You Had Me at Buffalo + Cheese š
Alright, fellow spice fansāthis oneās going to light up your tastebuds in the best way! Buffalo Mac & Cheese is not your average comfort food. It’s spicy, creamy, gooey, and packed with flavor from rich cheeses and saucy buffalo chicken. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, throwing down for game day, or just seriously craving something that brings the heat and the cheese, this recipe is here for it.
And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Letās get into it!
š§ Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Mac & Cheese
- Spicy & cheesy perfection ā Think creamy mac and cheese + bold buffalo sauce. Enough said.
- Customizable ā Choose grilled, fried, or even rotisserie chicken!
- Crowd-pleaser ā Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
- Easy to make ā Minimal prep, no complicated steps, and super satisfying.
š¶ļø Ingredients Youāll Need
Hereās what youāll need to make this creamy buffalo mac & cheese magic happen:
For the Pasta:
- Ā½ lb of pasta (elbow, shells, or cavatappi work great!)
- Salted water (for boiling)
- Reserved pasta water (1 cup)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Dash of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1Ā½ cups heavy cream
- Ā¾ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley
The Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Ā½ cup grated Parmesan
The Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (grilled or fried)
- Extra buffalo sauce for coating
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Blue cheese crumbles (if you’re into that bold bite!)
š©āš³ How to Make Buffalo Mac & Cheese
Letās break it down step by step so you can breeze through this spicy comfort meal:
1. Cook Your Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until al denteāthat perfect tender-but-firm bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water. Youāll thank me later. š
2. Make That Creamy, Dreamy Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, toss in the minced garlic and sautĆ© until itās fragrant. Weāre talkinā garlic heaven!
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk it all together. Once it starts to bubble, stir in your buffalo sauce and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley). Simmer it for a few minutes until the flavors come together like magic.
3. Add All That Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Keep whisking until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. It should be thick and glossyāand taste test, obviously. You earned it.
4. Buffalo-ify the Chicken
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces (grilled, fried, or whatever your heart desires) and coat them in a generous splash of buffalo sauce. We want every bite to bring the heat.
5. Bring It All Together
Now for the best partātoss your cooked pasta and saucy buffalo chicken into that gorgeous cheese sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed. Stir it all together until everything is coated and gooey.
6. Broil It To Golden Goodness
Transfer everything to a baking dish (or keep it in the skillet if itās oven-safe), top with more shredded cheese, and pop it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. You want those golden, bubbly edges and slightly crispy top. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
7. Finish & Serve
Top with more Parmesan, fresh parsley, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese if you’re feelinā bold. Serve it up hot and melty!
š§” Keiraās Tips for Success
- Spice level control: Use less buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch if you prefer a milder version.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or gouda for extra melty flair!
- Make it crispy: Top with buttered breadcrumbs before broiling for extra crunch.
- Leftovers? Buffalo Mac & Cheese reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of cream or milk before microwaving to revive that creamy texture.
š½ļø Serving Ideas
This dish is already a showstopper, but if youāre looking for pairings:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta
- A cool cucumber or celery slaw to balance the heat
- Iced tea or lemonade (something to cool you down!)
š Variations & Add-Ons
Hereās how you can play with this recipe and make it your own:
- Buffalo Cauliflower Mac ā Swap chicken for crispy cauliflower bites for a vegetarian twist.
- Buffalo Shrimp Mac ā Yes, spicy shrimp is next-level in this sauce!
- Bacon Buffalo Mac ā Crumbled bacon adds smoky crunch.
- Ranch Swirl ā Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top before serving for that classic buffalo combo.
š§ Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauciness. This dish also freezes wellājust thaw and bake when ready!
ā¤ļø Final Thoughts
Buffalo Mac & Cheese is the ultimate cozy dish with a spicy kick, and honestly, itās hard not to go back for seconds (or thirds). Itās creamy, cheesy, bold, and ridiculously comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, this recipe is your go-to when you want comfort with attitude.
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Got guests? They’ll be begging for the recipe. Spice fans, this oneās your new favorite. š¶ļø
Wanna spice up your life even more? Check out my other bold & cheesy recipes over on [KeiraRecipes]! And if you make this dish, tag me on Instagram or drop a commentāI need to see that cheese pull. š§š„