By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on May 25, 2023 | Last Updated on February 13, 2024
If you are new to learning about the popular dish, Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese, you have come to the right place. This recipe is one of the most delicious comfort food dishes around.
Moreover, Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese is easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you can find in your pantry or local grocery store.
The dish is not only a hit with adults but also kids love it. Let’s learn all about Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese.
What Is Buffalo wild wings mac and Cheese?
Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic dish; creamy, cheesy macaroni pasta blended with spicy buffalo sauce, chicken, and peppers and topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
You will love the combination of cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing. This creates an amazingly flavorful sauce that is oozing with cheesy goodness.
Where Did I First Try Buffalo wild wings mac and Cheese?
I tried it in one of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT. I had heard about the dish before but was surprised by the great taste.
We were served with a bowl of macaroni pasta mixed together with buffalo sauce and shredded chicken, topped with panko breadcrumbs. It was an amazing combination of flavors – creamy, cheesy, and spicy – that all blended together perfectly to create this delicious dish.
The presentation was also great – the bowl of pasta didn’t look like it would be enough for our table, but with just one spoonful we were all satisfied. The taste was a combination of spicy and creamy- cheesy.
The hot sauce really brought out the flavor in the macaroni and chicken, and the crunchy panko topping added a nice texture. We even had some extra buffalo sauce for those who wanted it spicier.
I was so impressed with the dish that I decided to recreate it at home, and after a few tries, I finally got the recipe just right!
Ingredients
- Macaroni pasta: One of the main items of this dish is macaroni pasta. You can use any type of macaroni you like, but it’s best to use the smaller variety such as elbow pasta.
- Chicken: The protein in this dish is chicken, which adds some extra flavor and texture. Use cooked and shredded chicken for the best results.
- Bell peppers: For a bit of crunch and sweetness, add some diced red and green bell peppers.
- Green onion: Green onion adds a nice flavor to this dish and is an excellent way to make it healthier.
- Garlic cloves: Garlic cloves will give the dish extra flavor.
- Buffalo hot sauce: This is what makes this dish so special – spicy buffalo hot sauce! It will add heat to the dish while still providing a creamy texture from the cheese.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese gives this dish its signature creaminess and cheesy flavor.
- Blue cheese dressing: Blue cheese dressing adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: To top it off, use a combination of cheddar cheese.
- Panko: Topping your macaroni with panko will give it an extra crunch.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain once finished.
Step 2
In a blender or food processor, blend cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, garlic cloves, and blue cheese dressing until smooth.
Step 3
Toss cooked macaroni, chicken, bell peppers, and green onion into a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture.
Step 4
Mix together until all ingredients are coated with the sauce.
Step 5
Grease a baking dish and pour in the macaroni mixture.
Step 6
Top with cheddar cheese and panko. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
- Add some butter and garlic when cooking the macaroni for added flavor.
- Make sure to combine all of the ingredients (except for the cheese and panko) together thoroughly before adding them to the macaroni.
- Allow the Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese to bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350F (180C).
- It is important to add the cheese and panko topping during the last 5 minutes of baking, so it doesn’t burn.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t want to use chicken, you can replace it with shrimp or even vegan-friendly protein sources.
- You can also substitute the bell peppers with any vegetables that have a crunchy texture such as celery or carrots.
- And if you don’t like blue cheese dressing, you can always use ranch instead.
- If you want to make the dish even spicier, you can add more buffalo sauce or use a different type of hot sauce.
Buffalo Wild Wings Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- Blender or food processor
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 13 oz macaroni pasta
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup panko
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain once finished.
- In a blender or food processor, blend cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, garlic cloves, and blue cheese dressing until smooth.
- Toss cooked macaroni, chicken, bell peppers, and green onion into a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture.
- Mix together until all ingredients are coated with the sauce.
- Grease a baking dish and pour in the macaroni mixture.
- Top with cheddar cheese and panko. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
- Add some butter and garlic when cooking the macaroni for added flavor.
- Make sure to combine all of the ingredients (except for the cheese and panko) together thoroughly before adding them to the macaroni.
- Allow the Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese to bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350F (180C).
- It is important to add the cheese and panko topping during the last 5 minutes of baking, so it doesn’t burn.
Nutrition Information
One serving contains about,
- Calories: 355
- Fat: 17.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25.7g
- Protein: 20.4g
- Sodium: 975mg
- Fiber: 2.2g
How to Store Leftover Buffalo wild wings mac and Cheese?
It’s best to store the leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to two months.
When ready to eat, simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Moreover, you can also top it off with some extra cheese or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish as long as the ingredients are cooked thoroughly.
Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese in a slow cooker. You will need to adjust the cooking time according to your slow cooker’s instructions.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs this dish can be made gluten-free.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese vegan by using plant-based proteins such as tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. You will also need to use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese ahead of time. Simply prepare the ingredients as directed, but do not bake them until right before serving.
Wrapping Up
For sure this dish is full of flavor, and a great way to enjoy the classic buffalo wings without all of the greasiness. Plus, you can easily make it vegan or gluten-free depending on your dietary needs.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love, this Buffalo wild wings mac and cheese recipe is perfect for you.
Please share this recipe with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
