Buffalo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining creamy cheese sauce with a spicy buffalo kick. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors and a satisfying, cheesy meal.

Ingredients

• 225g pasta (Lumaca Rigata recommended)
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• ½ cup Buffalo Sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Sour Cream
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Tofu “Beef” crumbles (optional)
• Crispy onions (optional)
• Chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In an oven-safe skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a golden paste.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the buffalo sauce. Taste and add more if you prefer a spicier flavor.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and mix in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add two-thirds of the cheese and the sour cream. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
7. Step 7: Optionally, stir in tofu “beef” crumbles for added protein and top with crispy onions and chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor, or add a little blue cheese for an authentic buffalo taste.
• For a creamier texture, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• Try baked buffalo mac and cheese by topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs and broiling until golden.
• Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the tofu crumbles or replace them with cooked mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While Lumaca Rigata works well for holding the sauce, any pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne will work great.

Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, the buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce according to your taste.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

This Buffalo Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, incorporating spicy Buffalo sauce and melty cheeses for a creamy, tangy finish. Enhanced with smoky paprika, aromatic spices, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, this recipe brings a bold, delicious kick to a family favorite. Perfectly cooked pasta is enveloped in a rich, cheesy Buffalo sauce that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 225g pasta (Lumaca Rigata recommended)
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• ½ cup Buffalo Sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Sour Cream

Seasonings and Extras

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Tofu “Beef” Crumbles (quantity as desired, optional)
• Crispy onions (quantity as desired, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Roux: In an oven-safe skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste and starts to turn golden in color.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking nonstop to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens into a creamy, smooth consistency, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add Buffalo Sauce: Stir in the Buffalo sauce thoroughly into the roux base. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce as desired for spiciness.
5. Season and Add Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Mix in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and sour cream. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy Buffalo cheese sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with remaining cheese, chopped chives, optional tofu “beef” crumbles, and crispy onions if using. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet if you plan to finish by broiling the cheese on top for extra crispness.
• Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cheeses and butter with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: Buffalo mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, buffalo sauce recipe, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta recipe, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese