Buffalo Cheese Ball
This Buffalo Cheese Ball is SO EASY! Creamy, spicy, and crunchy, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any party or snack craving.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces light cream cheese room temperature
- 3 tablespoons Buffalo hot sauce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/3 cup diced celery about 1 medium stalk
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (scallions)
- 3 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
- 2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts toasted, divided
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts for coating
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked, plus more to taste
- pita chips or crackers for serving
- celery sticks and carrot sticks for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Soften and Mix the Base
- Place the 8 ounces of light cream cheese in a mixing bowl and let it come to room temperature until soft and easy to work with.
- Add 3 tablespoons of Buffalo hot sauce and blend well using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Mix-ins
- Fold in 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, 1/3 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, and 3 tablespoons diced red bell pepper to create a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
Step 3: Season and Incorporate Crunch
- Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste while mixing. Incorporate 2/3 cup of finely chopped toasted walnuts into the mixture, reserving 2 tablespoons for coating.
Step 4: Form the Cheese Ball
- Shape the mixture into a compact ball using your hands or a spatula. Place it on plastic wrap or parchment paper, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
Step 5: Coat with Walnuts and Serve
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the reserved 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts until evenly coated. Place on a serving plate and surround with pita chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Serving plate or board
Notes
- Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- Toast walnuts lightly before chopping for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least one hour to firm up and meld flavors.
- Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; avoid freezing to maintain texture.