These mini buffalo chicken cheese balls have the popular flavor of buffalo chicken dip, but are bite-size servings perfect as party appetizers for game day!
An easy recipe using cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, ranch dressing and bacon, these no-bake snacks are perfect when you want the zesty taste of buffalo chicken wings without the mess (or the messy cooking).
We love this delicious appetizer recipe for tailgating, picnics and easy make-ahead snacks to bring camping.
While you can serve these bite-sized cheese balls without a toothpick, it is easier to pick them up with a small skewer inserted, or use pretzel sticks for added crunch and no waste, just like our Ham and Cheese skewers recipe!
If you love buffalo chicken, be sure to see our easy slow-cooker Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks and Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip, too. They are classic tailgating recipes!
Mini Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls Recipe
Yields: 15 mini cheese balls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (I used Frank’s Hot Sauce)
- 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup real bacon bits (or 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped)
- Toothpicks or stick pretzels (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Stir together the cream cheese, chicken, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning until well combined.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
Step 2
Pour the bacon bits in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the bacon is finely chopped.
Step 3
Use a tablespoon to scoop up balls of the cheese mixture.
Roll the cheese mixture into a ball.
Then roll the ball in the chopped bacon until covered.
Step 4
Put the finished cheese balls in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
Before serving, add a toothpick into each ball, if desired.
While these mini cheeseballs can be made ahead of time, the bacon will become soggy the longer that they are stored in the refrigerator.
We suggest pairing these bite-sized snacks with crackers or pretzels.
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