Get ready to experience the ultimate in creamy, cheesy, buffalo-infused indulgence! These Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites are about to blow your mind and taste buds into flavor paradise. Prepare to be the hero of your next party or game day with this epic, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites
These Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods – macaroni and cheese and spicy buffalo chicken. The combination of a rich, creamy mac and cheese base, infused with a generous helping of tangy buffalo sauce and tender chicken, makes for an explosion of flavors in every bite. The best part? These bites are insanely easy to make, but taste like they came straight from a high-end gastropub. Prepare to be the MVP of any gathering with this massively delicious and addictive dish!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a short list of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. You’ll need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, cooked chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings like salt and pepper. The result is a harmonious balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey jack for an extra kick of flavor.
- Protein: You can also use rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for the protein.
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these easy-to-follow steps!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy béchamel sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and buffalo sauce until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fold the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the creamy buffalo cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Grease a mini muffin tin and scoop the mac and cheese mixture into the cups, packing it down gently.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top each mac and cheese bite with a generous sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated oven until the tops are golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve these Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites warm, with extra buffalo sauce for dipping, and prepare to be showered with praise and adoration from your guests!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: If you’re feeling extra bold, try adding a dollop of blue cheese or ranch dressing to the center of each bite for an even more intense flavor explosion.
- Spice Level: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey jack, to customize the heat level.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Make-Ahead: These bites also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and reheat them as needed for easy entertaining.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through and the tops are crispy once again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the panko topping right before baking for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition Information
These Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites are a delightful indulgence, but they do pack a bit of a nutritional punch. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and remember to savor every incredible, flavor-packed bite!
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the panko topping right before baking for maximum crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses, to customize the flavor and spice level.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make these bites gluten-free, simply use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping.
Can I make these bites vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adjusting the baking time as needed. The creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce will still be absolutely mouthwatering without the chicken.
How spicy are these bites?
The level of spice in these Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount of buffalo sauce and gradually increase until you reach your desired heat level. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s harder to tone down the spice once it’s in the dish.
Try These Next
- Fiery Buffalo Cauliflower Bites With Creamy Blue Cheese Dip
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake
- Creamy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Peppers For Cozy Nights
Creamy Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These creamy buffalo mac & cheese bites are a delicious twist on a classic dish. Perfect for parties or game day, they are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of each mac & cheese bite.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin and serving.
Notes
These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, buffalo, appetizers, bites