Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

6 servings
Buffalo mac and cheese is creamy, spicy, and oh so scrumptious. Make this recipe as a weeknight main dish or a side dish for the holidays or Super Bowl.

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt

    for the pot and seasoning

  • elbow macaroni
    12 oz
  • salted butter
    2 tbsp
  • yellow onion
    1 small
  • garlic cloves
    3
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • mounded Tbsp. all-purpose flour
    1
  • whole milk
    2 ½ c
  • heavy cream
    ½ c
  • sharp cheddar cheese
    1 ½ c
  • pepper jack cheese
    1 ½ c
  • generous c. shredded rotisserie chicken
    1
  • Buffalo-style hot sauce

    such as Frank's Red Hot, plus more for serving

    ¼ c
  • buttermilk ranch dressing
    2 tbsp
  • crumbled blue cheese

    for serving

    ½ c
  • Celery leaves

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Season with the pepper and a good pinch of salt and cook until the onion and garlic are softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir to make a roux. Let cook 2 to 3 minutes before slowly stirring in the milk and then the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next. Stir in the chicken, hot sauce, and ranch dressing and cook until the chicken is heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to combine.

  5. 5

    Serve topped with the blue cheese, celery leaves, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if you like.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

30 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Kick Up Your Comfort with Spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mash-up with our incredibly creamy and spicy Buffalo Mac and Cheese! This isn't just your average macaroni and cheese; it's a flavor explosion that brings the zesty, tangy kick of buffalo wings right to your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy weeknight main dish, a hearty Autumn dinner, or the star side dish at your next Super Bowl party, this recipe is designed to impress and satisfy.

What makes this Buffalo Mac and Cheese so special? We start with tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with a dynamic duo of sharp cheddar for classic depth and pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of warmth. The secret to its signature Buffalo flavor comes from a generous pour of hot sauce and a touch of buttermilk ranch, balancing the heat with a cool, tangy finish. Plus, the addition of shredded rotisserie chicken makes this a truly substantial and easy-to-prepare meal, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Mac and Cheese

  • Adjust the Heat: Love it extra spicy? Feel free to add more Buffalo-style hot sauce to taste. For a milder version, slightly reduce the hot sauce.
  • Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar and pepper jack are fantastic, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for a different twist.
  • Serving Suggestions: This American comfort food is delicious on its own, but it truly shines with a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese and a few fresh celery leaves on top, mimicking the classic wing experience. A side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping never hurts!

Whether you're looking for a hearty Winter warmer, a festive holiday side dish, or just a spectacularly flavorful dinner to brighten your week, this Buffalo Mac and Cheese recipe delivers every time. It's a truly scrumptious and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions