Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball

When it comes to party apps, there are usually two winners: cheese balls and buffalo chicken dip. Now what would happen if you combined them both into one!?

Guys, guys, guys, guess what? I’m going to see Rouge One tonight! While I feel like it’s kind of silly to have shows the evening before the actual release of the movie, at the same time I enjoy not having to stay awake for a midnight movie showing on a weeknight. I easily did that in my teens and 20s but it’s getting harder to recover from such things, especially when I have to wake up at 6 am. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel old (especially when I still get carded for Rated R movies) just require a bit more regular sleep schedule. That being said however, I probably have more energy on a daily basis than most of my friends my age – and that’s all without coffee. But I digress…

I’ve decided to make a stretch to convince you that this cheese ball is a great way to celebrate the release of yet another movie from the Star Wars universe. I mean, it’s spherical just like the death star of which they are trying to destroy in this movie, and to do so you much reach it’s core, in this case by eating it. See? Fail proof rationale! If that’s not good enough for you, well then make this to serve at your next holiday party and it’s sure to be a hit. It tastes just like buffalo chicken dip but has the added bonus of being rolled in bacon!

One year ago: White Chocolate Cinnamon Cookie Sandwiches (AKA Wookiee Pies)

Two years ago: Browned Butter Fruit Cake Cookies

Five years ago: Gingerbread Pancakes with Crumb Topping

Six years ago: Perfect Hamburger

BUFFALO CHICKEN CHEESE BALL

Makes 1 cheese ball

Ingredients:

CHEESE BALL

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

4 oz. crumbled blue cheese, room temperature

2 Tbsp hot cayenne sauce

1 tsp dried parsley

1/4 tsp dried dill

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped cooked chicken

COATING

2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat together the butter, cream cheese, blue cheese, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir in chicken until well blended.  Press into a 2-cup mold or bowl lined with plastic wrap (I used a cereal bowl).  Chill at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Invert cheese onto serving plate.  Press bacon mixed with green onion around the top and sides of the cheese ball.  Serve with crackers and/or carrots and celery.

Source: Adapted from Blue Cheese Ball.