Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese takes two crowd-pleasers—creamy macaroni and cheese and spicy buffalo cauliflower—and combines them into one unforgettable dish. The creamy, cheesy pasta base offers indulgent comfort, while the roasted buffalo cauliflower adds a bold, tangy kick that balances the richness. This recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main course yet works beautifully as a side for game-day spreads, casual dinners, or potluck gatherings. The cauliflower not only adds flavor but also provides a nutritious twist, giving the dish more substance and texture. With its blend of creamy cheese sauce, spicy buffalo heat, and tender roasted cauliflower, this dish is guaranteed to impress cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the kind of recipe that brings excitement to the dinner table while still delivering familiar, comforting flavors.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese with a spicy buffalo kick, loaded with tender cauliflower for a flavorful twist on a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or boil cauliflower florets for 5–6 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in buffalo sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta, cauliflower, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well and transfer to prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount depending on spice preference.
- For extra crunch, add crushed hot sauce-flavored chips on top instead of breadcrumbs.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Every component in this recipe plays a role in creating a harmonious balance between spicy, cheesy, and comforting flavors.
Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for mac and cheese, holding the creamy sauce in every curve.
Cauliflower florets are roasted until tender, then tossed in buffalo sauce to add heat and tangy flavor.
Olive oil is used to roast the cauliflower, enhancing its texture and ensuring it turns golden and slightly crisp.
Buffalo sauce brings signature spice and zing, complementing the richness of the cheese sauce.
Butter forms the base of the cheese sauce, adding depth and richness to coat the pasta evenly.
All-purpose flour is whisked into the butter to create a roux, ensuring the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
Whole milk provides creaminess and body to the cheese sauce without being overly heavy.
Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold, tangy flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese contributes gooey, stretchy texture that enhances the creaminess.
Cream cheese helps stabilize the sauce, giving it a luscious, silky finish.
Garlic powder adds subtle savory notes that deepen the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Salt and black pepper season the dish to perfection, balancing both the richness and the heat.
Green onions add a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the final dish.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and tossing cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and coat with buffalo sauce, setting aside while you prepare the pasta and cheese sauce.
Meanwhile, cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then fold in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until the sauce is creamy and fully combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Gently fold in the buffalo cauliflower, mixing well so each bite has both pasta and spicy florets. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheddar if desired, and bake until bubbly and golden. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish or 8 as a side. Preparation requires 20 minutes, roasting and pasta cooking add 25 minutes, and baking takes 15 minutes. In total, the dish is ready in about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezing is possible but may alter the creamy texture.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Mac and Cheese
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for even more heat.
Blue Cheese Buffalo Mac
Stir crumbled blue cheese into the sauce or sprinkle on top for a tangy twist.
Bread Crumb Topping
Top the dish with seasoned bread crumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add roasted bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli along with the cauliflower for more nutrients.
Protein Boost
Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for a hearty main dish.
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but roast it from frozen to avoid sogginess.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely, shells, penne, or cavatappi all work well.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat depends on the buffalo sauce used. Choose mild, medium, or hot according to preference.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish in advance and bake just before serving.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack can also be used.
Can I skip baking?
Yes, it can be served straight from the stovetop for a creamier version.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, if using a vegetarian buffalo sauce.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a bold, comforting dish that combines the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese with the tangy spice of buffalo cauliflower. It is hearty enough to stand alone yet versatile enough to accompany a variety of mains. With endless customization options, from adding blue cheese to boosting spice levels, this recipe adapts to your preferences while always delivering crowd-pleasing results. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, it is a dish that satisfies cravings for both comfort food and bold flavors in one delicious bite.
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