It’s been the longest time since I’ve shared a recipe that involves buffalo sauce. There was a time, a few years ago, when buffalo sauce was kind of “trendy”. It seemed as though everyone was sharing a new way to incorporate buffalo sauce into recipes. Even though the trend has mellowed a bit, I still love anything covered in spicy buffalo sauce. It’s kind of hard to beat. To this day, I’m pretty sure my dad’s favorite dish to eat would be these extra delicious spicy cauliflower bites. Or maybe the buffalo quinoa bites from the cookbook. And my brother’s favorite? Definitely this cheesy buffalo chicken french bread… It’s safe to say my family loves buffalo sauce. In fact, homemade buffalo chicken is kind of my “signature item”. It’s one of the first dinners I made for my family, and it’s one they still request every chance they get. Anyway, when I was brainstorming recipes for the Super Bowl this year, I knew I had to make these fried buffalo goat cheese balls. Not going to lie, these took me a little time to perfect, but I’m so happy with how they finally turned out. They’re DELICIOUS, addicting, and the perfect appetizer to serve this Sunday…or any other day really. What’s not to love about fried cheese balls covered in buffalo sauce, you know?
Really, these are pretty simple. Roll soft goat cheese into balls, coat them in Panko bread crumbs, pan fry the cheese in a little oil and drizzle with homemade buffalo sauce. Nothing crazy, but all things good. The key is to roll the goat cheese into smaller balls, coat them, and then chill the cheese until firm. You can certainly fry the goat cheese right away and skip the chilling process. But I found the balls to cook a bit more evenly after they’ve chilled for a little in the fridge. While the goat cheese is chilling, make the sauce. Now the sauce is truly everything. It’s the star, and you must make it right.
The details… Start with butter. Yes, butter. Melt it and mix it with some olive oil. My original buffalo sauce recipe was actually made using all butter, but over the years I’ve found the combination of butter and olive oil to be really nice, and a little less greasy. Now, add seasoned salt. It’s usually a mix of smoky paprika, turmeric, onion powder, garlic, and salt. I use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt by McCormick, and no, this is not sponsored, I just like their seasoned salt. Next, the hot sauce. I highly, highly recommend Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Again, not sponsored, this is just the hot sauce I’ve used and loved for years and years. It’s the best when it comes to making a really good buffalo sauce. Trust me. Then add a pinch of pepper, and that’s your buffalo sauce. Very simple. Very delicious. As soon as the goat cheese is done frying, arrange the perfectly crisp balls onto a serving plate and drizzle with sauce. These are great room temperature, but I highly recommend serving them warm, if possible. SO GOOD when hot and melty. Serve these for the Super Bowl, but make sure to keep them in mind for other occasions too. Because trust me, you’ll be the most loved hostess among friends and family.
If you make these buffalo goat cheese balls be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
