Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Combining the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, this dish is a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for a game day, cozy family dinner, or potluck, its bold flavors and cheesy goodness are irresistible.

Ingredients

🍝 1 pound of elbow macaroni
🧀 8 oz of Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
🧀 8 oz of Gouda, shredded
🧀 8 oz of Monterey Jack, shredded
🥛 3 cups of milk
🥛 1 cup of heavy cream
🌾 1/4 cup of flour
🧈 6 tablespoons of butter
🥄 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of paprika
🧄 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
⚫ 1 teaspoon of black pepper
🌶️ 1/3 cup of Buffalo sauce
🍗 Buffalo chicken bites (store-bought or homemade), for topping

Instructions

1- Prep and Cook the Pasta:

Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2- Prepare the Cheeses:

Shred the Sharp Cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Set aside in a large bowl, keeping one cup of the mixed cheese separate for topping.

3- Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a pale paste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Season with chicken bouillon, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the Buffalo sauce and mix well.
Once the sauce has thickened (about 5-7 minutes), reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses, saving one cup for the topping. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

4- Assemble the Mac and Cheese:

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated.
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased casserole dish. Top with buffalo chicken bites and the reserved cheese.

5- Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6- Serve:

Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
Proteins: 30g
Fats: 40g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Equipment: Saucepan, casserole dish, whisk, large pot