Pin It The first time I made these for a Super Bowl gathering, my brother stood by the stove the entire time, stealing samples as soon as they hit the paper towels. Something about that molten cheese center mixing with the spicy buffalo coating makes people completely abandon their manners.
My niece accidentally discovered that double-breading these creates an armor that keeps all that cheese exactly where it belongs, but honestly, even when one springs a modest leak during frying, nobody complains about the little rivers of mozzarella that escape.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese cubes: Cold cheese straight from the refrigerator holds its shape better during wrapping, so resist the temptation to let it sit out
- Crumbled cooked bacon: The smoky saltiness here balances the heat, so do not skimp on the bacon-to-cheese ratio
- Ground chicken: This lean meat absorbs flavors beautifully while staying tender, unlike beef which can become dense in fried applications
- Buffalo sauce: Using half in the mixture and half as a finishing glaze creates layers of flavor rather than one overwhelming hit
- Garlic and onion powder: These ground spices distribute more evenly than fresh minced versions would in the delicate chicken mixture
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness here bridges the gap between the bacon and buffalo elements
- Plain flour: This creates the dry base that helps the egg wash adhere properly to the chicken surface
- Beaten eggs: Two eggs provide enough binding power for all twelve bombs without becoming gummy
- Panko breadcrumbs: The extra-large flakes create superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs, which is worth the special trip
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil lets the buffalo shine, but peanut oil works if you want even higher heat tolerance
Instructions
- Prep the cheese filling:
- Cut your mozzarella into small cubes and wrap each piece with a pinch of crumbled bacon, pressing gently so the bacon sticks to the cheese surface
- Season the chicken:
- Combine ground chicken with half the buffalo sauce plus all your spices, mixing with your hands just until everything is evenly distributed
- Form the bombs:
- Scoop about a tablespoon of chicken mixture, flatten it slightly in your palm, and nestle a cheese cube inside before sealing the edges completely
- Set up your breading station:
- Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and panko in three separate shallow bowls so you can work efficiently through the assembly line
- Coat each bomb:
- Roll each chicken ball in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg wash, then press firmly into panko to ensure an even coating sticks
- Choose your cooking method:
- Heat oil to 175°C and fry for 5 to 6 minutes until golden, or bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes if you prefer less mess
- Finish with flavor:
- While the bombs are still hot, toss them with the remaining buffalo sauce so the glaze clings to every crunchy surface
Pin It These have become my go-to for new neighbors and housewarming gifts because they transport surprisingly well and still deliver that satisfying crunch even after a short car ride.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these bombs completely through the breading step, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to bags. They go straight from freezer to hot oil or oven, just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Dipping Partner Ideas
Classic blue cheese dressing cools the heat beautifully, but I have also found that garlic ranch adds a creamy element that tames the spice while complementing the bacon. For something unexpected, try a honey mustard dip that creates sweet notes alongside the buffalo kick.
Serving Suggestions
These disappear fastest when set out alongside other finger foods at parties, letting guests grab them easily between conversations. A bed of shredded lettuce or celery sticks underneath helps catch any drips and adds a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy bombs.
- Keep finished bombs in a warm oven while you fry remaining batches
- Set out toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing without messy fingers
- Extra bacon crumbles on top make everything feel more indulgent
Pin It Even people who claim they do not like spicy food end up reaching for seconds once they experience that perfect balance of crunch, heat, and cheese.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, place them on a greased baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes, or until crisp and cooked through.
- → What's the best way to ensure they are crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs for the coating is key for an extra crunchy texture. Frying also generally yields a crispier exterior than baking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare and coat the bombs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cook them straight from the fridge or let them come to room temperature for more even cooking.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
To make them milder, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or mix your buffalo sauce with some melted butter. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these?
These bites are wonderfully complemented by classic ranch or blue cheese dressing. A cool, creamy dip helps balance the buffalo spice.
- → Can I use a different type of ground meat?
While ground chicken is specified, you could experiment with ground turkey or a lean ground pork, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure it's fully cooked.
- → How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking?
Ensure the chicken mixture fully encases the bacon-wrapped mozzarella cube, forming a completely sealed ball. This prevents the cheese from escaping during heating.