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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/buffalo-mac-and-cheese-recipe/