Best Cheeses To Pair With Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create a range of delicious meals. From sandwiches to mac and cheese, the right cheese can enhance the flavour of buffalo chicken and take the dish to the next level. So, what cheese goes best with buffalo chicken?

Blue cheese and cheddar in a grilled sandwich

A grilled sandwich is a great way to enjoy the classic combination of buffalo chicken and blue cheese. This sandwich is a flavourful and comforting meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot is a popular choice)
• Cream cheese
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese (white cheddar is recommended)
• Bread (crusty or white bread works well)
• Butter

Optional Ingredients

• Celery
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic

Method

• Toss shredded chicken with hot sauce.
• Mix cream cheese, blue cheese, and celery (optional).
• Spread the cream cheese/blue cheese mixture on slices of bread.
• Layer the buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese on top.
• Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up.
• Grill the sandwich in a pan or griddle over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Tips

• If you don't like blue cheese, you can skip the blue cheese spread and use butter, mayonnaise, or ranch dressing instead.
• You can use a panini press if you have one.
• Don't overload the sandwich with too much chicken and cheese to avoid sogginess.
• Cook the sandwich slowly over low heat to ensure the cheese melts properly.

Blue cheese dressing as a dip

Blue cheese is a popular choice to accompany buffalo chicken, and it can be used in a variety of ways. One option is to crumble blue cheese into the buffalo sauce and allow it to melt slightly, adding a creamy texture. Alternatively, blue cheese can be combined with other ingredients such as cream cheese, celery, and spices to create a spread for bread. This spread can be used in sandwiches, such as a buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich, or as a dip on the side.

Blue cheese dressing is an excellent option as a dip for buffalo chicken. It offers a creamy and tangy contrast to the spicy and savoury flavours of the chicken. The dressing can be easily purchased or made at home by combining blue cheese with other ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, or yoghurt. The consistency can be adjusted to your preference, making it thicker for a dip or thinner for a dressing to drizzle over the chicken.

When creating a blue cheese dressing, it is important to use good-quality blue cheese to get the best flavour. Crumbling the cheese by hand or using a food processor will help to achieve the desired consistency. Combining the cheese with other ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, or herbs can enhance the flavour profile. Seasoning with salt and pepper is also crucial to bringing out the flavours.

Blue cheese dressing can be served as a dip alongside buffalo chicken wings, tenders, or nuggets. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables, such as celery or carrot sticks, which pair well with the dressing and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the blue cheese. Additionally, the dressing can be drizzled over a buffalo chicken salad, adding a creamy element that complements the other ingredients.

When serving blue cheese dressing as a dip, it is essential to consider the presentation. A simple bowl or ramekin can be used, or for a more creative approach, hollow out a small loaf of bread to create a edible bowl. Garnishes such as chopped chives or parsley can be added on top of the dressing to enhance its appearance and flavour.

Cream cheese, blue cheese, and muenster in a grilled sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich with buffalo chicken is a popular dish, and for good reason. It's a delicious combination of flavors and textures, and it's a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese. But what cheeses go best with buffalo chicken? One option is to use a combination of cream cheese, blue cheese, and muenster. Here's how to make this mouth-watering sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Sliced bread (white bread, sandwich bread, or Texas Toast work well)
• Butter
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Blue cheese (crumbled)
• Muenster cheese (sliced)
• Cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great option)
• Hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot is a popular choice)
• Optional: Ranch dressing, paprika, cayenne pepper, celery, and garlic

Instructions:

• Combine softened cream cheese, blue cheese, and optional spices (paprika and cayenne pepper) in a small bowl. Mash and stir until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix cooked shredded chicken with hot sauce, and optional ingredients like ranch dressing and minced garlic.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Flip the bread over and spread the cream cheese mixture on four slices of bread (one for each sandwich).
• Add the chicken mixture on top of the cream cheese.
• Place a slice or two of muenster cheese on the other slices of bread.
• Close the sandwiches.
• Cook the sandwiches in a large skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
• Enjoy your delicious creation!

This sandwich is a perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors, with the cream cheese and blue cheese adding a tangy twist to the traditional grilled cheese. The muenster cheese melts beautifully and adds a subtle sharpness. The hot sauce and optional spices give a kick of heat, while the chicken provides a hearty texture. This sandwich is an indulgent treat and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Mac and cheese with gorgonzola

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or other creamy, well-melting cheese
• 1 cup gorgonzola (intenso or dolce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1.5 cups uncooked macaroni pasta or gluten-free/100% corn macaroni
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk or cream/half and half

Optional Ingredients

• Leeks
• Pancetta
• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Baby spinach
• Diced tomatoes
• Garlic
• Butter
• Flour

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine the mozzarella, gorgonzola, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish.
• Add the macaroni pasta and mix well.
• Pour in the cream and milk, ensuring all the pasta and cheese is submerged.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix the mac and cheese gently, then place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you want to add a crunchy topping, mix Panko breadcrumbs, butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese before baking.
• If you want to add extra vegetables, you can sauté garlic and spinach, or caramelize leeks, to include in the dish.
• For a heartier dish, you can include diced pancetta or Italian cured, un-smoked pork belly.
• If you want a stronger gorgonzola flavour, use the "intenso" version. For a milder flavour, use the "dolce" version.

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
• Meatballs without Breadcrumbs & Eggs
• Air Fryer Roast Beef
• Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Potato Chips
• Celery Sticks
• Carrot Sticks

Mac and cheese with a panko topping

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish. Set this aside.

Combine your shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, place in a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat the pasta and set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.

Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot. Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface, then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.

Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. The sauce should be nice and thick.

Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.

In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Cheese and Buffalo Chicken

Blue cheese is a popular choice to go with buffalo chicken, crumbled into the sauce or spread on a sandwich. Other cheeses that work well include provolone, Swiss, Havarti, mozzarella, and asiago.

Frequently asked questions