Whether you’re serving it at home or at a party, it’s hard to go wrong with buffalo chicken.
There are so many great options for cheese to pair with buffalo chicken that it can be hard to decide which one to choose.
There is a wide range of cheeses, from mild ones like Brie and Swiss to stronger ones like blue cheese and gouda.
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try pairing buffalo chicken with a cheese that you’ve never had before!
You can serve these 13 cheeses with buffalo chicken whether you’re having people over or just want to enjoy a tasty meal at home.
Buffalo chicken is a classic American dish that combines spicy hot sauce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and tender chicken pieces The bold, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken make it a favorite for game day appetizers, weeknight dinners, and late-night cravings. But what cheese goes best with buffalo chicken?
While crumbled blue cheese is the traditional topping there are many other delicious cheese options to consider that can take your buffalo chicken to the next level. In this definitive guide we will explore the best cheese pairings for buffalo chicken wings, dips, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Why Cheese Pairs So Well with Buffalo Chicken
Cheese is a natural complement to buffalo chicken for several reasons:
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The creamy texture of melted cheese helps balance out the vinegary heat of the hot sauce. Soft, mild cheeses cool the palate while firmer, sharper cheeses add another layer of flavor.
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Cheese adds more richness and fat which works well with the typically fatty buffalo chicken. The extra dose of dairy enhances the indulgent flavors.
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Cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the buffalo sauce’s acidity. This gives the dish more complexity.
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Melted cheese helps bind all the ingredients together, especially in dishes like pizza, dips, and sandwiches. The gooey cheese acts as the glue.
With this context in mind, let’s examine some of the best cheese choices.
The Gold Standard: Blue Cheese
When it comes to pairings, blue cheese is the best for buffalo chicken. Its strong flavor and crumbly texture make it impossible to compare to any other cheese. Blue cheese’s unique flavor comes from natural mold cultures that make it earthy, nutty, salty, and just a little funky. It tastes strong enough to cut through the heat of spicy buffalo sauce.
Popular varieties like Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort all pair beautifully with buffalo chicken. Crumble the blue cheese on top of hot wings or chicken tenders right before serving to allow its bold flavor to shine. Or mix crumbles into cool and creamy dips or salad dressings. The melted fat in the hot sauce clings to the blue cheese crumbles enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
So while blue cheese may be the expected choice, it earns its spot for good reason. Still, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the blue to discover new buffalo chicken possibilities.
Creamy & Mild: Soft Cheese Options
Soft, creamy cheeses go well with buffalo chicken in a milder way. Their mild flavors let the buffalo sauce shine, but they still add texture and hold everything together.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a great base for buffalo chicken dips and spreads. It melts into a thick, rich creamy texture that complements the sauce’s tanginess. Mix in crumbled blue cheese for added complexity or keep it simple with just cream cheese and hot sauce. Cream cheese is mild enough not to compete with the other flavors.
Monterey Jack
With its pale yellow color and shiny wax coating, Monterey Jack is a classic American cheese. It melts wonderfully making it perfect for gooey buffalo chicken quesadillas, nachos, or pizza. Monterey Jack has a light flavor accented by tiny eyes throughout giving it a peppery kick. This mildness allows the bold buffalo sauce to take the lead.
Brie
For a more upscale take on buffalo chicken, try the buttery elegance of brie cheese. While brie has a richer, earthier taste than other soft cheeses, its smooth creamy texture still pairs nicely with buffalo sauce. For an appetizer, coat chicken pieces with hot sauce then bake inside brie rounds. The cheese softens and mingles with the sauce for dipping with crackers or celery sticks.
Havarti
This semi-soft Danish cheese offers subtle, buttery undertones that enrich buffalo chicken without overwhelming. Havarti melts especially well; its creamy texture makes it suitable for cooking. Combine havarti with cheddar or Monterey jack for excellent melting properties on a buffalo chicken pizza.
Bold & Sharp: Hard Cheese Contenders
Sharp Cheddar
When paired with buffalo chicken, sharp cheddar cheese gives it a great punchy, salty taste. It’s firm and crumbly, which is a nice contrast to the saucy chicken. If you want the strongest flavor that won’t be lost, use extra sharp cheddar. For the best buffalo chicken dip, mix with cream cheese and blue cheese.
Pepper Jack
As the name suggests, pepper jack cheese has hot peppers in it that make it taste like buffalo sauce. Pepper jack cheese and buffalo chicken together are a powerful mix of heat and spice. Pepper jack also melts smoothly. If you want an extra satisfying tingle, add it to quesadillas, tacos, or nachos with buffalo chicken.
Provolone
Slightly firmer than mozzarella with a distinctive smoky flavor, provolone is an ideal pizza cheese. Its tangy, nutty taste complements buffalo chicken beautifully. Provolone melts into a smooth, creamy consistency with that signature stretchy quality. Use buffalo sauce as the base and finish with crumbled blue cheese for the perfect buffalo chicken pizza.
