Buffalo sliders are a delicious, spicy, and savory treat that have become a popular choice for game nights, parties, and casual gatherings. However, if you eat buffalo sliders, the big question is: what should you eat with them? The right side dishes and accompaniments can significantly elevate your meal, balancing out the heat and adding textures and flavors that complement the sliders perfectly.
In this blog post, we will explore the best side dishes and accompaniments that pair well with buffalo sliders. Whether you’re looking for savory, sweet, crunchy, or fresh options, we’ve got you covered. As an expert cook and food blogger, I’ll guide you through the best options to serve with buffalo sliders. Keep reading for the perfect pairings, pro tips, and easy-to-make recipes that will transform your meal.
Why Are Buffalo Sliders So Popular?
Buffalo sliders are small sandwiches filled with crispy chicken drenched in buffalo sauce. They are a favorite not just because of their spicy, tangy flavor, but also because their small size makes them great for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a casual family meal, buffalo sliders are easy to serve and even easier to eat.
Moreover, the rich, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce are perfectly balanced by the creamy blue cheese or ranch typically served with them. However, to make your meal complete, you’ll need the right sides. Therefore, let’s dive into the best dishes to pair with buffalo sliders.
What to Eat with Buffalo Sliders: The Best Side Dishes
Choosing the right side dishes for your buffalo sliders is essential to creating a well-rounded meal. Therefore, here are some amazing sides that will enhance your sliders:
Crispy and Savory Sides
Buffalo sliders are bold in flavor, so pairing them with crispy and savory sides adds texture and complements the spicy heat.
French Fries
French fries are a classic choice to serve with any kind of slider. The crispy, golden fries balance the spicy buffalo chicken, and the crunchy texture adds an essential contrast. Additionally, here are some variations:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the buffalo sauce’s heat. Additionally, their nutritional profile makes them a healthier alternative to traditional fries, offering more fiber and vitamins.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: The savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan complement the tangy buffalo sauce. This combination of crispy fries with a rich, cheesy topping creates a layered texture and flavor experience that makes it a standout side.
- Cajun Fries: For those who love extra spice, Cajun fries bring an additional level of heat and flavor. Their seasoned, smoky profile makes them ideal for those who prefer bold flavors alongside their buffalo sliders.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are a crowd favorite. Their extra crunch pairs perfectly with the soft and saucy buffalo sliders, offering a playful texture contrast. You can also customize tater tots in several ways to enhance your meal:
- Cheese Tater Tots: These add gooey cheese, creating a side dish that feels indulgent and rich. The melted cheese contrasts with the crispy outer layer of the tots, making each bite a delightful mix of textures.
- Beef Bacon Tots: Adding crispy beef bacon on top of tater tots enhances the salty, smoky flavor, creating a dynamic bite. The beef bacon adds both texture and a savory depth to complement the tangy buffalo sliders.
Hush Puppies
Another fried classic, hush puppies offer a savory, crispy exterior with a soft, doughy interior. Therefore, their slightly sweet cornmeal batter contrasts well with the spicy heat of buffalo sliders, giving you a side dish that balances the heat with sweetness.
For a recipe with similar bold flavors, you can check out hot honey chicken sandwich, which offers an amazing twist on the classic spicy sandwich.
Fresh and Light Sides
To cut through the rich flavors of buffalo sliders, fresh and light sides work wonders. These dishes bring a cool, refreshing contrast to the heat.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a fantastic side for buffalo sliders. Its cool, crunchy texture complements the spicy chicken, creating the perfect bite. Here are some delicious variations:
- Classic Creamy Coleslaw: A traditional mayonnaise-based slaw that provides a creamy balance. The coolness of the coleslaw cuts through the heat of the sliders, making each bite refreshing.
- Vinegar Slaw: For those who prefer a tangy, lighter version, vinegar slaw offers a sharp, acidic contrast that works well with the heavy, rich flavors of the buffalo chicken. This version feels less heavy and adds a crisp, clean finish to the meal.
