Table of Contents
Buffalo mac and cheese wins fans with its creamy cheese blended with spicy buffalo sauce, quick prep under 30 min, easy customizations, and party appeal. This guide covers key ingredients like elbow pasta, sharp cheddar, Franks RedHot, and a milk roux base, plus a full recipe for 6-8 servings with step-by-step instructions. Explore variations like adding chicken or veggies, and get tips for perfect heat control, serving with ranch, and storing or reheating leftovers.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Why is buffalo mac and cheese popular? | It balances creamy cheese with spicy buffalo kick, cooks fast, customizes easily, and shines at parties. |
What key ingredients make the best buffalo mac and cheese? | Use elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, buffalo sauce, milk, butter, flour, and sour cream. |
How do you cook buffalo mac and cheese? | Boil pasta, make a roux with butter and flour, add milk and cheeses, mix in buffalo sauce, then combine and bake if desired. |
What variations can you try? | Add shredded chicken for protein, veggies for vegetarian, bacon for smoke, or make it in a slow cooker. |
How do you store and reheat leftovers? | Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months, then reheat in oven with milk or microwave in bursts. |
Why Buffalo Mac and Cheese is a Crowd Favorite
Fans love the best buffalo mac and cheese recipe for its creamy texture mixed with spicy buffalo sauce kick.
This dish blends classic comfort food with bold flavors that keep everyone coming back.
Top Reasons It Wins Hearts
- Balances rich cheese with tangy heat perfectly
- Takes under 30 min to make great for busy nights
- Customizes easy add chicken or veggies
- Shines at game days parties or holidays
People rave about its shareable vibe and how it amps up any meal.
Check our best buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe for a protein boost version.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Spicy Mac
Grab these for the best buffalo mac and cheese recipe.
Pasta Choices
- Elbow macaroni holds sauce best
- Try cavatappi penne or shells too
- Gluten-free use chickpea pasta
Cheese Blend
- Sharp cheddar adds tang
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack melts smooth with mild heat
- Cream cheese boosts creaminess
- Grate fresh avoids grainy sauce
Learn more in our 5 best cheeses for mac and cheese.
Buffalo Sauce
- Franks RedHot gives authentic kick
- Start with half cup adjust heat
- Mix with ranch for milder taste
Creamy Base
- Whole milk or heavy cream thickens sauce
- Butter flour make roux
- Sour cream adds tang
Optional Add-Ins
- Shredded chicken for protein
- Bacon bits for smoke
- Breadcrumbs top for crunch
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ingredients for 6-8 Servings
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt pepper
- Optional 1 cup cooked chicken 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 Cook Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water til al dente about 7-8 min.
Drain set aside.
2 Make Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in pot over med heat.
Whisk in flour cook 1-2 min til golden roux.
Slowly add milk whisk smooth simmer 3-4 min til thick.
Lower heat stir in cheeses til melted.
Mix in buffalo sauce sour cream garlic onion powder salt pepper.
3 Combine and Optional Bake
Fold pasta and add-ins into sauce.
For baked version transfer to greased dish top with breadcrumbs or cheese broil 2-3 min til bubbly.
Serve hot with celery or ranch.
See our best mac and cheese sauce recipe for sauce tips.
Creative Variations to Try
Switch up the best buffalo mac and cheese recipe with these ideas.
- Buffalo Chicken Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for hearty protein.
- Vegetarian Add sauteed mushrooms spinach or roasted cauliflower.
- Smoky Bacon Blue Cheese Mix crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese.
- Southwestern Toss in black beans corn and cumin.
- One-Pot Bake Dump all in dish bake hands-off.
- Slow Cooker Cook low 2-3 hrs set forget.
- Stuffed Peppers Fill bell peppers bake til tender.
Pick one suits your crowd.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Master the best buffalo mac and cheese recipe with these serving and storing tips.
Control the Heat and Texture
- Start with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce taste add more
- Melt cheese low slow avoids grainy sauce
- Mix breadcrumbs butter for crispy top
Serving Ideas
- Pair celery carrot sticks ranch dressing
- Serve with beer lemonade cuts spice
- Great next to wings nachos game day
Make Ahead and Store
- Assemble refrigerate up to 2 days bake later
- Freeze airtight up to 3 months thaw reheat
Reheating Methods
- Oven 350F 15-20 min covered add milk if dry
- Microwave 30-sec bursts stir often
- Stovetop low heat splash milk stir