There’s nothing quite like the excitement of Game Day, especially when you have a crowd-pleasing treat like buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs ready to serve. These delightful bites bring together a symphony of flavors—spicy buffalo sauce, crunchy bacon, and gooey mozzarella, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb shell. Perfect for sharing or gorging on while yelling at the TV, this recipe is a fun and satisfying way to elevate your game day experience.
What sets these tasty morsels apart is their incredible texture. You bite into a crisp coating, followed by tender chicken, and are rewarded with molten cheese and smoky bacon inside. It’s the perfect blend of spice and comfort food that your friends and family will rave about. Whether you’re hosting the big game watch party or simply indulging with loved ones, these bombs are an absolute must-try.
Why you’ll love this
- Speedy preparation and cooking make these bombs perfect for impromptu gatherings.
- Unforgettable flavor with the kick of buffalo sauce and the richness of cheese and bacon.
- Versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients and cater to different tastes.
- Makes for an easy party food with minimal dishes to clean up.
- Freezer-friendly; make them in advance and heat them up when ready to serve.
"These buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs are a game-changer at our gatherings!"
Step-by-step overview
Making buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs is simple and manageable. Mix your ingredients, form the bombs, coat them, and then fry until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll enjoy the delightful cheesy filling and the spicy kick with every bite.
What you’ll need
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (Cut into cubes)
- 6 slices Cooked Bacon (Crumble before use)
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey or lean beef if desired)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (Adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Plain Flour
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or Regular for extra crunch)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (For frying)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that gooey texture; you can use other melty cheeses like cheddar if desired.
- Ground Chicken: Lean meats work wonderfully; ground turkey or lean beef are great alternatives.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference; hot sauces or BBQ sauces can also be options.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives an extra crunchy bite, but you can use traditional breadcrumbs if you prefer.
How to make it
Making buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs involves a straightforward process. You will combine the chicken with seasonings, wrap it around a piece of mozzarella, coat it, and fry until crispy. Follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Take a small portion of the chicken mixture in your hand, flatten it, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Encase the cheese with the chicken mixture, rolling it into a ball.
- Prepare your dredging station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Roll each formed ball in the flour, dip into the egg, and then coat in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully drop in the bombs in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying—test by dropping a small breadcrumb in; it should sizzle on contact.
- Remove the bombs from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm!
Helpful cooking tips
- Use ice water to wet your hands while shaping to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Monitor the oil temperature to avoid burning; too hot will crisp the outside before the inside is cooked.
- You can bake these bombs in the oven at a high temperature for a lighter alternative to frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; give each bomb space to cook evenly and become crispy.
- Serving with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing can enhance the flavor even more.
Best ways to enjoy it
Buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs are actually quite adaptable. Serve them on a platter with celery sticks and carrot sticks, and don’t forget your dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Pair with your favorite drinks, whether it’s beer, soda, or a spicy margarita, for that ultimate game day vibe. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
How to store & freeze
After those heavenly buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs are made, you might have some delicious leftovers. They can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them after cooking. Allow them to cool, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Simply reheat in the oven for a crispy texture when you’re ready to enjoy.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If your bombs turn out dry, try adjusting the chicken mixture by adding more buffalo sauce. To fix sogginess, ensure you’re properly frying them; they should float in the oil. If they taste bland, season your chicken mixture more liberally with the spices. For overcooked bombs, monitor their cooking time closely, as they can overcook quickly when frying. Lastly, if the filling leaks out, ensure that your chicken mixture is properly sealed.
Recipe variations
There are plenty of ways you can customize your buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs. For a sweeter note, consider adding a touch of honey to the buffalo sauce. You could also experiment by incorporating jalapeños for added heat or use different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist. If you’d like to add veggies, finely chopped green bell peppers or onions can add a nice crunch and flavor to the filling.
Common questions
Can I air fry buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs?
Yes, you can air fry them! Preheat your air fryer and cook until they are golden and crisp, flipping halfway to ensure even cooking.
How spicy are these bombs?
The spiciness largely depends on the type and amount of buffalo sauce used. Feel free to adjust the quantity to cater to your spice tolerance!
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake until golden brown, ensuring they are fully cooked.
How can I make them ahead of time?
You can prepare the bombs and refrigerate them uncoated until you’re ready to fry or bake them. This allows for easy prep; just bread them when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use a different protein?
Yep! Ground turkey or lean beef can easily substitute the ground chicken for those who prefer other meats. For a vegetarian version, you can use a meat substitute or mix in finely chopped vegetables.
With buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs, you’re on your way to creating a game day favorite that will be the highlight of any gathering. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they are sure to make even the toughest critics happy. Enjoy the game and the tantalizing bites!
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Take a small portion of the chicken mixture, flatten it, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Encase the cheese with the chicken mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Prepare your dredging station by placing flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Roll each ball in the flour, dip into the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- In a deep skillet, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully drop in the bombs in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the bombs from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm!