Best Cheeses To Compliment A Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

There are many opinions on what cheese goes best with a buffalo chicken sandwich. Blue cheese is a popular choice, with some opting for crumbled blue cheese, blue cheese dressing, or blue cheese sauce. Other options include cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, and Havarti. Some people may prefer to omit the cheese altogether. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and there is no single correct answer.

Blue cheese crumbles with a ranch dressing

Blue Cheese Crumbles with Ranch Dressing

A buffalo chicken sandwich with blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing is a flavourful, fun, and messy delight. This combination is a popular choice for a reason. Here is a detailed guide to this mouth-watering variation of the classic buffalo chicken sandwich.

The Blue Cheese and Ranch Dressing Combination

The sharpness of blue cheese crumbles and the coolness of ranch dressing complement the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. The blue cheese adds a tangy, savoury flavour to the sandwich, while the ranch dressing provides a creamy texture and a tangy base that balances the robust taste of the blue cheese. This combination creates a delicious contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce, making each bite more exciting.

Preparing the Blue Cheese and Ranch Dressing

To prepare the blue cheese and ranch dressing mixture, simply combine crumbled blue cheese with ranch dressing. You can adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences. For a more pronounced blue cheese flavour, use a stronger variety such as Roquefort, Stilton, or Maytag blue cheese. These stronger options can stand up to the bold flavours of the buffalo sauce. Additionally, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture, such as sliced green onions or sour cream.

Assembling the Sandwich

When assembling the sandwich, you can spread the blue cheese and ranch dressing mixture generously on both halves of the bun. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavour. Layer the bun with lettuce, followed by the chicken breast coated in buffalo sauce, and finally, add sliced tomatoes. You can also add additional sauce if desired before placing the top half of the bun.

Customisation and Variations

While the blue cheese and ranch dressing combination is a classic, you can customise your sandwich further. You can add sliced cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to enhance the creaminess and provide a milder cheese flavour. Additionally, you can include thinly sliced red onions for a subtle pungent note. If you're a true blue cheese enthusiast, you can even add a side of blue cheese dressing to dip your sandwich in or drizzle over the sandwich.

Mozzarella

When making a buffalo chicken sandwich with mozzarella, you can shred or slice the cheese and add it directly to the sandwich. You can also try mixing it with other ingredients, such as hot sauce and ranch dressing, to make a creamy sauce or dip.

Some people may find that mozzarella doesn't add enough flavour to a buffalo chicken sandwich, or that it makes the sandwich taste too much like pizza. However, if you're looking for a mild, creamy, and versatile cheese to use in your sandwich, mozzarella is a great option.

Cheddar

When selecting a cheddar for this sandwich, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. A white cheddar will lend a creamy, buttery note, while a yellow cheddar might be preferable if you're looking to add a touch of colour to the dish.

To enhance the flavour of the cheddar, you could melt it slightly, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. This can be achieved by grilling the assembled sandwich, or by incorporating shredded cheddar into the filling and allowing the residual heat of the cooked chicken to soften the cheese.

If you're looking for a classic, comforting flavour combination, cheddar is an excellent choice to pair with the spicy, savoury notes of buffalo chicken.

Swiss

If you're making a buffalo chicken grilled cheese sandwich, Swiss cheese is a perfect choice. You can mix it with blue cheese and shredded buffalo chicken, and then top with another mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack. This will create a delicious, stringy, and indulgent sandwich.

For a more classic take on the buffalo chicken sandwich, you could use Swiss cheese as a topping. The buffalo sauce is the star of the show, so a thin slice of Swiss cheese will add a creamy texture and a savoury note without stealing the spotlight. You could also crumble Swiss cheese into the sauce to add a rich, creamy texture.

Provolone

When making a buffalo chicken sandwich with provolone, it is best to slice the cheese thinly and place it on the sandwich before grilling, so that it melts fully and becomes gooey. It is also important not to overload the sandwich with too much cheese and chicken, as this can make the sandwich soggy.

Frequently asked questions