This creamy buffalo mac and cheese is a fun twist on the classic dish! With a spicy kick from buffalo sauce and gooey cheese, it’s a cozy, delicious meal.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Just picture it: cheesy, spicy goodness that warms your heart on chilly nights! đź’™
What I love is how easy it is to whip up. You just mix the pasta, cheese, and buffalo sauce together—easy peasy! Perfect for a quick dinner or fun gathering with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you enjoy. They all work well with the cheese sauce.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a great flavor and texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try lactose-free cheese or a mix of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the signature kick! If you prefer milder flavors, you can use barbecue sauce or even hot sauce diluted with some butter for a milder taste.
Cream Cheese: It provides creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. They’ll still make the dish creamy!
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce can feel tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to create a good roux before adding milk.
- Start by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes—this helps thicken your sauce.
- Gradually whisk in warmed milk to avoid lumps. Stir continuously to keep it smooth and simmer until it thickens, around 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat before adding cream cheese, then mix in your cheeses until they melt in for that ultra creamy texture!
Patience is the name of the game here; don’t rush the process, and your sauce will be flawless! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (for added protein)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy buffalo mac and cheese takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and around 20 minutes making the cheese sauce and mixing everything together. It’s quick and easy, perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This will form a roux, which helps thicken your cheese sauce. Make sure to stir constantly so it doesn’t burn!
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, making sure to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring frequently as you cook—it should start to thicken in about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until it’s all melted and creamy. This is the good part!
5. Spice It Up:
Stir in the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remember, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you want it!
6. Fold in Chicken (Optional):
If you want to add some protein, fold in the shredded cooked chicken now. This is a great way to make the dish more filling.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to make sure all the noodles are well coated with that delicious, creamy cheese.
8. Serve:
Serve your creamy buffalo mac and cheese hot. You can garnish it with chopped green onions or parsley, and for a special touch, add crumbled blue cheese on top!
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Buffalo Mac and Cheese!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as cooking times can vary slightly from traditional pasta.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or substitute it with a milder hot sauce or barbecue sauce. You can also add extra cream cheese or cheese to balance the heat with creaminess!
Can I Freeze Leftover Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Store them in an airtight container, and they can last about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What Are Some Good Add-ins or Variations?
Feel free to get creative! You can add in cooked veggies like broccoli or spinach, or substitute different cheeses such as pepper jack for heat or gouda for a smoky flavor. Bacon bits or jalapeños also make delicious additions!
