The First Bite That Hooked Me
The crunch of celery, the tang of hot sauce, the creamy blue cheese—it all hit me at once. I was at a friend’s game-day party, sneaking a meatball from the tray. Ever wondered how you could turn buffalo chicken into something unforgettable? These meatballs did it for me. Now I make them for every gathering. Try them—your guests will beg for the recipe.My Messy First Attempt
My first batch stuck to the pan like glue. I forgot the cooking spray. Home cooking teaches patience—and the value of a good non-stick spray. The dip saved the day, though. Now I double it because everyone licks the bowl. What’s your biggest kitchen fail? Share below!Why These Flavors Pop
– The heat from Frank’s sauce balances the cool yogurt dip. – Panko crumbs keep the meatballs light, not dense. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the carrot’s sweetness or the garlic’s kick? Vote in the comments!A Dish With Roots
Buffalo wings started in 1960s New York. This recipe twists that classic into bite-sized bliss. *Did you know blue cheese dip was originally a salad dressing?* Now it’s a game-day must. What’s your favorite way to reinvent a classic? Tell me!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken, or ground turkey | 1 lb | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon | |
| Panko bread crumbs | 1/3 cup | |
| Large egg | 1 | |
| Minced celery | 1/4 cup | |
| Shredded carrot | ¼ cup | |
| Garlic powder, or minced garlic | ½ teaspoon, or 1 clove | |
| Onion powder, or diced onion | ½ teaspoon, or 2 Tablespoons | |
| Frank’s Hot Sauce | ¼ – 1/3 cup | depending on desired heat level |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup | |
| Blue cheese | 4 ounces | crumbled |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | |
| Chives | 1 tablespoon | finely chopped |
| Garlic | 1 clove | minced |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste | |
| Fine salt | ½ teaspoon | to taste |
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Dip
Step 1 Mix salt, pepper, panko, egg, celery, carrot, garlic, onion, and hot sauce in a bowl. Add chicken last. Gently combine without overmixing. (Hard-learned tip: Overworking the meat makes tough meatballs.)
Step 2 Roll the mix into 30 small meatballs. Use two teaspoons per ball for even cooking. Keep them uniform so they finish at the same time.
Step 3 Air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Cook in batches if needed. Check temp—165°F means they’re done.
Step 4 Or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Space them ½ inch apart. Let rest a minute before serving.
Step 5 Stir yogurt, blue cheese, lemon, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper for the dip. Taste and adjust seasoning. What’s your go-to hot sauce for spicy recipes? Share below! Cook Time: 7 minutes Total Time: 17 minutes Yield: 6 servings Category: Appetizer, Snack
3 Fun Twists on Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Veggie Swap Use mashed chickpeas instead of chicken. Add extra celery and carrot for crunch.
Extra Heat Double the hot sauce. Sprinkle cayenne pepper into the meatball mix.
Fall Flavors Swap blue cheese for goat cheese. Add a dash of maple syrup to the dip. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve with celery sticks and carrot chips for crunch. Add a side of ranch for dipping. Pair with ice-cold lager or a crisp apple cider. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling lemonade. Which would you choose tonight—beer, cider, or lemonade?
Keep ‘Em Fresh or Freeze ‘Em
Store cooked meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then bag them for 3 months. *Fun fact: I once forgot a batch in my freezer—still tasty months later!* Double the recipe for easy future meals. Why this matters: Prepping ahead saves time on busy nights. Who else loves freezer hacks? Share yours below!Fix Common Meatball Messes
Sticky hands? Wet them with water before rolling meatballs. Too dry? Add a splash of hot sauce or yogurt. Falling apart? Chill the mix for 15 minutes first. Why this matters: Small tweaks make cooking smoother. My grandkids still giggle about the time I flipped a meatball onto the floor. Ever had a kitchen fail? Tell us how you saved it!Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
Q: How far ahead can I prep?
A: Mix meatballs 1 day early; keep covered in the fridge.
Q: What’s a good blue cheese swap?
A: Try feta or ranch dressing for a milder taste.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Freeze half for later—perfect for last-minute guests.
Q: No air fryer?
A: Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes instead.
Let’s Eat!
These meatballs disappeared fast at my last book club. Serve them warm with extra dip and celery sticks.Tag @SpoonSway on Pinterest with your creations! Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Dip
Description
These spicy buffalo chicken meatballs with homemade bleu cheese yogurt dip are perfect for game day, parties, or an elevated snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chicken, in a bowl and mix until combined. Add chicken and gently mix until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form into 30 small meatballs (about two teaspoons size).
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees. Spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and cook chicken meatballs in a single layer (may need to in batches) for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through (165 degrees).
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet ½ inch apart and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through (165 degrees).
- Make the homemade bleu cheese yogurt dip by combining all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Enjoy the best buffalo chicken meatballs with blue cheese for game day, a party, or just for an elevated snack!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray meatballs with oil before air frying or baking.
Buffalo Chicken, Meatballs, Bleu Cheese, Dip, Appetizer
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