegan cheese option. The buffalo sauce and grilled tots stay the same, keeping all the bold flavors intact.
What’s the best way to keep the tater tots crispy?
Grilling them directly on the grates gives the crispiest, slightly charred exterior. Be sure to flip halfway and avoid overcrowding the grill to let the heat circulate well around each tot.
Can I prepare these sliders indoors?
Definitely! Grill the patties and tots on a stovetop grill pan or bake the tots in the oven if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just keep an eye to ensure you get nice browning and crispness.
How spicy is this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe?
The cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce deliver a pleasant, moderate heat that complements the creamy blue cheese perfectly. If you prefer more or less spice, adjust the cayenne and buffalo sauce quantities to match your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully fun about biting into a Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Slider—a thrilling play of spicy, savory, creamy, and crunchy sensations all at once. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders Recipe a try soon. Whether it’s for game day, a casual gathering, or just because, these sliders promise to bring smiles and satisfied palates around your table with every delicious bite.
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Description
These Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders blend juicy, spiced beef patties infused with blue cheese with crispy, charred grilled tater tots and a tangy buffalo sauce, all sandwiched in soft pretzel slider buns. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in an easy-to-make grilled slider.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably sirloin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (to mix into burgers)
To Top the Sliders
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (to top burgers)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 16 frozen potato tater tots
- 8 slider buns (preferably pretzel buns)
Instructions
- Mix Seasoned Ground Beef: Gently but thoroughly combine ground beef with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Fold in Blue Cheese: Carefully fold 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles into the seasoned beef mixture, taking care not to break up the cheese too much.
- Form Patties: Divide the beef mixture into 2-ounce portions and shape into small slider-sized patties. Set them aside while you prepare the grill.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ready for cooking the sliders and tater tots.
- Grill Sliders: Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness (medium to medium-well recommended).
- Rest Patties: Remove the cooked patties from the grill and let them rest to retain juices while you cook the tater tots.
- Prep Tater Tots: No thawing necessary—place frozen tater tots directly on the grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill Tots – First Side: Cook tater tots until softened and slightly charred, then press them gently into the grill grate on an area with less open space to prevent pieces from falling through.
- Flip and Grill Tots – Second Side: Turn the tater tots over and continue grilling until both sides have grill marks and achieve a crispy texture.
- Toast Buns: Remove tots and optionally toast the slider buns on the grill until lightly browned.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread buffalo sauce on the buns, top with grilled blue cheese-infused beef patties, add crispy grilled tater tots, and sprinkle with additional blue cheese crumbles.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Buffalo Blue Crispy Tot Sliders. Perfect for sharing at gatherings!
Notes
- Use pretzel buns for authentic flavor and texture, but any slider buns will work.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for spice level preference or omit for milder sliders.
- Blue cheese crumbles can be substituted or supplemented with your favorite cheese if desired.
- Make sure to press the tots gently to avoid losing pieces through the grill grates.
- Letting the patties rest after grilling helps keep them juicy when assembled.