Aged Gouda
Gouda is a Dutch cheese celebrated for its rich, nuanced flavor that concentrates as it ages. The caramel, butterscotch notes of aged gouda pair fantastically with zesty buffalo sauce. Try thinly sliced gouda on top of buffalo chicken sandwiches or wraps for added texture and salty bite. Baby gouda rounds baked with buffalo sauce and chicken are an elegant appetizer.
Application-Specific Cheese Pairings
Pizza
For buffalo chicken pizza, go for a combination of melty mozzarella, provolone, and Monterey Jack as the base. Then finish with crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese sprinkled on top after baking. The mix provides the right balance of stretchy, gooey goodness paired with pungent blue cheese bites in each slice.
Dips & Spreads
For buffalo chicken dips and spreads, combine cream cheese with cheddar and blue cheese. The cream cheese delivers a smooth, creamy base while the cheddar and blue cheese contribute sharper, tangier notes. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken coated with your favorite hot sauce for an easy appetizer dip.
Wings & Tenders
No other dish is more suited to blue cheese crumbles than traditional buffalo chicken wings and tenders. The bold blue cheese pairs perfectly with the saucy heat of the chicken. For variety, try ranch or blue cheese based dips with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different take on the classic combo.
Sandwiches & Wraps
To bring everything together on a buffalo chicken sandwich or wrap, choose a melting cheese like provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack. Their gooey properties help bind the chicken, hot sauce, and other fillings into a cohesive, crave-worthy package.
Salads
Turn your buffalo chicken salad into a meal by adding crumbled blue cheese, feta, or shredded cheddar cheese. Tangy goat or feta cheese offer bolder flavor for goat cheese lovers. Just avoid cheeses that are too moist or soft which don’t work as well unmelted atop salads.
Get creative and don’t limit yourself to one cheese variety. Mixing different cheeses lets you experience new dimensions of flavor in each bite! After trying the classics, challenge your palate with unexpected combinations like buffalo chicken with halloumi or cheese curds.
Key Tips for Pairing Cheese with Buffalo Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of cheese and buffalo chicken pairings:
The beauty of buffalo chicken is that it goes great with practically any cheese thanks to its signature flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional combinations until you discover your new favorite! From classic blue cheese crumbles to melted Monterey Jack, the cheese you choose can make all the difference.
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What Cheese Goes with Buffalo Chicken?
The best kinds of cheese to pair with buffalo chicken are sharp cheddar, gorgonzola, and Parmesan. These cheeses will accentuate the flavor of the chicken and add a nice creaminess to the dish. For a more mellow flavor, you could also try mozzarella or provolone.
For more ideas, keep scrolling!
Buffalo chicken and blue cheese is a classic flavor combination that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Making buffalo chicken wraps with blue cheese dressing and shredded chicken breast is one way to enjoy this pair.
Simply spread the blue cheese dressing on a tortilla, top with shredded chicken breast, and add any other desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc. ).
Another delicious way to enjoy buffalo chicken and blue cheese is to make buffalo chicken dip.
This dip can be made by combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese dressing, and buffalo sauce. Serve with chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
For a fun and unique twist on this flavor combination, try making buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
This dish can be made by combining cooked macaroni noodles with a sauce made from shredded chicken, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce.
Top with shredded cheese and chopped vegetables for added flavor.
Brie cheese goes well with buffalo chicken because it is mild and tastes like butter and cream.
Other ingredients you can add to the mix are celery, blue cheese or ranch dressing, which would give the dish a different flavor and make it more complex.
For a vegan version, you could replace the buffalo chicken with mushroom risotto (See Also: What Herbs Go with Mushroom Risotto? 13 Best Herbs) or vegetable stir-fry.
Camembert cheese is a cheese that is known for its mushroomy, eggy and garlicky flavor.
The flavor of this cheese makes it great for buffalo chicken. It can be used in many different dishes.
When pairing cheese with buffalo chicken, it is important to first decide what kind of cheese you would like to use.
Camembert cheese is a perfect cheese for buffalo chicken because of its flavor.
Camembert cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, but it is especially good in buffalo chicken wraps.
- To make a buffalo chicken wrap, start by getting a pan hot with oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it all the way through.
- Add the buffalo sauce after the chicken is done cooking and let it cook for a few more minutes.
- Once the buffalo sauce is cooked, add in your cheese.
- Put in just the right amount of cheese to make the wrap creamy, but not so much that it’s hard to eat.
- Add lettuce and tomatoes last, and then enjoy your buffalo chicken wrap!
Another great dish to serve up with buffalo chicken is a cheese and bacon-wrapped date.
Start by coating a slice of bacon in a layer of Chevre cheese.
Then, place the date on top of the cheese and roll it up in the bacon. You can serve this dish warm or cold.
