If you love a little heat with your creamy indulgence, then you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Spicy and Creamy Appetizer Delight Recipe. These golden puff pastry bites are bursting with a luscious blend of tender shredded chicken, melty cheeses, and just the right kick of buffalo sauce. Perfectly crisp on the outside while tender and spicy on the inside, they make for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a snack with a punch, these roll-ups deliver flavor and fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible texture and balance of flavors. From creamy cheeses to spicy buffalo sauce and flaky puff pastry, everything combines to elevate this appetizer to new heights.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): This smooth base provides creamy richness that ties all the bold flavors together.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded and chopped): Pre-cooked and tender, it adds hearty protein and a savory element with minimal effort.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings gooey meltiness and a mild, creamy flavor that balances the spice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds tangy depth and a beautiful golden color when melted.
- Buffalo sauce (1/3 cup): The signature spicy kick that defines the dish and gives it that addictive heat.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Creates a light, flaky, buttery shell for the filling, making every bite a delightful crunch.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Used to brush the roll-ups for a gorgeous golden and glossy finish.
- Ranch dressing (for drizzling): Offers a cooling contrast and complements the buffalo spice perfectly.
- Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling): For those who want to dial up the flavor even more.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color to finish off the presentation.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Spicy and Creamy Appetizer Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure those roll-ups bake evenly without sticking. This simple prep ensures your puff pastry bakes up beautifully, crisp and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy, Spicy Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, spicy, and cheesy mixture that’s ready to be rolled into the pastry. This filling is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature spicy and creamy combo.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a neat 9×12-inch rectangle. This size is perfect for spreading the filling evenly and rolling into a tight log. The puff pastry gives you that irresistible flaky texture that complements the soft filling perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about an inch of space around the edges to prevent any filling leakage. Then, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape, sealing the edges as you go to keep everything inside. Slice your roll into 1-inch pieces—each one a perfect little bundle of spicy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Golden Touch and Bake
Brush the tops of your roll-ups with the beaten egg to give them a stunning golden sheen as they bake. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet, then pop them in the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully puffed and golden brown. For an extra burst of buffalo chicken flavor, spoon some more filling on top and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes. It’s all about that melty, spicy goodness!
Step 6: Drizzle, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, drizzle your roll-ups with additional buffalo sauce and cool ranch dressing for that classic flavor combo. Sprinkle on fresh parsley for a colorful, vibrant finish. Serve these warm and watch them disappear in record time—these are best enjoyed when the cheese is still melty and the pastry is crispy.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Spicy and Creamy Appetizer Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To really enhance the look and flavor of your roll-ups, fresh parsley isn’t your only option. Try chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch. Drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing on top contrasts beautifully with the spicy buffalo sauce, making every bite exciting and layered.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with classic sides like crisp celery and carrot sticks to freshen the palate. You can also serve it alongside a light green salad or some crunchy pita chips, making it perfect for sharing during parties or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups in a circular pattern on a platter with a small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dip in the center. You can also spear each roll-up with a toothpick for easy grab-and-go snacking. Wrapping each bite in a lettuce leaf adds freshness and makes them handheld-friendly for party platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and their flavors actually intensify a bit as they settle, making for a terrific next-day snack.
Freezing
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups freeze beautifully before baking. Simply assemble and slice them, then freeze on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh-tasting roll-ups later on.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in the oven helps maintain the puff pastry’s delightful flakiness and prevents sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken adds convenience and great flavor, any cooked chicken – shredded or chopped – will work perfectly in this recipe.
Is puff pastry the only option for the dough?
Puff pastry is ideal due to its flaky texture, but you could try crescent roll dough for a softer, breadier roll-up. Just note that the texture and richness will differ slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
The buffalo sauce delivers a medium level of heat, but you can easily adjust by using more mild sauce or adding extra if you like it hotter. The ranch drizzle also helps balance the spice.
Can I prepare the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes! Making the filling a day ahead and refrigerating it can actually deepen the flavors. Just be sure to keep the mixture covered to prevent drying out.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve warm on a large platter with dipping sauces like ranch and extra buffalo sauce nearby. Toothpicks make them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without mess.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Spicy and Creamy Appetizer Delight Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to appetizer for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and flaky pastry makes for a truly irresistible treat everyone will love. So grab the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these crowd-pleasing bites that are as fun to eat as they are delicious!
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Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: A Spicy and Creamy Appetizer Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll-ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are a spicy and creamy appetizer featuring a delightful blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and buffalo sauce wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized roll-ups are baked to golden perfection and finished with drizzles of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, making them an irresistible party snack or game day treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups (280g) rotisserie chicken, shredded and chopped
- 1 cup (113g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup (84g) buffalo sauce
Dough
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling
- Extra buffalo sauce, for drizzling
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed to create a creamy, spicy filling. Set aside.
- Roll out puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 9×12-inch rectangle to create an even base for the filling.
- Assemble the roll-ups: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges to seal the roll. Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges to prevent filling leakage. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Brush and bake: Place the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. For an extra burst of flavor and warmth, optionally add more buffalo chicken mixture on top and bake for an additional 6–8 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove the roll-ups from the oven and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy this spicy, creamy appetizer delight.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Puff pastry should be thawed but still cold to handle easily without sticking or tearing.
- You can substitute store-bought buffalo sauce with homemade sauce if preferred.
- These roll-ups can be made ahead and baked right before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
