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Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food with a Spicy Kick

Enjoy Buffalo Mac and Cheese, a creamy and spicy dish that elevates a classic comfort food into a delightful and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta Lumaca Rigata works beautifully
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust for desired heat
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese consider dairy-free cheese for vegan
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese mix different cheeses for enhanced flavor
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt as substitute
For the Seasoning
  • seasonings smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder
Optional Proteins
  • 1 cup tofu beef crumbles or shredded chicken/black beans
For Topping
  • 1/2 cup crispy onions or fried shallots
  • 2 tablespoons chives or green onions/parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Oven-safe dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until light golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in buffalo sauce, adjusting for heat, and mix well.
  5. Remove from heat and add two-thirds of the mozzarella and cheddar, and sour cream. Stir until melted.
  6. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, folding until evenly coated.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 5-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pre-measure ingredients for a smoother cooking process and adjust buffalo sauce to taste for desired spice level.

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