If you’re craving a flavor-packed appetizer that’s bursting with bold, spicy, and cheesy goodness, you’ve come to the right place. This Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe is a game-changer that combines juicy ground chicken, crispy turkey bacon, melty mozzarella, and a kick of buffalo sauce. The result? Irresistible little bites that are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside—perfect for your next gathering or a satisfying snack. Trust me, once you try these bombs, they’ll become an instant favorite in your recipe box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let this list intimidate you! The ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe are simple yet thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic spicy tang.
- Mozzarella cheese (225 grams, cubed): These cubes create the luscious, melty center you’ll fall in love with.
- Cooked turkey bacon (100 grams, crumbled): Adds smoky crunch and a lovely contrast to the tender chicken.
- Ground chicken (450 grams): The lean, savory base that holds everything together.
- Buffalo sauce (120 milliliters, divided): Brings that signature spicy, tangy punch in just the right amounts.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle savory boost that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle earthiness without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance and brighten the flavors.
- Plain flour (100 grams): Helps create a light, crisp coating when frying or baking.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken balls for that perfect crunch.
- Breadcrumbs (100 grams, panko or regular): Adds texture and golden color on the outside.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed for achieving that irresistible crispy exterior if frying.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Filling
Start by wrapping each mozzarella cube with crumbled turkey bacon. This creates a flavorful little package where the salty crunch of bacon perfectly complements the gooey cheese that will melt once cooked. Setting these aside prepped will make assembling the balls a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the buffalo sauce. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite has a balanced spicy, savory punch. This mixture forms the delicious outer layer of our bombs.
Step 3: Shape the Bombs
Take a portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a bacon-wrapped mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully mold the chicken around it, sealing the cheese completely inside. Form into smooth, round balls so the cheese stays contained during cooking.
Step 4: Coat with Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs
First, roll each chicken ball gently in plain flour to give the surface a light dusting. Next, dip them into the beaten eggs, which acts like glue, helping the breadcrumbs stick perfectly. Finally, coat each bomb with the breadcrumbs for that much-loved golden, crunchy crust.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Perfection
You can choose to fry these bombs in hot vegetable oil for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, or bake them at 200°C (around 400°F) for 18 to 20 minutes for a lighter version. Either way, keep an eye on them so the cheese inside stays molten and irresistible.
Step 6: Toss with Remaining Buffalo Sauce
Once cooked, toss the bombs gently in the remaining buffalo sauce to coat them with a glossy, spicy finish. This final touch ensures every bite bursts with that signature buffalo flavor that makes this Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side adds a creamy, cooling contrast that perfectly tames the heat. These little touches turn a casual snack into a memorable dish.
Side Dishes
Pair these bombs with crunchy celery sticks or carrot batons for a classic buffalo-style accomplice. A fresh garden salad or even some crispy sweet potato fries make fantastic sides too, balancing the spicy richness with fresh, crisp flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bombs skewered with mini picks for easy grab-and-go fun at parties or arrange them neatly on a platter lined with lettuce leaves. For a game day twist, place them inside slider buns with a little extra buffalo sauce for a handheld treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty for quick snacks or meals the next day.
Freezing
These bombs freeze beautifully! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bombs in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible—reheating in the oven preserves that wonderful crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Ground chicken is ideal because it binds better and cooks evenly around the cheese center. However, if you have chicken breast, you can finely chop or pulse it in a food processor, but expect a slightly different texture.
Is turkey bacon necessary or can I use regular bacon?
You can absolutely swap turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer. Regular bacon adds more fat and smokiness, which is delightful, but turkey bacon keeps the dish a bit leaner while still packing flavor.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 200°C for 18 to 20 minutes is a fantastic healthier alternative that still yields golden, crispy Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe. Just be sure to brush or spray them lightly with oil for that irresistible crust.
What’s the best type of buffalo sauce to use?
Choose a buffalo sauce with a good balance of heat and vinegar tang. A classic Frank’s RedHot Original or a similar medium heat sauce works wonderfully to maintain flavor without overwhelming the cheese or bacon.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the bombs and store them uncoated in the refrigerator for a few hours before breading and cooking. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead and serving fresh when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this incredible Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe. It’s a hands-down winner for anyone who loves bold flavors, crunchy textures, and cheesy surprises all wrapped into one delightful bite. Give these a whirl, and I promise they’ll become your new go-to for parties, snack cravings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Happy cooking!
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Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Turkey Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are a flavorful appetizer featuring juicy ground chicken seasoned with spices and buffalo sauce, wrapped around cheesy mozzarella cubes wrapped in crispy turkey bacon. They are coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried to a golden crisp or baked for a healthier option, and finished with a toss in buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Cheese and Bacon
- 225 grams mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 100 grams cooked turkey bacon (crumbled)
Chicken Mixture
- 450 grams ground chicken
- 120 milliliters buffalo sauce (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Coating
- 100 grams plain flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 100 grams breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Cooking
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Wrap each mozzarella cube with crumbled turkey bacon carefully, making sure the cheese is fully encased.
- Mix chicken and spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and half of the buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Form the balls: Take a portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it into your palm, then place a bacon-wrapped mozzarella cube in the center. Encase the cube completely by molding the chicken around it, forming a smooth ball.
- Coat the bombs: Roll each chicken ball first in plain flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the bombs: For frying, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to medium-high and fry the balls for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, for baking, preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and bake the bombs on a greased tray for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked and golden.
- Toss with buffalo sauce: Once cooked, immediately toss the bombs in the remaining buffalo sauce to coat them well before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy cheesy explosion.
Notes
- Ensure the mozzarella is well wrapped to prevent cheese leakage while cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
- For a lighter version, opt for baking instead of frying.
- The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
