Frederic Melton
Buffalo chicken pizza is a fun twist on the classic pizza. The base is usually a creamy sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and is then topped with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and cheese. The cheese is often a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese, but can also include provolone and parmesan. The pizza is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This pizza is a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be customised with a range of toppings, such as red onion, green onion, banana peppers, and parsley.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Provolone, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Monterey Jack |
| Cheese texture | Gooey, melty, creamy, crumbly |
| Cheese flavour | Tangy, salty, spicy, cultured |
| Cheese origin | Whole milk, block, canned, leftover, fresh, store-bought |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and blue cheese
Buffalo chicken pizza is a fun twist on the classic pizza, and the choice of cheese is an important part of getting the flavour right. Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and blue cheese are all excellent choices for a delicious, tangy and creamy buffalo chicken pizza.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for buffalo chicken pizza, adding that gooey, classic, cheesy goodness. It melts beautifully and gives the pizza a wonderful, decadent texture. It is a great base cheese, and when paired with blue cheese, the two complement each other well. Fresh mozzarella is recommended for a more authentic flavour, but the pre-shredded variety can also be used for convenience.
Cheddar is a strong, flavourful cheese that adds a sharp tang to the pizza. It is a harder cheese than mozzarella, so it does not melt as easily, but it does add a nice, crumbly texture. It is best to shred a block of cheddar yourself, as pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents, which can prevent the cheese from melting together.
Provolone is a lesser-known cheese, but it is a great addition to a buffalo chicken pizza. It has a strong, sharp flavour, similar to cheddar, but with a hint of sweetness. It melts well and adds a nice, stretchy, stringy texture to the pizza.
Blue cheese is a must-have for a traditional buffalo chicken pizza. It is salty, slightly spicy, and creamy, and it pairs spectacularly with the buffalo sauce. It does not melt like other cheeses due to its lower fat content, but the crumbles add a pleasant zing to each bite. Blue cheese dressing can also be used as a base for the pizza, or drizzled over the top for added flavour.
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Ranch dressing vs blue cheese dressing
When it comes to choosing a dressing for your buffalo chicken pizza, there are two popular options: ranch or blue cheese. Both have their own distinct flavours and textures, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Ranch dressing is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavour. It is often made with buttermilk and a variety of herbs and spices, such as chives, parsley, and dill. When used as a base for buffalo chicken pizza, it creates a layer of creaminess that helps to balance out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce. Some people prefer to use ranch seasoning instead of the dressing to reduce the sodium content and avoid making the pizza too salty.
On the other hand, blue cheese dressing offers a completely different flavour profile. Blue cheese is known for its salty, cultured, and slightly spicy taste. It adds a pleasant zing to each bite and pairs particularly well with the buffalo sauce. Unlike other cheeses, blue cheese does not melt easily due to its lower fat content, but instead crumbles over the pizza, providing a unique texture.
While some people prefer the cool and creamy taste of blue cheese on their buffalo chicken pizza, others may opt for the tanginess of ranch dressing. It is worth noting that in Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of buffalo chicken wings, blue cheese and Frank's Hot Sauce are considered the authentic pairing. However, this does not mean that ranch dressing is not a popular choice as well.
Ultimately, the decision to use ranch or blue cheese dressing on a buffalo chicken pizza is a matter of personal preference. Both options have their own distinct flavours and textures that can enhance the overall taste of the pizza. Some people even choose to combine the two, using one as a base and the other as a topping, or serving extra dressing on the side as a dip.
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Cream cheese and ranch seasoning
Buffalo chicken pizza is a popular dish, with many recipes available online. While some recipes suggest using blue cheese or ranch, others recommend a mixture of cream cheese and ranch seasoning as the base for the pizza. This combination provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the spicy buffalo sauce and chicken.
For this unique blend, you will need to microwave the cream cheese until it is very soft and melty. In a separate bowl, mix the ranch seasoning with other spices like garlic powder. Combine the cream cheese and seasoned ranch mixture, spreading it evenly over the pizza crust. This base adds a rich and indulgent quality to the pizza.
The cream cheese and ranch seasoning blend is a versatile choice, allowing for customisation to suit individual tastes. For a more savoury option, add some garlic powder to the mixture. Alternatively, fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be mixed in for a brighter, more summery flavour profile. The possibilities are endless, and with this combination, you can create a pizza that is truly your own.
Toppings are another way to customise your pizza. While buffalo chicken is a must, you can choose to add red onions, banana peppers, or green onions for a pop of colour and a bite of freshness. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top. The versatility of this pizza base means you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect combination.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging in a weekend pizza craving, Buffalo Chicken Pizza with cream cheese and ranch seasoning is a delicious option. Don't be surprised if one pizza isn't enough—it's that good! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a tasty treat that brings together the best of buffalo wings and pizza.
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Frank's Red Hot vs other hot sauces
When it comes to hot sauces, Frank's Red Hot is a popular choice for those who enjoy a milder, tangier flavour profile. While some may disagree on its status as a "hot sauce", it is well-loved for its versatility and ability to enhance other ingredients without overwhelming them. In fact, its relatively mild heat allows users to be generous with its application, drenching their food in it without fear of making their meal too spicy.
Frank's Red Hot is particularly popular as a base for other sauces, with many home cooks using it as a starting point to create their own signature hot sauces. It is also a key ingredient in wing sauces, where it is often combined with butter or other ingredients to create a more complex, spicy flavour.
However, for those who prefer their hot sauces to pack a punch, Frank's Red Hot may not satisfy those cravings. For the heat-seekers, other hot sauces may be preferable, such as those made with Scotch bonnet peppers or apple cider vinegar. Tabasco, for instance, is often mentioned as a spicier alternative to Frank's Red Hot, with a similar level of accessibility.
When it comes to buffalo chicken pizza, Frank's Red Hot is a common choice for adding spice. Buffalo sauce, a key ingredient in this style of pizza, is often made with Frank's Red Hot as a base, combined with butter or other ingredients to create a smooth, buttery flavour with a kick. This combination of tanginess and spice pairs well with the other common ingredients in buffalo chicken pizza, such as blue cheese, mozzarella, and ranch dressing.
In summary, Frank's Red Hot occupies a unique position in the world of hot sauces, offering a milder heat and a tangy flavour that make it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes, including the ever-popular buffalo chicken pizza. While it may not satisfy those seeking intense spice, it has earned its place as a pantry staple for many cooks looking to add a balanced kick of flavour to their meals.
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Chicken breast, thigh, or a mixture
When it comes to choosing the type of chicken for your buffalo chicken pizza, you have a few options: chicken breast, chicken thigh, or a mixture of both. Each option has its own advantages and will impact the overall taste, texture, and nutritional profile of the pizza. Here are some considerations for each type of chicken:
Chicken Breast:
Chicken breast is a leaner option, as it has a lower fat content compared to chicken thigh. It provides a good source of protein and has a milder flavour that allows the buffalo sauce and other toppings to shine through. Chicken breast can be shredded or sliced for pizza toppings. When using chicken breast, consider marinating it in buffalo sauce and blue cheese before placing it on the pizza to add moisture and enhance its flavour.
Chicken Thigh:
Chicken thigh has a higher fat content, which results in a juicier and more flavourful bite. Dark meat, such as chicken thigh, also tends to be more tender and moist, even after being cooked at high temperatures. Similar to chicken breast, you can shred or slice chicken thigh for your pizza topping. Chicken thigh pairs well with bold flavours like buffalo sauce and can stand up to extended cooking times without drying out as quickly as chicken breast.
Mixture of Both:
Using a mixture of chicken breast and chicken thigh gives you the best of both worlds. You get the leanness and milder flavour of chicken breast combined with the richness and juiciness of chicken thigh. This option allows you to benefit from the qualities of both types of meat, creating a well-rounded and flavourful pizza topping.
No matter which type of chicken you choose, ensure that it is properly cooked before placing it on your pizza. You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook the chicken specifically for your pizza. Shredded or sliced chicken breast, chicken thigh, or a mixture of both can be tossed in buffalo sauce and spices to create a mouthwatering topping for your pizza.
As for the cheese, buffalo chicken pizza typically features a combination of mozzarella and blue cheese. The mozzarella provides that classic gooey, stretchy texture, while the blue cheese adds a tangy and creamy dimension to the pizza. However, you can also use other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan, depending on your preference.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is the most popular choice, with its deep salty, cultured, and slightly spicy taste. Mozzarella is also a good option, as it adds a gooey, classic cheesy goodness. Some recipes also include cheddar, provolone, and cream cheese.
Yes, ranch dressing is a common substitute for blue cheese on a buffalo chicken pizza. However, people from Buffalo, New York, insist that only blue cheese should be used, as it is a local staple.
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken. If you want to cook the chicken specifically for the pizza, you can use a Crock Pot, Instant Pot, or cook it on a stovetop.
Red onions, green onions, banana peppers, and parsley are all popular choices. If you want to stick to the traditional buffalo wing toppings, you can add a thinly sliced celery stalk.
Buffalo sauce is the most common choice, with Frank's Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce being a popular option. You can also make a Frank's bechamel sauce by combining the hot sauce with dairy to create a creamy base that will help temper the heat.
