Buffalo Mac and Cheese Recipe – Creamy, Spicy Comfort Food

A fiery twist on a familiar comfort dish with protein and tangy ranch flavor.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A fiery twist on a familiar comfort dish with protein and tangy ranch flavor.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you love mac and cheese but crave something with a little heat and a lot of flavor, Buffalo mac and cheese is your answer. Combining the cheesy comfort of classic macaroni with the spicy punch of Buffalo chicken dip, this recipe is a mashup that hits all the right notes for any occasion—whether it’s game day, family dinner, or a weeknight craving.

What Makes Buffalo Mac and Cheese Special?

Buffalo mac and cheese takes the familiar creaminess of homemade mac and cheese and gives it a fiery twist with Buffalo-style hot sauce and tangy ranch dressing. Shredded rotisserie chicken adds protein and heartiness, making it a satisfying main dish. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and bold, with layers of flavor in every bite.

Key Ingredients

Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but any short pasta works.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack give the dish both tang and heat. Freshly grated cheese is essential for a smooth sauce.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes the recipe quick and flavorful.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot or your preferred Buffalo-style sauce adds the signature spice.
Ranch Dressing: A touch of ranch adds creaminess and balances the heat.
Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese and celery leaves are optional but recommended for authenticity and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables to create a roux, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil until it thickens.

Melting the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the cheeses a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. This is the key to a velvety, lump-free sauce—don’t rush this step. Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, add the shredded chicken, Buffalo hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is heated through and well combined.

Combining and Serving

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning—some extra hot sauce or black pepper can be added here. For serving, top with crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of Buffalo sauce, and fresh celery leaves for a crisp, fresh contrast. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and gooey.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grate your own for a silky texture.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to suit your taste. You can always add more heat after mixing.
Make Ahead: Prep the cheese sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Mix everything together just before serving.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese Variations

If you want to experiment, try these fun twists:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a meatless version.
Extra Heat: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice.
Crunchy Topping: Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?

No. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can cause clumping and heaviness.

Can I make Buffalo mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Add a little extra milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

What can I use instead of Buffalo sauce?

If you don’t have Buffalo sauce, a mix of hot sauce and melted butter can create a similar flavor. Adjust the ratios to taste.

How can I make the dish spicier or milder?

Add more Buffalo sauce for extra heat, or balance with extra ranch dressing and cheese for a milder version.

Buffalo Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Buffalo mac and cheese is a recipe that marries the best of both worlds: the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the zesty, spicy kick of Buffalo chicken. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a favorite for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Serve it with extra celery leaves and blue cheese for a touch of authenticity and freshness—and save room for seconds!

Quick Reference Table

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Elbow macaroni	12 oz	Cook until al dente
Sharp cheddar cheese	1.5 cups (6 oz)	Freshly grated
Pepper jack cheese	1.5 cups (6 oz)	Freshly grated
Rotisserie chicken	1 generous cup (shredded)	Store-bought for convenience
Buffalo-style hot sauce	1/4 cup (plus extra for serving)	Frank’s Red Hot recommended
Ranch dressing	2 Tbsp	For creaminess
Blue cheese crumbles	1/2 cup (optional)	For garnish
Celery leaves	For garnish	Optional, for freshness

Final Thoughts

Buffalo mac and cheese is more than a side dish—it’s a complete meal that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd, or simply craving something cozy with a kick, this recipe delivers. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and bold Buffalo flavor, it’s comfort food with a spicy, satisfying twist that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Recipe Printability

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Dietary: Can be adapted for gluten-free with appropriate pasta and flour substitutions

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb