Noodles & Company's Buffalo Mac & Cheese is a fan favorite, a delicious blend of creamy mac and cheese with a fiery buffalo wing kick. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we can create a delicious approximation that captures the essence of this popular dish. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy buffalo flavor, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal. Get ready to recreate this restaurant favorite at home!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for a richer flavor)
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For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is a popular choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Other Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions: Making Restaurant-Quality Buffalo Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Make sure to not overcook the pasta; you want it to hold its shape when combined with the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the salt and pepper. Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses (if using), stirring until melted and smooth. This creates the creamy base for your Buffalo Mac.
Step 3: Create the Buffalo Sauce
In a separate small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This intensifies the buffalo wing flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Gently stir in the buffalo sauce, ensuring it's distributed throughout the macaroni and cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want more hot sauce for extra heat!
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
Tips and Variations for Your Homemade Noodles & Company Buffalo Mac
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. For a milder version, use less hot sauce or a milder variety. For extra heat, add more!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a blend of your favorites would work well.
- Add-ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, crumbled blue cheese, or crispy chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- Baking: For a baked version, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
This recipe provides a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventure. Remember to adjust the ingredients and steps to match your taste preferences and create your own unique version of this delicious dish. Enjoy your homemade Noodles & Company Buffalo Mac & Cheese!
