Jump to recipe
Yields:
8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Cal/Serv:
612
What better way to take our homemade mac & cheese up a notch than with one of our favorites sauces that brings the heat: buffalo sauce. We amped this buffalo recipe up even more with the addition of ranch dressing, cheddar, Monterey Jack and bacon. We know—it's got everything. Serve this up at your next Super Bowl party and watch this cheesy side dish be gone in mere seconds.
What cheese combination is the best for mac and cheese?
Some of our favorites: cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère and cream cheese. For this recipe, we chose shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack because of their strong melt game and neutral, cheesy flavor. Whatever your fave cheese, we highly recommend freshly shredding blocks instead of buying packaged shredded cheese. It will melt much better, and has an unbeatable taste.
Can I add anything else?
If you're not a bacon fan, feel free to sub in cooked chicken breast instead for a buffalo chicken situation. Not a ranch fan? Switch out the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if that's your preferred buffalo combo. And if you're the ultimate blue cheese fan, add some crumbles on top for some extra tang.
How should I store it?
Store any leftovers—if you have them—in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Looking for more? Check out our favorite Super Bowl appetizers to complete your party spread, or our top macaroni and cheese recipes for weeknight dinners and easy apps.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
elbow macaroni
- 3 Tbsp.
butter, plus 2 tbsp. melted butter
- 3 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
- 2 cups
milk
- 1 cup
shredded cheddar
- 1 cup
shredded Monterey jack
- 1/2 cup
ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup
buffalo sauce, plus more for garnish
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 8
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3/4 cup
panko bread crumbs
Chopped chives, for garnish
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 9”-x-13” baking dish. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium pot over medium. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Slowly add milk to flour mixture, while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3Remove pot from heat and stir in cheeses until fully melted. Stir in ranch dressing and buffalo sauce and season with salt and pepper. Fold pasta and crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture and scrape into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4Toss panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 5Sprinkle with chives and more hot sauce before serving.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below