If you love those bold, spicy flavors with a creamy twist, you’re going to be obsessed with this Buffalo Blitz Bites recipe. It’s one of those dishes that hit all the right notes—cheesy, tangy, with just the perfect kick of buffalo heat wrapped in a crispy puff pastry. I first made these when I was craving something fun and finger-friendly for game day, and trust me, they didn’t last long at the party.
What makes the Buffalo Blitz Bites recipe really stand out for me is how easy it is to throw together yet so impressive on the table. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or a special snack to spice up your weeknight lineup, these bites deliver every single time. Plus, the combo of rotisserie chicken, creamy cheeses, and Cajun seasoning is pure magic—you’ll find yourself wanting to make these again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Pick: These bites are super easy to share, making them a hit at gatherings and game days.
- Rich & Creamy Filling: The balance of cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese creates an indulgent, dreamy texture.
- Simple Prep, Big Flavor: Using rotisserie chicken and store-bought puff pastry means you get gourmet taste without hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the buffalo sauce and Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients come together like a flavor party in your mouth! Using rotisserie chicken keeps it easy and flavorful, and the mix of cheeses adds depth. I recommend grabbing good quality puff pastry so your bites get that golden, flaky crust everyone loves.
- Carrot: Adds a nice fresh crunch and a touch of subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
- Celery: Thinly sliced for that classic buffalo dip vibe and refreshing texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings zing to the carrot-celery mix, brightening the flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning across your layers—don’t skip it!
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the creamy base that binds these bites beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps marry the flavors.
- Hot sauce: Provides that signature buffalo heat; I like using Frank’s RedHot for authenticity.
- Cajun seasoning: Gives a smoky, spicy punch—homemade or store-bought works.
- Rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe a breeze and super flavorful.
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese lends a melty, tangy depth that everyone loves.
- Blue cheese crumbles: Adds authentic buffalo wing creaminess and a little bite.
- Sliced chives: Fresh chives add color and a gentle onion flavor.
- All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface to prevent sticking when rolling out the pastry.
- Puff pastry sheet: The star for that flaky, buttery shell that holds all the goodness.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the muffin tin greased so your bites pop out easily.
- Ranch dressing: The perfect dip alongside, creamy and cooling to temper the heat.
Variations
I love customizing this Buffalo Blitz Bites recipe depending on the occasion or my mood. You can easily play around with the cheese mix or try different heat levels to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment—it’s part of the fun!
- Spicy Kick Up: I once added extra cayenne and swapped regular hot sauce for a ghost pepper version—my spice-loving friends went nuts for it!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan cream cheese and cheddar alternative; just be sure to keep the texture creamy so it holds well in the pastry.
- Veggie Version: Replace rotisserie chicken with crumbled tofu or jackfruit seasoned with buffalo sauce; it makes a fantastic meatless snack.
- Extra Crunch: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside adds an unexpected crunch that’s surprisingly delicious.
How to Make Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crisp Toppings
Start by tossing your grated carrot and thinly sliced celery with apple cider vinegar and a pinch of kosher salt—this gives that fresh, tangy crunch that balances the rich bites perfectly. Set it aside while you prep the filling; the flavors will marry nicely as it rests.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Filling
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, melted butter, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning together until smooth and well combined. This is the base that brings that addictive buffalo flavor. Then fold in your chopped rotisserie chicken, shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, and most of the sliced chives—save a tablespoon for garnishing later.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry to about a 12 by 10-inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 12 equal squares—these will become your bite-sized pockets of goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to ensure easy removal. Gently press a square of pastry into each cup, making a little well, then fill each with a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture. Don’t overfill, or it might spill while baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the tin in a preheated 450°F oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown pastry with the filling bubbling on top—that’s when they’re perfectly cooked. Let them cool in the tin for 5 to 10 minutes so they set up without falling apart.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Carefully transfer the bites to a platter. Spoon the carrot and celery mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining chives and a few extra blue cheese crumbles if you like. Serve with ranch dressing on the side—it’s a perfect cooling partner to tame the buffalo spice.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
- Don’t Overfill the Pastry: I learned the hard way that too much filling causes the bites to spill over in the oven—stick to a heaping tablespoon per cup.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the butter and hot sauce, giving you that luscious, creamy filling.
- Rest Your Bites Before Serving: Letting them cool for a few minutes helps the filling to set up, making them easier to pick up without losing stuffing.
- Use Quality Puff Pastry: A good puff pastry sheet makes a huge difference; I always keep some in my freezer for recipes like this one.
How to Serve Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these bites with the quick pickled carrot and celery mix—it adds a fresh crunch and a tangy counterpoint that brightens every bite. A sprinkle of extra chives and blue cheese crumbles on top gives them that beautiful finishing touch that makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These Buffalo Blitz Bites go perfectly with simple side dishes like crisp celery sticks or a chopped green salad to keep things light. When I serve them for a group, I always add a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing so everyone can dip to their heart’s content.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served these bites on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by fresh veggies and assorted dips. They look gorgeous layered with different heights and colors—sure to impress your guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, though I find they’re best enjoyed fresh because the puff pastry starts to soften over time.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these Buffalo Blitz Bites before by baking them first, cooling completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they’ll keep up to a month. To enjoy later, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps back up nicely. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky texture intact—it makes a big difference!
FAQs
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Can I make Buffalo Blitz Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and refrigerate them covered until you’re ready to bake. This helps the flavors meld, and you can bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture.
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! You can use cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs you’ve prepared at home. Just make sure the chicken is cooled and shredded finely so it mixes well with the filling.
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What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No worries! You can omit the blue cheese or substitute with more cheddar or even a milder cheese like Monterey Jack. The bites will still be delicious and creamy.
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Can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the puff pastry for a gluten-free version. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly, but the filling remains the same and just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Buffalo Blitz Bites recipe brings everyone together. It’s that perfect mix of bold flavors and approachable prep that keeps me coming back to it whenever I want a crowd-pleasing snack without the fuss. Give it a try next time you need a new party appetizer or a cozy comforting bite—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Buffalo Blitz Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Blitz Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring a spicy, creamy chicken filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bites combine the tangy heat of hot sauce and Cajun seasoning with rich cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese, complemented by a refreshing carrot and celery salad tossed in apple cider vinegar. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and served with ranch dressing, they make an irresistible finger food for gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetable Salad
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated (optional)
- 1 large stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
Chicken Filling
- 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup hot sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning
- 2 1/4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (about 12 oz.)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles, plus more for serving
- 4 Tbsp. sliced chives, divided
Dough and Assembly
- All-purpose flour, for surface
- 1 (8 1/2-oz.) sheet puff pastry
- Cooking spray
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Salad: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, combine the peeled and grated carrot, thinly sliced celery, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss everything together and set aside to let the flavors meld until you’re ready to serve.
- Make the Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, melted unsalted butter, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the chopped rotisserie chicken, shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, and 3 tablespoons of sliced chives to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the filling.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 12 by 10-inch rectangle. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough carefully into 12 equal-sized squares, preparing them for the muffin tin.
- Assemble the Bites: Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one puff pastry square into each muffin cup, pressing gently to fit the bottom and sides. Fill each cup generously with the prepared chicken mixture.
- Bake the Buffalo Bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the bites for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. Once baked, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for 5 to 10 minutes to set.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully transfer the warm Buffalo Blitz Bites to a serving platter. Top each bite with some of the reserved carrot and celery mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sliced chives. Serve alongside ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Grating the carrot is optional; you can also finely dice it for texture variation.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to easily mix with other ingredients.
- Leftover bites can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with cooked and seasoned mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Buffalo Blitz Bites
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
