Save My cousin brought these to a tailgate party, and I watched a tray of twelve disappear in under five minutes. Everyone kept asking what was in them, and when she said Buffalo chicken pizza dip baked into slider buns, I knew I had to recreate them at home. The genius is in how the creamy, spicy filling soaks into the soft rolls while the cheese on top gets bubbly and golden. I made my first batch the following weekend, and my husband ate four before I could even plate them properly. These sliders have since become my go-to whenever I need something that looks impressive but comes together without any fuss.
I brought these to a potluck at work, and by lunchtime, people were asking if I had the recipe written down. One coworker told me she made them that same week for her book club, and they became the talk of the evening. There is something about the way the garlic butter brushed on top crisps up the buns that makes them feel bakery-special. I have since made them for birthday parties, game nights, and even a baby shower where the mom-to-be ate three and declared them her new craving. They have this way of making any gathering feel a little more fun and a lot more delicious.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: I usually use rotisserie chicken to save time, and the slightly seasoned meat adds extra flavor to the dip without any extra effort.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This is what gives the sliders their signature tangy heat, and I have learned that using a good quality sauce makes all the difference in taste.
- Cream cheese, softened: Make sure it is truly soft before mixing, or you will end up with lumps that never quite blend in smoothly.
- Ranch dressing: This cools down the spice and adds a creamy, herby richness that balances the Buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Sour cream: It adds tanginess and helps the filling stay moist and creamy even after baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you those satisfying cheese pulls when you bite into a slider.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a deeper flavor that complements the mild mozzarella.
- Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls are my favorite because they are slightly sweet and incredibly soft, but any soft dinner rolls work great.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushing this on top ensures the buns get golden and just a little crispy on the edges.
- Garlic powder: Mixed into the butter, it gives the tops a savory, aromatic finish that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that makes them look even more appetizing.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so the buns do not stick. This step also gives you time to gather your ingredients and get everything ready.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sour cream, stirring until everything is smooth and well blended. The cream cheese should disappear completely into the mixture, creating a thick, creamy base.
- Add Half the Cheese:
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar so the filling is loaded with melty cheese from the inside out. This ensures every bite has that gooey, cheesy richness.
- Slice and Layer the Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible, and place the bottom halves in your prepared dish. This makes assembly faster and helps the sliders bake evenly.
- Spread the Dip:
- Evenly spread the Buffalo chicken mixture over the bottom buns, making sure it reaches all the edges. I use a spatula to smooth it out so every slider gets an equal amount of filling.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the chicken layer, covering it completely. This top layer of cheese will get bubbly and golden in the oven.
- Add the Tops:
- Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese, pressing down gently so everything stays together. The buns will soak up some of the moisture from the dip as they bake.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush it generously over the tops of the buns. This step is what gives them that irresistible golden, garlicky crust.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to let the cheese melt and the flavors meld together. The foil keeps the tops from browning too quickly.
- Finish Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, then slice into individual sliders and serve them warm. They are best enjoyed right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey.
Save The first time I served these at a casual dinner with friends, someone said they tasted like the best parts of pizza night and wing night combined. That comment stuck with me because it is exactly what makes them so satisfying. They are messy in the best way, with cheese stretching between bites and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Every time I make them now, I think about how food like this brings people together, not because it is fancy, but because it is fun, comforting, and meant to be shared. These sliders have earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I am pretty sure they will in yours too.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble these sliders completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready, just remove the plastic, cover with foil, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they are going in cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. I have found that reheating them in the microwave makes the buns a bit soggy, so the oven is worth the extra few minutes.
Customizing the Heat and Flavor
If you want more heat, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or use a spicier Buffalo sauce. For a milder version, cut back on the Buffalo sauce and add a little extra ranch or sour cream to keep the filling creamy. I have also swapped ranch for blue cheese dressing when I am feeling bold, and it gives the sliders a tangier, more classic Buffalo wing flavor. You can even add cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or diced jalapeños to the filling for extra texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are perfect on their own, but I like to serve them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a small bowl of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They pair beautifully with a simple side salad or some crispy french fries if you want to make it more of a meal. At parties, I set them out on a big platter with napkins nearby because they can get a little messy, but that is part of the fun.
- Add a side of pickles or pickle spears for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
- Serve with a cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade to balance the spice.
- For a lighter option, pair them with a crisp coleslaw or a cucumber salad.
Save These Pizza Dip Sliders have become one of those recipes I make without even looking at the instructions anymore, and every time, they disappear just as fast as the first batch did. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine, whether you are feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sliders completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed.
- → What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast, poached chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Shred it finely for the best texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Use mild Buffalo sauce for less heat, or add extra hot sauce and cayenne pepper for more kick. You can also serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
- → What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?
Any soft slider buns or dinner rolls work well. Brioche buns add a buttery richness, while regular white dinner rolls are a budget-friendly option. Just ensure they're soft and slightly sweet.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds.
- → Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, assemble the sliders but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.