Patrick Oconnell
Cheddar cheese and buffalo chicken are a match made in heaven. The sharpness of cheddar pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, creating a flavour sensation that's hard to resist. This classic combination is a favourite for sandwiches, with grilled cheese and buffalo chicken being a popular choice. It's also delicious in mac and cheese, adding a tangy twist to the traditional comfort food. Whether you're whipping up a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, cheddar cheese and buffalo chicken are a dynamic duo that never fails to satisfy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese combinations | Cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, Muenster, Colby Jack, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, American cheese, and Gorgonzola |
| Chicken | Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked, grilled, or pan-fried chicken |
| Sauce | Hot sauce, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, habanero sauce, creamy garlic hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce |
| Bread | White bread, Texas Toast, sourdough, brioche bun, crusty bread, jalapeno bread |
| Sides | Potato chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, avocado, diced tomatoes, mashed avocado, green onions, red onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce |
| Other ingredients | Butter, bacon, lobster, strawberries, kale, shiitake mushrooms, Ritz crackers, butter, ground beef, pasta, macaroni, hot Cheetos, tri-tip |
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What You'll Learn
Buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich
The Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. It is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. The sandwich combines the spiciness of buffalo chicken with the creaminess of cheese, resulting in a warm and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- Bread: White bread, sandwich bread, Texas Toast, sourdough bread, brioche bun, or any other bread of your choice.
- Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken, preferably rotisserie chicken.
- Hot Sauce: Frank's Red Hot Wings or your preferred brand of buffalo sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: Homemade or store-bought.
- Cheese: Cream cheese, blue cheese, Muenster, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or any other cheese of your choice.
- Butter: For spreading on the bread.
- Optional Add-ons: Mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped celery, green onions, red onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or any other spices or sauces.
Instructions:
- Combine softened cream cheese, blue cheese, and any desired spices (such as paprika and cayenne pepper) in a small bowl and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix cooked shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and minced garlic until the chicken is well coated.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of four bread slices (one for each sandwich).
- Top the cream cheese mixture with the chicken mixture.
- Place a slice or two of your chosen cheese on the other slice of bread and close the sandwich.
- Place the sandwich on a skillet, panini press, or air fryer over medium to low heat.
- Cook for 2-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with potato chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks on the side.
Feel free to customize the sandwich to your taste and enjoy the perfect combination of buffalo chicken and grilled cheese!
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Blue cheese and cheddar
Cheddar, specifically sharp cheddar, is another cheese that is commonly used in buffalo chicken recipes. It is often sliced and used as a topping for buffalo chicken sandwiches, providing a melty texture and a sharp flavour. Extra sharp cheddar is also used to add more flavour to dishes like buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
Both blue cheese and cheddar pair well with buffalo chicken due to their distinct and complementary flavours. Blue cheese is known for its pungent, tangy, and salty taste, which can enhance the spiciness of buffalo chicken. Cheddar, on the other hand, contributes a sharp and savoury note that balances the heat of the dish.
When combining these cheeses with buffalo chicken, it's important to consider the overall flavour profile and texture of the dish. For example, in a grilled cheese sandwich, the creaminess of the blue cheese spread and the sharpness of the cheddar slices create a delicious contrast. Similarly, in a mac and cheese dish, the combination of cheddar and blue cheese or Gorgonzola adds depth of flavour and a creamy texture.
Ultimately, the choice between blue cheese and cheddar, or a combination of both, depends on personal preference and the specific recipe. Both cheeses are versatile and can be adjusted to suit the desired taste and texture of the buffalo chicken dish.
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Bread options
When it comes to bread options for a buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese sandwich, there are several varieties to choose from.
A basic, old-fashioned white sandwich bread is a classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides a neutral flavour that complements the bold flavours of buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese. White bread is also widely available and affordable, making it a convenient choice.
However, if you're looking for a sturdier option, especially if you plan to dip your sandwich in soup or take photos of your creation, consider using a heartier bread like sourdough. Sourdough has a chewy texture and a tangy flavour that can add depth to your sandwich. It also holds up well to the weight of the fillings and stays firm, even when grilled or toasted.
For those who enjoy a little spice, jalapeno bread can be a delicious option. The jalapeno peppers add a nice kick to the sandwich and pair well with the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. If you can't find jalapeno bread at your local bakery or grocery store, you can always make your own by kneading chopped jalapenos into your dough before baking.
Another option is to use a thick-sliced bread like Texas Toast. This style of bread provides a heartier bite and a more substantial foundation for the sandwich. It also adds a bit of extra crunch, especially if you toast it lightly before assembling your sandwich.
Finally, if you're looking for something a little more indulgent, a toasty brioche bun can be a delightful choice. Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that adds a touch of sweetness to the sandwich. It has a soft and fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispiness of the grilled exterior.
No matter which bread you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to butter the outside of the bread generously before grilling. This will ensure that your sandwich gets nicely toasted and golden brown, with a deliciously crispy exterior and a gooey, melted interior.
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Sides and extras
While buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese are a great combination, there are several sides and extras that can enhance your meal.
If you're making a sandwich, you can add mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped celery to the chicken mix or spread it over the cheese. You can also add green onions, red onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to the sandwich for an extra kick of flavour. If you're feeling creative, try using different types of bread, such as sourdough, brioche buns, or even jalapeno bread.
For a more substantial meal, consider making buffalo chicken mac and cheese. This dish combines cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese with buffalo chicken and macaroni. You can also add bacon, crushed Ritz crackers, and butter to the topping for a crunchy texture. Serve it with a side of potato chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks to round out the meal.
If you're looking for a more classic pairing, try serving your buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese with a side of tomato soup. This combination is a comfort food favourite and is sure to hit the spot.
Lastly, if you're a fan of spice, don't be afraid to add extra hot sauce to your buffalo chicken mixture. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce, such as habanero or garlic hot sauce, to find your perfect level of heat.
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Buffalo chicken mac and cheese
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, gorgonzola, blue cheese, or a blend of your choice)
- Buffalo sauce
- Chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- Olive oil
- Panko
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until tender yet firm, then drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually stir in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add cheese and buffalo sauce to the saucepan, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and celery (if desired).
- Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Prepare the panko topping by melting butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the panko and stir until it is golden brown and has absorbed the butter and oil.
- Sprinkle the panko topping over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper, habanero sauce, or garlic powder.
- For a creamier texture, include cream cheese and sour cream in your sauce.
- If you're serving this dish at a party, it pairs well with celery sticks and beer.
- You can also sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and green onions on top for added flavor and freshness.
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Frequently asked questions
A popular recipe for buffalo chicken with cheddar cheese is the buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich. It combines buffalo chicken with cheddar cheese and blue cheese spread between two slices of bread.
White sandwich bread is a good option for a classic grilled cheese, but if you want something sturdier that will hold up to the weight of the fillings, you might want to try sourdough, Texas toast, or a brioche bun.
Other cheese options that go well with buffalo chicken include blue cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Swiss cheese, and American cheese.
Potato chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks all make great side dishes for a buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich.
