easy buffalo mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy buffalo mac and cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this easy buffalo mac and cheese recipe with you all! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, delicious, and can be made with minimal fuss. This buffalo mac and cheese fits the bill perfectly.

It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to put a smile on my family’s faces. My kids love it when I serve it at family gatherings, and it’s also a staple in our household for weeknight dinners. But what really sets this recipe apart is its ease of preparation.

It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal cleanup and can be made in under 30 minutes. I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to impress. The combination of creamy macaroni, spicy buffalo sauce, and melted cheddar cheese is absolute perfection.

And the best part? It’s a healthy twist on traditional mac and cheese – I’ve swapped out some of the pasta for cauliflower to boost the nutritional value of this dish. My family loves it just as much as the original version, and I feel good about serving it to them.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for a special occasion, this buffalo mac and cheese is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s perfect for any mealtime occasion – breakfast, lunch, or dinner – and can be easily customized to suit your tastes with the addition of some crispy bacon or fresh herbs. So why not give it a try?

Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Easy Buffalo Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 1908 votes

A creamy, spicy mac and cheese with the bold flavor of buffalo sauce. This quick stovetop recipe uses pantry staples for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon salt and the macaroni, then cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
6Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Add the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
9The sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
10Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
11Serve immediately while hot, with optional toppings like crumbled blue cheese, sliced green onions, or extra buffalo sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and add an extra 1/4 cup milk. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Easy Buffalo Mac and Cheese Works

This easy buffalo mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. It’s perfect for reheating on busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Simply pop it in the microwave or oven until hot and serve – your family will thank you! The leftovers are also great stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Q: What is buffalo mac and cheese?

This dish is a variation of traditional macaroni and cheese that incorporates spicy buffalo sauce into the mix.

Q: What kind of pasta should I use?

Elbow macaroni works best in this recipe – its short shape allows it to hold onto the buffalo sauce nicely.

Q: Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought buffalo sauce if you prefer – just make sure to check the ingredients list for any added sugars or preservatives.

Q: How do I customize this recipe?

You can add some crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give this dish an extra boost of flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance – simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

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