- Apple Coleslaw: Additionally, adding shredded apples into your slaw introduces a hint of sweetness, making it a fresh and fruity side dish. The sweetness from the apples contrasts beautifully with the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Green Salad
A simple green salad is another fresh and healthy option to serve alongside your sliders. Adding leafy greens provides a light, crisp contrast to the hearty sliders. Some great salad options include:
- Caesar Salad: With rich, creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, Caesar salad offers a savory contrast that complements the spicy flavors of buffalo sliders. The tangy dressing enhances the flavor while keeping the meal balanced.
- Arugula Salad: The peppery flavor of arugula provides a nice contrast to the rich sliders. Toss the arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a bright, fresh note that cuts through the spiciness.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is light, refreshing, and cooling — an ideal side dish to balance the fiery kick of buffalo sliders. The crunch from the cucumbers, combined with a tangy vinegar-based dressing, makes for a crisp, cool bite. Furthermore, you can also add red onions and dill for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Cheesy and Comforting Sides
If you’re looking for comfort food to pair with your buffalo sliders, cheesy sides are always a hit. They add richness and a gooey texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a perfect side for buffalo sliders. The creaminess of the cheese sauce balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. Consider these variations:
- Baked Mac and Cheese: For a crispy, golden top and cheesy center, baked mac and cheese offers a hearty, satisfying side. Its texture contrasts beautifully with the soft sliders, while the richness of the cheese sauce mellows the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Jalapeño Mac and Cheese: For those who love spicy food, adding jalapeños into the cheese sauce enhances the mac and cheese, giving it an extra kick. The combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños creates a bold, flavorful side that mirrors the heat of the sliders.
- Three-Cheese Mac: Blending different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds depth to the flavor. Therefore, this multi-cheese approach creates a richer, creamier mac and cheese that pairs perfectly with buffalo sliders.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is another comforting side to serve with sliders. The garlic flavor pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken, and the melted cheese adds richness. It can be served in several different ways:
- Classic Garlic Bread: Baked with butter and garlic, this side dish provides a crispy, savory companion to the spicy sliders.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Additionally, adding mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to your breadsticks for extra gooey goodness makes it a standout option. The softness of the breadsticks, combined with the richness of the cheese, creates a fantastic pairing with buffalo sliders.
For even more cheesy flavor, try making hot honey wings, which pairs the sweetness of honey with savory wings for a unique dish.
Mozzarella Sticks
For a cheesy, indulgent side, mozzarella sticks are a great choice. Their crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling create a satisfying bite. The mild flavor of the mozzarella balances the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo sliders, making them an excellent pairing.
Bold and Unique Sides for Buffalo Sliders
If you want to try something different, consider serving bold, flavorful sides that stand out and make your meal extra special.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a smoky, slightly bitter contrast to the tangy heat of buffalo sliders. They are not only flavorful but also pack a nutritional punch. Roast them with a bit of olive oil and salt for an easy side dish. For a twist, try:
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness. As a result, the combination of the slight bitterness of the sprouts with the sweetness of the balsamic adds depth to the meal.
- Garlic and Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Toss with garlic and cheese for extra savory flavor. The earthy flavor of the garlic and the nuttiness of the Parmesan balance out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts and other vegetables, visit Harvard School of Public Health’s page on Vegetables and Fruits.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a light, healthy option that works well with buffalo sliders. Grilling gives the asparagus a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy chicken. Try seasoning it with:
- Lemon Zest and Garlic: Add a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the buffalo sliders.
- Parmesan and Olive Oil: Additionally, sprinkle with cheese for extra richness and a hint of nuttiness.
Sweet and Fruity Sides for Buffalo Sliders
Sweet sides can balance out the spice and offer a refreshing contrast to the heat of buffalo sliders. Therefore, here are some great options:
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a light, refreshing option that helps to cut through the spicy heat of buffalo sliders. Try combining sweet fruits like:
- Watermelon: Adds a cool, juicy element that refreshes the palate.
