Buffalo Mac Cheese: 1 Amazing Creamy Recipe

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Buffalo mac cheese has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when that craving for something spicy, creamy, and cheesy hits hard. I remember the first time I tried a truly homemade buffalo mac and cheese – it was at a friend’s potluck, and the aroma alone made me weak in the knees. Every bite was a perfect balance of zesty buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and that unbelievably smooth, cheesy pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular Tuesday night feel like a game day party! Let’s dive in and make this incredible spicy buffalo macaroni and cheese together!

What is Buffalo Mac Cheese?

So, what exactly is Buffalo Mac Cheese? It’s basically your favorite creamy mac and cheese kicked up a notch with the bold, zesty flavors of Buffalo sauce. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup! This dish combines tender pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with the unmistakable tang and heat of Buffalo sauce, often featuring shredded chicken for a hearty meal. It’s no wonder why buffalo chicken mac and cheese has become so incredibly popular. The magic lies in that perfect balance: the spicy kick from the Buffalo sauce, the luxurious creaminess from the cheese sauce, and the satisfying chew of the pasta. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a staple for game days, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a seriously delicious cheesy pasta fix. This homemade buffalo mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Mac Cheese

Get ready to fall in love with this dish! Here’s why it’s a winner:

It’s incredibly creamy buffalo mac and cheese, with a sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
The spicy kick from the Buffalo sauce is balanced beautifully by the rich cheese.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient meal.
This easy buffalo mac and cheese recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
It’s customizable! Adjust the Buffalo sauce for your preferred heat level.
This dish is pure comfort food, satisfying those cravings for something hearty and flavorful.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for game days or family dinners.
You get a delicious homemade buffalo mac and cheese without all the fuss.

Ingredients for Creamy Buffalo Mac Cheese

Gather these ingredients for a truly delicious batch of homemade buffalo mac and cheese. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference, especially with the cheeses!

12 oz elbow macaroni – the classic shape that holds sauce so well
2 Tbsp salted butter – forms the base for our flavorful sauce
1 small yellow onion, diced – about 1/2 cup, for a touch of sweetness
3 cloves garlic, minced – adds that essential aromatic depth
1 mounded Tbsp all-purpose flour – this is key for thickening our sauce
2 1/2 cups whole milk – makes the sauce wonderfully creamy
1/2 cup heavy cream – for extra richness and a luxurious texture
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese – provides a classic cheesy bite
1 1/2 cups grated pepper jack cheese – adds a mild heat and melts beautifully
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken – pre-cooked chicken makes this a quick buffalo mac and cheese
1/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce – the star ingredient for that signature tang and spice
2 Tbsp buttermilk ranch dressing – adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spice
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional garnish) – for an authentic buffalo blue cheese mac and cheese experience
Celery leaves (optional garnish) – for a fresh, crisp finish

How to Make Easy Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Making this delicious spicy buffalo macaroni and cheese is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly zesty pasta dish that’s ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. You want it tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; the starch helps the sauce cling!

Step 2: Prepare the Roux and Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, grab a spacious saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a golden roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens beautifully, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating. Slowly add the grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses to the thickened sauce, stirring gently until each handful is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and luscious. This gradual melting process ensures a velvety texture for your creamy buffalo mac and cheese.

Step 4: Combine with Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

Now for the star flavors! Gently fold the shredded rotisserie chicken into the cheese sauce. Next, stir in the Buffalo-style hot sauce and the buttermilk ranch dressing. This combination creates that signature tangy, spicy, and cool flavor profile. Give everything a good stir until well combined. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can add a splash more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency for this homemade buffalo mac and cheese.

Step 5: Mix and Serve

Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with the glorious sauce and chicken mixture. Toss everything together gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, zesty sauce. Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your homemade buffalo mac and cheese hot, garnished with crumbled blue cheese and fresh celery leaves if you like!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Want to elevate your Buffalo Mac Cheese game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure your dish is always a winner. These simple tips can make a world of difference in texture and flavor, turning a good meal into an unforgettable one. Get ready for the best buffalo mac and cheese!

