Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs! This is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics – buffalo chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese – wrapped up in a crispy, golden shell. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy, spicy, and irresistible deliciousness in every bite. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re gonna make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs
This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves bold, flavor-packed dishes. The combination of creamy, cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese and spicy, tangy buffalo chicken is an absolute flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. The crispy, crunchy exterior adds the perfect textural contrast, making these bombs addictively good. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to be the talk of the town when you serve these up!
Ingredients
We’re keeping the ingredient list simple, yet absolutely epic for these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs. You’ll need cooked elbow macaroni, shredded buffalo chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil for frying. This flavor-packed combo is about to make your mouth explode with deliciousness!
- 8 oz – Cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups – Shredded buffalo chicken
- 4 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup – Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Use pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Hot Sauce: Experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the heat level to your liking.
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs
Let’s get ready to create the ultimate fusion of comfort food greatness!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by cooking up some mac ‘n’ cheese. Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot. Add in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar, and stir until the cheese is melted and the mac ‘n’ cheese is nice and creamy. Now, fold in the shredded buffalo chicken and a few splashes of hot sauce, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Time to turn this mac ‘n’ cheese into something truly epic! Scoop the mixture into a greased muffin tin, packing it in tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the bombs hold their shape.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the mac ‘n’ cheese bombs are chilled and firm, it’s time to bread and fry them. Dip each bomb in beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet and carefully add the breaded bombs, frying them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Drain the fried bombs on a paper towel-lined plate, then serve them up hot and fresh. Get ready to hear the oohs and aahs as your guests take their first bite of these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs. Prepare to be crowned the ultimate culinary rebel!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in some crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola along with the cheddar for an extra flavor explosion.
- Ranch Twist: Add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning or diced celery for that classic buffalo chicken flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: Get creative and try swapping the buffalo chicken for BBQ pulled pork or even chili con carne – the possibilities are endless!
- Baking Option: If you want a slightly healthier version, you can bake the breaded bombs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture in advance and scoop it into the muffin tin. Refrigerate until ready to bread and fry, then let the bombs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before breading and frying.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs are the ultimate indulgence, so let’s just say they’re not exactly a health food. But sometimes you just gotta treat yourself, am I right? Each bomb packs in around 300 calories, 15g of fat, and 20g of carbs. Just be sure to balance out this decadent dish with some fresh veggies on the side.
- Serving Size: 1 Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bomb
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the mac ‘n’ cheese from falling apart when frying?
The key is to chill the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture thoroughly before breading and frying. This helps the bombs hold their shape and stay together during the frying process.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you want a slightly healthier (but still insanely delicious) version, you can bake the breaded bombs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
How spicy are these Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs?
The heat level really depends on the type of hot sauce you use. Start with a couple tablespoons and adjust to your desired spice level. You can also serve the bombs with extra hot sauce on the side for those who want to really bring the heat.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make these ahead of time! Prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture, scoop it into the muffin tin, and refrigerate until ready to bread and fry. Just be sure to let the bombs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before breading and frying to ensure they cook evenly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat the leftover Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and the outside is crispy again. Microwaving can make them a little soggy, so I recommend avoiding that method if possible.
Try These Next
- Three Cheese Macaroni With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites With Blue Cheese Drizzle
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac N Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: 🔥 FIRE ZONE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bombs are a delicious, bite-sized twist on classic mac ‘n’ cheese. They are packed with spicy buffalo chicken and a gooey cheese center, all wrapped in a crispy coating. Perfect for game day or a fun appetizer!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked macaroni
– 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions
1.
2. – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. – In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. – Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Using your hands, form small balls from the mixture, about the size of a golf ball.
6. – Dredge each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
7. – Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. – Spray each ball lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
9. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. – Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
11.
Notes
– You can adjust the spice level by using more or less buffalo sauce.
– These can be made ahead of time and frozen; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
– For a cheesy surprise, you can add a small cube of cheese in the center of each bomb before coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Mac n Cheese, Appetizer