- Grapes and Berries: Additionally, provide a burst of sweetness and color, making your meal feel light and balanced.
- Pineapple: Offers a tangy-sweet bite that pairs well with the spicy sliders. The tropical flavor provides a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Cornbread with Honey Butter
Cornbread is a classic side for buffalo sliders. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the spice, and adding honey butter brings extra richness. Here’s how you can make it even better:
- Jalapeño Cornbread: Add some diced jalapeños for a slight kick. As a result, this twist on traditional cornbread adds a little spice that complements the buffalo sliders without overwhelming the palate.
- Cheddar Cornbread: Mix in cheddar cheese for a savory twist. The cheese adds richness and depth to the flavor, creating a perfect pairing with the sliders.
Drinks to eat with Buffalo Sliders
Now that we’ve covered sides, let’s move on to what drinks to serve with buffalo sliders. The right beverage can enhance the entire meal.
Refreshing Drinks
Buffalo sliders are spicy, so pairing them with cool, refreshing drinks is key. Here are some great options:
- Iced Tea: A classic pairing, especially sweet tea for those who like something sweeter. The coldness of the iced tea provides a refreshing break from the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Lemonade: Additionally, the tartness of lemonade helps cut through the richness of buffalo sliders. Its acidity makes it a perfect drink to refresh your palate after every bite.
- Arnold Palmer: A mix of iced tea and lemonade for a refreshing balance. This drink provides the best of both worlds — the refreshing qualities of lemonade and the smoothness of iced tea.
Dips and Sauces to Eat with Buffalo Sliders
Buffalo sliders are great on their own, but adding the right dips and sauces can elevate the meal to a whole new level. Here are some essential dips to consider serving alongside your sliders:
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a classic pairing for buffalo sliders. Its creamy, tangy flavor helps balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. Whether you’re dipping your sliders or drizzling it on top, ranch is an essential part of the buffalo experience.
Blue Cheese Dip
For those who prefer a stronger flavor, blue cheese dip is the go-to option. Its rich, sharp flavor complements the tangy buffalo sauce, creating a bold, flavorful bite. You can also enhance the dip by adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For a vegetarian option, buffalo cauliflower bites mimic the flavor profile of buffalo sliders but with a lighter, healthier base. Therefore, serve these crispy bites alongside ranch or blue cheese dip for a complete, flavorful side dish that mirrors the main course.
FAQs About What to eat with Buffalo Sliders
What is the best cheese to put on buffalo sliders?
The best cheese to pair with buffalo sliders is either blue cheese or cheddar. Blue cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the spicy buffalo sauce, while cheddar provides a mild, creamy richness.
Are buffalo sliders spicy?
Yes, buffalo sliders are typically spicy due to the buffalo sauce, which is made with hot sauce and butter. However, you can adjust the heat level by using a milder sauce or adding extra toppings like ranch or blue cheese.
What are healthy side dishes for buffalo sliders?
Some healthy side dishes include green salads, grilled asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Therefore, these options provide a light, nutritious balance to the rich flavors of buffalo sliders.
Can you eat buffalo sliders at a formal dinner?
Buffalo sliders are more suited for casual settings like parties or game days. However, you can elevate them for a formal dinner by using gourmet ingredients and serving with refined sides like roasted vegetables and artisan bread.
How do you make buffalo sliders less spicy?
To make buffalo sliders less spicy, use a milder buffalo sauce or add extra ranch or blue cheese to tone down the heat. Additionally, you can serve them with cooling sides like coleslaw or fruit salad.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to eat with buffalo sliders, you can create a complete meal that balances spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a casual family dinner, these sides will complement your buffalo sliders perfectly. Additionally, don’t forget to experiment with different flavors, and feel free to mix and match these side dishes to suit your taste. Enjoy your meal!