Before diving into the culinary magic of Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots, let’s explore some fantastic pairings. Think crispy chicken wings or tenders. They complement the crunchiness and flavor of the tater tots perfectly.
There’s also the classic celery and carrot sticks dipped in ranch that brings a refreshing balance to the richness. Next up, a cold beer never hurt anybody. Whether it’s an IPA or a classic lager, it pairs well with the heat from the tater tots and buffalo sauce.
Lastly, some fresh guacamole or spicy salsa adds zing and freshness to the mix. Now, doesn’t that get your taste buds tingling?
Today, I’m excited to share my history with Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots. I remember the first time I had them at my local Buffalo Wild Wings.
I was with friends, we had just finished a long day, and the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen was perfect. The tater tots were crispy and golden, drizzled with a zesty buffalo sauce, and topped with gooey blue cheese.
It became a legendary part of our get-togethers. It’s safe to say these tater tots aren’t just side dishes, they’re the star of the show.
Let’s dive deeper into this delightful dish, explore how to prepare them, and even share some tips that will make your tater tot experience unforgettable.
What Are Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots?
Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots are a vibrant twist on the classic tater tot. They combine fluffy tater tots with spicy Buffalo chicken, rich sauces, and an array of toppings. This dish captures the essence of bar food and transforms it into something incredibly shareable.
Each bite delivers a kick of heat balanced by creamy textures, catering to both the adventurous and the conservative palates alike.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe resonates because it harnesses a beloved combination of ingredients. You get the crunch from the tater tots and the richness from the chicken and cheese; it’s a perfect harmony.
The inclusion of homemade buffalo sauce ensures freshness, while also allowing you to adjust the spice levels to your liking. Texture matters, and the contrast between the crispy tots and creamy toppings keeps it interesting.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight:
Buffalo Chicken
- 1 cup homemade buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Buffalo Wild Wings Medium Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg yolk
Buffalo Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Buffalo-Seasoned Tater Tots
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Buffalo Tots Assembly
- 3 Fresno chili peppers, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped celery
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots
Making Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots is straightforward. It involves a blend of preparation, assembly, and some baking magic. We’ll go through this step by step, ensuring clarity and ease.
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
Begin by gathering and shredding rotisserie chicken. It saves time and gives great flavor. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with homemade buffalo sauce. The sauce needs to coat every piece. Set this aside to incorporate later.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Frank’s RedHot sauce, butter, garlic paste, white sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This brings out the rich, spicy flavor, which is essential for the dish.
Step 3: Season the Tater Tots
Following that, in a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with extra virgin olive oil. Next, sprinkle the buffalo seasoning mix over the tots, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Tater Tots
Now, place the seasoned tater tots on a lined baking sheet. Bake them according to the instructions until they are golden brown and crispy. Typically, this takes about 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway for even cooking.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Once the tater tots are finished, take them out of the oven. On a large, oven-safe serving platter, layer the crispy tater tots. Next, spoon your buffalo chicken mix over the tater tots. Drizzle the buffalo sauce on top.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Scatter the Fresno peppers and crumbled blue cheese over the top. Finally, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on everything. Sprinkle green onions and celery for a refreshing crunch.
Step 7: Bake Again
Place the assembled dish back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just to melt the cheese and heat everything through.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tots
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s already cooked and packed with flavor. Plus, it saves you time!
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: Homemade buffalo sauce amplifies the taste. Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to customize! Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce work wonders.
- Crisp Them Up: Ensure the tater tots are well-cooked before adding toppings. Nothing ruins the experience like soggy tots.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot. The contrasting textures are most enjoyable fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
If you’ve got some leftover Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, consider using the oven instead of the microwave for better texture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp.
How Would I Recommend Serving Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots?
I have a few appetizers in mind that complement Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots beautifully:
- Crispy Chicken Wings: Nothing rounds up a game night like wings. Toss them in your favorite sauce for that complete experience.
- Veggie Sticks with Dip: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and celery with ranch dressing cleanse the palate perfectly.
- Craft Beer: A refreshing, cold beer captures the spirit of the gathering. Whether it’s fruity or hoppy, the key is to enjoy it!
- Loaded Nachos: Use leftover chicken and cheese on nachos for another delicious option. They fit the theme and hold that comfort food magic.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Sometimes you can’t find what you need. Here are some alternatives for this recipe:
- Chicken: Baked Tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian option. It picks up sauce flavors excellently and has a nice texture.
- Buffalo Sauce: Sriracha or hot wing sauce can stand in if you’re out of buffalo sauce. Just adjust the measurements based on spice levels.
- Blue Cheese: Feta cheese gives a similar texture with a different flavor profile, still adding to the tanginess.
- Tater Tots: If tater tots aren’t an option, frozen sweet potato fries can offer a unique twist and additional nutrients.
Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup homemade buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Buffalo-Seasoned Tater Tots
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Fresno chili peppers thinly sliced
- 8 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
Instructions
- Begin by gathering and shredding rotisserie chicken. It saves time and gives great flavor. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with homemade buffalo sauce. The sauce needs to coat every piece. Set this aside to incorporate later.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Frank’s RedHot sauce, butter, garlic paste, white sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This brings out the rich, spicy flavor, which is essential for the dish.
- Following that, in a large bowl, toss the frozen tater tots with extra virgin olive oil. Next, sprinkle the buffalo seasoning mix over the tots, ensuring they are well coated.
- Now, place the seasoned tater tots on a lined baking sheet. Bake them according to the instructions until they are golden brown and crispy. Typically, this takes about 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Once the tater tots are finished, take them out of the oven. On a large, oven-safe serving platter, layer the crispy tater tots. Next, spoon your buffalo chicken mix over the tater tots. Drizzle the buffalo sauce on top.
- Scatter the Fresno peppers and crumbled blue cheese over the top. Finally, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on everything. Sprinkle green onions and celery for a refreshing crunch.
- Place the assembled dish back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just to melt the cheese and heat everything through.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s already cooked and packed with flavor. Plus, it saves you time!
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: Homemade buffalo sauce amplifies the taste. Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to customize! Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce work wonders.
- Crisp Them Up: Ensure the tater tots are well-cooked before adding toppings. Nothing ruins the experience like soggy tots.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot. The contrasting textures are most enjoyable fresh.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings Tater Tots are truly a delightful dish. With crispy tots, flavorful buffalo chicken, and fresh toppings, they bring smiles to faces. Whether you serve them at casual gatherings or cozy nights at home, they’re always a hit.
I hope my experiences and tips help you make your own version that leaves a lasting impression. So gather your friends, drizzle some sauce, and enjoy this comfort food bliss. Happy cooking!