For a slightly different take, you could also add a diced onion to the mix.
We think that this cheese and bacon-wrapped date is a great way to show off the different flavors that each one can impart.
Chevre cheese is a mild and buttery flavor, while bacon provides a savory element.
Dates add sweetness and a bit of tartness, which compliments the cheese perfectly.
The combination is a delicious and unique way to enjoy a classic dish.
If you’ve not yet tried feta cheese with buffalo chicken, you’re in for a real treat!
The two flavors complement each other perfectly, and the addition of feta takes the dish to a whole new level.
Here’s how to make it:
- First, grill, bake, or even pan-fry your chicken however you like.
- Once it’s cooked through, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, make your buffalo sauce. You could buy one from the store or make your own with butter, vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Now it’s time to assemble your dish. Put the chicken, buffalo sauce, and feta cheese in a large bowl and mix them together.
- You can add anything else you want, like green onions or diced celery.
- Enjoy! Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.
Not many people think of goat cheese when they think of buffalo chicken, but trust us, it’s a match made in heaven.
The tart, slightly tangy flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken, and the soft, almost spreadable texture pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken skin.
If you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious way to enjoy buffalo chicken, we highly recommend giving goat cheese a try.
You can add it to your buffalo chicken wraps, use it as a dip for your buffalo chicken wings, or even just top your buffalo chicken sandwich with a few slices.
If you want to really take things up a notch, try pairing your buffalo chicken with a sweet and savory peach chutney.
The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the heat of the buffalo chicken, and the chutney also adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
Why Consider Pairing Buffalo Chicken with Cheese?
Pairing buffalo chicken with cheese is a great way to create an impressive and unique main course.
The combination of flavors and textures is what makes this dish so special.
A lot of people shy away from buffalo chicken because they think it is too spicy, but pairing it with melted cheese makes it much more manageable.
Another reason to consider pairing buffalo chicken with cheese is that it can be a great way to introduce a new flavor profile to your guests.
Pairing buffalo chicken with cheese allows you to experiment with different flavors and spices without having to worry about how they will taste together.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing buffalo chicken with cheese, so be creative and see what you come up with!
THE BUFFALO CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE RECIPE FROM DISNEY WORLD…AT HOME! | SAM THE COOKING GUY
FAQ
What cheese compliments buffalo?
Blue cheese doesn’t so much cool the heat from buffalo wings as amplify it, demonstrating a like-with-like pairing when it comes to cheese and hot sauce. What is blue cheese, if not sweet and spicy, with its rich, nutty paste streaked with piquant, peppery blue mold?.
What kind of cheese is good in buffalo chicken dip?
Mozzarella cheese – you can buy pre-shredded mozzarella cheese. Cheddar cheese – I like to buy a block of cheddar and shred it myself so it melts better. For serving: tortilla chips, crackers or veggies.
What tastes good with buffalo chicken?
As a standard, buffalo wings are served hot with celery and carrot sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing to dip them in. It is a bold, spicy flavor that works well with the cooling and smooth texture of the ranch dressing or bleu cheese.
What kind of cheese goes in a buffalo chicken wrap?
HOW TO MAKE A BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAP: For this, I use thinly sliced chicken breasts. You can buy them that way, or you can cut a bigger chicken breast in half. It just cooks up much faster. Colby-Jack cheese is used, but you can use your favorite cheese.
What cheese goes well with Buffalo Chicken?
There are many different types of cheese that go well with buffalo chicken. Some of the most popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese. These cheeses all have a strong flavor that can stand up to the spicy chicken. Still looking for ideas? Then simply keep scrolling! 1. Cheddar.
What is the best cheese for Buffalo chicken wraps?
The key to a good buffalo chicken wrap is to find a cheese that can stand up to the heat of the buffalo sauce. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack would be a great choice. You could also use a crumbly blue cheese or a creamy ranch dressing to cool things down.
Can you eat Swiss cheese and Buffalo Chicken together?
A grilled cheese sandwich is one of the best ways to enjoy both Swiss cheese and buffalo chicken. The cheese will melt nicely and complement the flavors of the chicken. You could also make the sandwich taste even better by adding blue cheese crumbles or chopped green onions.
What goes well with buffalo sauce chicken?
Ranch dressing Ranch is another classic flavour that complements buffalo sauce chicken perfectly. It’s made with soured buttermilk, and has a distinctive taste with hints of garlic and onion. Adding fresh green herbs helps the white sauce to look more appealing, and dill, parsley, and chives are good choices.
What cheese goes well with Hunters Chicken?
Try a mountain cheese such as Emmental, Comte or Gruyere. Any of our fantastic fully flavoured English cheeses such as Gloucester, Derby or Red Leicester melt well and would bring a lovely richness to the dish. Hunters Chicken really is best made fresh and eaten straight out of the oven, so I don’t recommend making it ahead.