Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are little pockets of pure joy that bring together spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese all wrapped up in soft, golden dough. Each bite has a perfect mix of heat, smokiness, and melty cheese that makes these bombs a total crowd-pleaser.
I love making these when I want a fun and easy snack that feels a little special but doesn’t take forever. I usually sneak in a little extra mozzarella because, honestly, you can never have enough stretchy, melted cheese with buffalo sauce and bacon. Plus, baking them until they’re perfectly golden makes all the flavors pop out in the best way.
They’re fantastic for game day, parties, or just when you want something tasty that everyone will fight over. I like serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing because that cool dip balances out the heat so nicely. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find any excuse to make them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast keeps the filling tender and mild. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work well too, saving time without losing flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the bombs their signature spicy kick. If you want less heat, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch. Turkey bacon is a good lower-fat option and still gives a nice texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for that perfect melt. You can swap with provolone or Monterey Jack if preferred, but mozzarella’s mild taste pairs best with buffalo flavors.
Dough: Homemade yeast dough makes these bombs fluffy and soft. If short on time, store-bought pizza dough or biscuit dough can work too, but fresh dough gives the best texture.
How Do You Seal the Dough Without the Filling Leaking?
Sealing the dough properly is key to keep all that cheesy, spicy filling inside while baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Flatten the dough evenly but not too thin, about 4 inches wide.
- Place filling in the center, leaving space around the edges.
- Pinch the dough edges together firmly at the top, folding edges over each other if needed.
- Roll the sealed edge gently in your palms to create a smooth ball.
- Brush with egg wash to help the dough hold moisture and brown beautifully.
Be careful not to overfill each bomb; too much filling makes sealing tricky. This tip helps you get that perfect golden crust without any leaks!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for preparing both the dough and buffalo chicken filling easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for the dough and filling.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten the dough evenly for wrapping the filling without tearing.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the bombs from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Basting brush – perfect for applying the egg wash to get that golden, shiny crust.
- Knife – to cut the dough into equal pieces and chop green onions or bacon.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked pulled pork or ground beef for a different meaty twist that still holds the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Mix in blue cheese crumbles with mozzarella for a tangy bite that complements buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Add finely chopped celery or bell peppers to the filling for a fresh crunch and color contrast.
- Try a drizzle of ranch or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning inside the bombs for a creamy, cool flavor contrast.
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for stuffing)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and dough, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise and about 20 minutes to bake. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Set this flavorful filling aside while you make the dough.
2. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter). Stir until a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Assemble the Bombs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. On a floured surface, flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle.
Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each circle. For an extra cheesy surprise, add a cube or handful of mozzarella cheese on top of the filling.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough up around the filling, pinching firmly to seal it so none of the delicious filling leaks out. Shape each into a smooth ball.
4. Bake the Bombs:
Place the bombs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a brush to apply the beaten egg over each bomb, which will give them a nice golden crust.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Let the bombs cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or bacon bits if you like.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs warm, alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy every gooey, spicy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and assembling the bombs.
How Should I Store Leftover Bombs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy and melty inside.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Sauce?
If you prefer less heat, mix buffalo sauce with a little melted butter or use a mild wing sauce. You could also swap for BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.