What’s the secret to perfect Buffalo Mac Cheese?

The real secret is using freshly grated cheese; it melts so much smoother than pre-shredded varieties. Also, don’t overcook your pasta – al dente is key for that perfect bite in your spicy buffalo macaroni and cheese. For more tips on cooking pasta perfectly, check out these recipe guides.

Can I make Buffalo Mac Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, add the pasta, and toss to combine. You might need a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can find more information on food storage and safety on the privacy policy page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Buffalo Mac Cheese?

A common pitfall is the sauce becoming grainy. This happens if you add cheese over high heat. Always keep the heat low when melting cheese! Another mistake is overmixing the pasta and sauce, which can make it mushy. Gently fold everything together for the best creamy buffalo mac and cheese texture. For more cooking advice, visit our about me section.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

This rich and zesty buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions! For a classic go-to, serve it alongside a crisp, cool green salad to balance the richness. A simple mix of romaine lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette works perfectly. You could also offer some crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side – they’re traditional pairings with buffalo flavors and add a refreshing crunch. If you’re feeling ambitious, some garlic bread or even sweet potato fries would be a fantastic accompaniment to this spicy cheese pasta with buffalo chicken. For more serving ideas, explore our home page.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Variations

This buffalo mac and cheese is incredibly versatile! You can easily transform it into a delicious buffalo chicken pasta bake or tweak it with different flavors and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Cheesy Buffalo Pasta Bake Casserole

To turn this into a baked casserole, simply transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or crispy fried onions before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. It’s a fantastic way to get that crispy topping!

Buffalo Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese

For an authentic flavor boost, stir 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese directly into the sauce along with the cheddar and pepper jack. Alternatively, sprinkle extra blue cheese on top before serving. This creates a more pronounced and tangy buffalo blue cheese mac and cheese experience. Learn more about cheese varieties on typography.

Spicy Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese

If you love heat, crank it up! Add an extra tablespoon or two of your favorite Buffalo sauce, or stir in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chicken. This will give you a truly spicy buffalo macaroni and cheese that packs a punch.

Vegetarian Buffalo Mac Cheese

To make this a vegetarian delight, simply omit the chicken! I love adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, savory twist. Roasted cauliflower florets or even some black beans work wonderfully too, making it a satisfying cheesy buffalo pasta bake without the meat.

Nutrition Facts for Buffalo Mac Cheese

When you whip up this delicious dish, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving. This creamy buffalo mac and cheese is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients.

Calories: 500 kcal
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade buffalo mac and cheese.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Mac Cheese

Leftover buffalo chicken mac and cheese is a treasure, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly ensures it tastes just as amazing the next day. First, let your delicious buffalo mac cheese cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. For fridge storage, it’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, pop it into a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. This is perfect for planning ahead for quick meals! You can find more about our GDPR policies here.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For the fridge portion, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little thick. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For frozen buffalo mac and cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop method for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Mac Cheese

Is Buffalo Mac Cheese spicy?

The heat level of this dish can vary depending on the Buffalo sauce you use. It’s typically medium-spicy, offering a pleasant kick without being overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less Buffalo sauce, or by choosing a milder or hotter variety. This ensures your spicy buffalo macaroni and cheese is just right for your palate.

What kind of chicken is best for Buffalo Mac Cheese?

For the quickest and easiest preparation of your buffalo chicken mac and cheese, I highly recommend using pre-cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is fantastic because it’s already tender and flavorful. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs that you shred yourself. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for buffalo mac and cheese, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, shells, or cavatappi all work wonderfully because their nooks and crannies are perfect for holding onto that creamy, cheesy sauce. Just make sure to cook your chosen pasta to al dente for the best texture in your homemade buffalo mac and cheese.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Achieving an extra creamy sauce for your creamy buffalo mac and cheese is simple! Ensure you’re using whole milk and heavy cream, as these have higher fat content, which translates to a richer sauce. Also, always melt your cheeses over low heat, stirring constantly. This prevents the cheese from breaking and keeps the sauce smooth and velvety, ensuring a luxurious texture.