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Crispy Buffalo Ranch Meatballs

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These crispy buffalo ranch meatballs feature a spicy buffalo coating balanced with creamy ranch seasoning, perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings. They are quick to prepare and deliver a flavorful, crispy exterior with a juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, buttermilk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Place evenly spaced on the wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes until browned and firm. Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Bake longer if needed.
  5. While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  6. Transfer baked meatballs to the buffalo ranch sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Return coated meatballs to the wire rack or parchment-lined sheet. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes to crisp the coating.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve warm with ranch dressing or celery sticks.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Mix ranch seasoning into the coating sauce, not the meat mixture, for best flavor. Let meatballs rest after baking to redistribute juices. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use dairy-free butter alternative. Air fryer option: 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo meatballs, ranch meatballs, spicy meatballs, crispy meatballs, game day snacks, appetizer, easy meatballs

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-buffalo-ranch-meatballs-recipe-easy-spicy-coating-guide/