Copycat Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Wontons

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 24 wonton wrappers
• 3 cups canola oil
• Celery sticks, extra Buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing for dipping

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Buffalo wing sauce. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Take one wonton wrapper at a time and place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chicken filling in the center.
4. Dip your finger or a brush into the egg mixture and lightly brush the edges of the wrapper.
5. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half triangle shape, pressing to seal the edges. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
6. Preheat oil to 350F (180C) in a deep saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.
7. Lightly dredge the stuffed wontons in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Coat them again lightly in flour, then dip in the egg and coat again in flour, creating a double breading.
8. Working in batches, fry the wontons for about 2 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and flaky.
9. Drain the fried wontons on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the process with the remaining wontons.
10. Serve the wontons immediately with extra Buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and celery sticks. Alternatively, place the fried wontons on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack and keep warm in an oven preheated to 200F (93C) until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 286
• Total Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (17% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 77mg (26% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 728mg (32% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 24g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 5mg (6% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 105mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 164mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin of Buffalo Blasts

Buffalo Blasts, popularized by the Cheesecake Factory, trace their roots to the fusion of traditional American bar food with Asian-inspired techniques. The concept combines the fiery flavors of Buffalo chicken, a staple of New York's Buffalo region since the 1960s, with the delicate, crispy texture of wonton wrappers, common in Chinese cuisine. While Buffalo wings originally gained fame as a game-day snack, the creation of Buffalo Blasts represents a modern culinary twist, transforming casual finger food into an upscale appetizer suitable for full-service restaurants.

Regional Characteristics

Buffalo Blasts reflect a blend of American and Asian culinary influences, yet they are predominantly an American phenomenon. While Buffalo chicken is traditionally associated with Buffalo, New York, the adaptation into a stuffed wonton is largely an innovation of contemporary American restaurant chains. The dish emphasizes bold flavorsspicy Buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chickencontrasting with the delicate crispiness of the fried wrapper, making it particularly appealing in regions that favor inventive, fusion-style appetizers.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Buffalo wings, which are served as drumettes or flat pieces coated in sauce, Buffalo Blasts are bite-sized, breaded, and fried in a way that encloses the filling. They differ from egg rolls or wontons as well; while those usually contain a mixture of vegetables or meat with subtle seasoning, Buffalo Blasts specifically highlight the tangy heat of Buffalo sauce combined with mozzarella cheese. The double-breading and deep-frying process create a distinctive crunch that sets them apart from softer, steamed dumplings or lightly fried appetizers.

Common Serving Occasions

Buffalo Blasts are typically served as appetizers or small plates in casual dining settings, particularly in chain restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory. They are often accompanied by blue cheese dressing, extra Buffalo sauce, and celery sticks, echoing the traditional Buffalo wing presentation. These appetizers are also popular at parties and catered events due to their handheld size and the balance of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, making them both visually appealing and easy to share.

Interesting Facts

• The blast in Buffalo Blasts refers not only to the filling but also to the intense flavor explosion when bitten into.
• Cheesecake Factorys version was part of a broader trend in the early 2000s of creating copycat menu items for home cooks, inspiring countless adaptations online.
• Although associated with American cuisine, the method of wrapping and frying closely resembles Asian dumpling techniques, highlighting the global fusion influence in modern dining.
• Buffalo Blasts are a visually versatile dish: they can be arranged in party platters, stacked in bowls, or served individually as gourmet appetizers.
• The combination of double-breading and frying ensures the filling stays hot and melty while the exterior remains crispy, which is a unique challenge in recreating the dish at home.

FAQ about Copycat Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts Recipe