Imagine a party appetizer that combines the fiery kick of buffalo wings with the creamy, irresistible charm of a classic cheese ball. This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball is about to become your new secret weapon for entertaining! Perfect for game days, potlucks, or when you simply want to impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering appetizer that's both easy to make and impossible to resist. Prepare to transform ordinary snack time into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Use a spatula or clean hands to blend the mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and a consistent texture.
- Place the chopped pecans on a flat plate or shallow dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Using clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into a compact ball approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Gently roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts adhere completely and cover the entire surface.
- Wrap the completed cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the ball to firm up.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or other preferred dipping vehicles.
- Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest, most spreadable mixture.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to match your spice preference - from mild to wild!
- Pecan Coating Trick: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cheese ball actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, so it's perfect for advance preparation.
- Serving Suggestion: For the most impressive presentation, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and allow the flavors to shine.
- Leftover Love: If you have any remaining cheese ball, it makes an amazing spread for sandwiches or wraps the next day.
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetable sticks to accommodate different dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
