These Buffalo and Blue Cheese Crockpot Meatballs are a spicy, cheesy twist on a crowd-favorite appetizer. Juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with ranch, stuffed with creamy blue cheese, baked, and then simmered in a buttery buffalo wing sauce. Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday gathering, or a casual party, these bold, flavor-packed bites are guaranteed to be a hit—and you can even keep them warm in a crockpot for easy serving.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey

• ¼ small red onion, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg white

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs

• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning

• 4 oz blue cheese wedge, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, egg white, bread crumbs, and ranch seasoning until just combined. Divide into 16 portions.

3. Press a cube of blue cheese into each meatball and form the mixture around it to seal. Roll into a smooth ball.

4. Place meatballs on the prepared rack and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

5. While meatballs bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in buffalo sauce. Add cooked meatballs and coat them in the sauce.

6. To keep warm, transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker. Set on high for 20 minutes or until heated through.

7. Serve warm directly from the crockpot or transfer to a platter for party presentation.

Nutrients (Per serving – serves 8)

• Calories: 163 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 17g

• Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 49mg

• Sodium: 1287mg

• Potassium: 226mg

• Fiber: 0.2g

• Sugar: 0.5g

• Calcium: 87mg

• Iron: 1mg

• Vitamin A: 210 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.5mg

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Each meatball is crafted with care to deliver a satisfying burst of flavor. The base is made with lean ground turkey, which keeps the texture moist while providing a lighter alternative to beef or pork. Grated red onion, garlic, and ranch seasoning add layers of savory depth, ensuring every bite is bold and balanced. But the real magic lies in the surprise center—each meatball hides a cube of creamy blue cheese that melts as it bakes, creating a gooey, tangy surprise that complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.

Perfectly Balanced Heat and Creaminess

Buffalo wing sauce is known for its spicy kick, and in this recipe, it shines. Blended with a bit of butter for richness, the sauce coats each meatball with that signature tangy heat that wing lovers crave. The spice is bold but not overwhelming, making these meatballs approachable for most guests. The blue cheese filling adds just enough creaminess and tang to mellow the heat and add an extra layer of flavor complexity. It’s a pairing made in appetizer heaven—one that hits all the right notes without overpowering the palate.

Baked, Not Fried, for a Lighter Option

These meatballs are baked instead of fried, which makes them not only easier to prepare but also a bit healthier without compromising on taste or texture. Baking allows the meatballs to cook evenly and develop a golden crust that holds up beautifully in the crockpot sauce. The baking process also helps the blue cheese melt just right—creamy, gooey, and deliciously aromatic. It’s a method that delivers excellent results while keeping your kitchen clean and your prep simple.

Made for Make-Ahead Entertaining

One of the best things about this recipe is how seamlessly it fits into your party prep routine. The meatballs can be fully baked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When the guests arrive, simply place the meatballs in a crockpot, cover with the buffalo sauce, and warm them up. The slow cooker keeps them hot and ready to serve for hours, allowing you to mingle and enjoy your event without stress. It’s a hostess-friendly dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Ideal for Game Day, Holidays, or Any Gathering

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and work for just about any occasion. They’re a natural fit for game day, where buffalo flavors reign supreme, but they’re just as welcome at holiday parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to grab and eat, whether served with toothpicks or as part of a buffet spread. They’re hearty enough to satisfy, spicy enough to intrigue, and flavorful enough to disappear quickly—so consider doubling the batch for larger crowds.

A Fun and Unexpected Use of Blue Cheese

Blue cheese can be a polarizing ingredient, but in this recipe, it becomes a crowd-pleaser. Instead of being crumbled on top or blended into a sauce, it’s tucked into the heart of each meatball. This not only gives the meatballs a creamy center but also ensures that even blue cheese skeptics are more likely to enjoy the flavor in a milder, melted form. When guests bite into a meatball and find that cheesy core, it adds a surprise element that makes the dish memorable and unique.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

Despite its complex flavor profile, this recipe comes together with simple pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. The use of ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce means you’re building in layers of flavor without the need for a long list of spices or condiments. With the richness of the blue cheese, the brightness of the hot sauce, and the mellow savoriness of the turkey, each component complements the next, making this dish feel elevated without being complicated.

A High-Protein, Low-Carb Crowd Favorite

For those looking to serve a more balanced appetizer, these meatballs also deliver nutritional value. With a high protein content thanks to the turkey and cheese, and minimal carbs per serving, they’re a great choice for guests following low-carb or high-protein diets. They’re filling enough to satisfy, which means your guests won’t be hungry five minutes later, and they make a great alternative to traditional carb-heavy party foods like chips, sliders, or pizza.

How to Serve and Store

These meatballs are best enjoyed hot, either served directly from the crockpot or arranged on a platter with extra buffalo sauce drizzled over the top. You can garnish them with chopped green onions, parsley, or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for extra flair. Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing or alongside a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you have leftovers, they store well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven. They’re even delicious served cold in wraps or salads.

Creative Variations to Try

While this version focuses on the classic buffalo and blue cheese combo, the concept is ripe for customization. Swap out the turkey for ground chicken or beef, use feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile, or add chopped celery into the mixture for a little crunch. You can also try different sauces—think honey buffalo, garlic parmesan, or even Korean BBQ. The base recipe is flexible, making it a great template for experimenting with new flavors while still keeping things easy and approachable.

Conclusion

Buffalo and Blue Cheese Crockpot Meatballs are a bold, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. From the juicy turkey base to the molten blue cheese center and spicy buffalo coating, every element works together to deliver flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big event or simply looking to elevate your appetizer game, these meatballs are guaranteed to make an impression. With their make-ahead convenience, crockpot-friendly warmth, and unforgettable taste, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for all your gatherings.