buffalo mac n cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
buffalo mac n cheese recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best buffalo mac n cheese recipe

My family and I have been enjoying buffalo mac n cheese for years. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to impress.

The creamy macaroni and cheese, the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce, and the crunch of the breadcrumbs all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. I love serving it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a regular weeknight dinner.

My kids devour it in seconds, and my husband asks for it every time we have a special occasion. I’ve experimented with different variations over the years, but this recipe remains one of our favorites.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or not, this recipe is sure to please. My friends and family rave about it, and I’m confident you will too once you give it a try.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

4.7 from 1999 votes

A creamy, spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, this dish combines tender pasta with a rich cheese sauce infused with tangy buffalo hot sauce. Topped with a crunchy panko crust and finished with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, it is perfect for game day or a comforting weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt
Water for boiling

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
6Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
8Stir in the buffalo hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
9Remove the sauce from heat.
10Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
11Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
12In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
13Sprinkle this topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
14Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
15Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
16Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot with extra hot sauce or ranch dressing on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1100mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Watch Video Of How Buffalo Mac and Cheese Works

I highly recommend adding this recipe to your repertoire. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

My family loves when I make it for them, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, look no further than this delicious buffalo mac n cheese recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Q: What is buffalo mac n cheese?

Buffalo mac n cheese is a variation of traditional macaroni and cheese that incorporates buffalo wing sauce into the cheesy sauce.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta like shells, elbows, or even ziti instead of macaroni.

Q: How do I make it less spicy?

You can reduce the level of heat by using less buffalo sauce or omitting it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture up to a day in advance, but it’s best served fresh.

Q: Is this dish healthy?

While it’s not the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content, you can make some adjustments like using whole wheat pasta or reducing the amount of cheese used.

Similar Posts