Print

Crispy Buffalo Mac and Cheese Cups

crispy buffalo mac and cheese cups - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy buffalo mac and cheese cups combine spicy buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni baked into crunchy muffin-shaped snacks. Perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful snack with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 200g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 220g)
  • ½ cup (120ml) buffalo wing sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100g)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups/220g) with ½ cup (120ml) buffalo sauce. Stir until the cheese is coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
  3. Add the drained macaroni to the buffalo cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and stir to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter if desired. Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.
  6. Spoon the buffalo mac and cheese mixture evenly into the muffin cups—about ¼ cup (60g) per cup. Sprinkle a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs on top of each.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown with crispy edges and a bubbly, melty center. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  8. Let the cups cool in the tin for at least 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook macaroni; cook al dente to hold shape. Mix buffalo sauce with cheese before adding pasta for even flavor. Let cups cool before removing to prevent breaking. Use silicone muffin cups or grease tins well to prevent sticking. Reheat in oven to restore crispness. Variations include using gluten-free pasta and panko, adding protein like chicken or tofu, or swapping buffalo sauce for roasted red pepper sauce for vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese cups, buffalo sauce snack, easy mac and cheese recipe, game day snacks, finger foods

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-buffalo-mac-and-cheese-cups-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-snack/