Save A bold and flavorful appetizer featuring tender pumpkin biscuit dough rolled into balls, spiced with chili and cayenne, and finished with a crunchy, Flamin Hot coating. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these vegetarian bites are sure to impress with their fiery kick and cheesy goodness.
I first made these Flamin Hot Spicy Pumpkin Biscuit Balls for a weekend get-together, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of warmth from pumpkin, kick from cayenne, and crispy spicy coating makes them a stand-out snack that always gets recipe requests.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold, cubed
- Canned pumpkin purée: 1 cup (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Whole milk: 1/4 cup
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Flamin Hot cheese-flavored corn snack crumbs: 2 cups (e.g. Flamin Hot Cheetos, crushed)
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk (for coating): 2 tbsp
- Sour cream (optional dip): 1/2 cup
- Fresh chives (optional dip): 1 tbsp, chopped
- Smoked paprika (optional dip): Pinch
Instructions
- Prepare oven and sheet:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cut in butter:
- Add cold cubed butter and cut in with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Stir in pumpkin purée, milk, and cheddar cheese until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare coating:
- In a bowl, beat egg with 2 tbsp milk. Place Flamin Hot snack crumbs in another bowl.
- Form biscuit balls:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1.5 inches diameter).
- Coat biscuit balls:
- Dip each ball into egg mixture then roll in Flamin Hot crumbs to coat completely.
- Arrange and bake:
- Place coated balls on baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Prepare dip (optional):
- Mix sour cream, chives, and smoked paprika for dip.
- Serve:
- Let biscuit balls cool slightly before serving with the dip.
Pin it Making these with my family is always fun. Rolling the dough balls and dipping them in the fiery crumbs brings everyone together in the kitchen for a spicy, laugh-filled session before the feast.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups and spoons, small bowls for coating and dip, and a food processor or zip-top bag for crushing snacks.
Nutritional Information
Each biscuit ball contains approximately 120 calories, 7 g total fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Swap & Variations
For extra heat, add chopped jalapeño or chili flakes to the dough, or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a different flavor kick.
Pin it Enjoy these fiery, cheesy treats right out of the oven. Great for sharing and guaranteed to spice up any gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy are the biscuit balls?
They deliver a noticeable kick from cayenne and Flamin Hot crumbs, but can be adjusted. Add jalapeño for extra heat or use less spice for milder flavor.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and keep it chilled for a few hours in advance. Coat and bake just before serving for the crispiest result.
- → What snacks can I use for the coating?
Use any Flamin Hot cheese-flavored corn snacks, such as Cheetos. Crush them finely using a food processor or zip-top bag.
- → Is there a substitute for pumpkin purée?
Mashed sweet potato or butternut squash works well as alternatives, though flavor and texture will vary slightly.
- → How do I serve these biscuit balls?
Best enjoyed warm, paired with a cool dip like sour cream mixed with chives and smoked paprika. Great for parties or game days.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as your cheese-flavored snacks contain no animal-based ingredients. Always check labels for hidden allergens.