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.
From mild cheeses like Brie and Swiss cheese, to bolder flavors like blue cheese and gouda, there’s something for everyone.
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.
Cheese and buffalo chicken go together like peanut butter and jelly. When you mix the sour and spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the smooth, creamy texture of cheese, you get an irresistible flavor combination. But there are so many kinds of cheese out there. Which ones go best with this spicy dish?
I’ve done the research and taste-testing (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!) to bring you the ultimate guide to pairing cheese with buffalo chicken. Whether you’re making wings, dip, pizza, or sandwiches, these cheese options will take your buffalo chicken game to the next level.
Why Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Are Perfect Together
Before diving into specific cheese options let’s understand why this pairing works so well
- Balance of flavors: The coolness and creaminess of cheese helps counteract the heat from buffalo sauce
- Textural contrast: Creamy cheese against crispy chicken creates a pleasing mouthfeel
- Flavor enhancement: Certain cheeses can actually amplify the flavors in buffalo sauce
- Versatility: Different cheeses offer different experiences – from melty to crumbly, mild to sharp
Now, let’s explore the 12 best cheese options to pair with your buffalo chicken dishes.
1. Blue Cheese – The Classic Choice
The most common way to pair buffalo chicken with food is blue cheese, and for good reason. It goes well with the bold, spicy taste of buffalo sauce because it has a strong, sour flavor.
Best used for Buffalo wings (as a dipping sauce) buffalo chicken salads and buffalo chicken sandwiches
What makes it work: The creamy texture helps cool down the heat, and the unique flavor is the perfect balance to the heat. Blue cheese’s sharp, funky notes go well with buffalo sauce’s sour, vinegary taste.
If you want to try blue cheese but don’t want to go all out, try Danish blue cheese. It’s creamier and not as strong as other types.
2. Monterey Jack – The Melty Crowd-Pleaser
Monterey Jack is incredibly versatile and melts beautifully, making it perfect for many buffalo chicken applications.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken quesadillas, melts, and pizzas
Why it works: Its mild, slightly sweet flavor won’t compete with the buffalo sauce, while its excellent melting qualities create that Instagram-worthy cheese pull. The creamy texture helps tame the heat without muting it.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, try pepper jack, which adds additional spiciness through embedded peppers.
3. Cheddar – The Reliable Favorite
Cheddar cheese offers a familiar flavor that pairs well with buffalo chicken while still allowing the spiciness to shine through.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, dips, and casseroles
Why it works: The sharpness of cheddar stands up to the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. It also melts well, creating a creamy texture that complements the chicken.
Pro tip: Mild white cheddar offers a more subtle flavor, while aged sharp cheddar brings more pronounced tanginess.
4. Mozzarella – The Stretchy Delight
Mozzarella is known for its amazing meltability and mild flavor, making it a perfect canvas for buffalo chicken flavors.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken pizza, stuffed bread, and baked dishes
Why it works: Its stretchy, gooey texture when melted creates a satisfying eating experience, while its mild flavor lets the buffalo sauce be the star.
Pro tip: Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content and milder flavor, while low-moisture mozzarella melts better for pizzas and baked dishes.
5. Cream Cheese – The Creamy Base
Cream cheese provides a rich, tangy foundation that works wonderfully with the spiciness of buffalo chicken.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken dips, spreads, and stuffed mushrooms
Why it works: Its thick, creamy texture and mild tanginess helps mellow out the heat while adding richness.
Pro tip: Whip the cream cheese before mixing with other ingredients for a lighter, more spreadable texture.
6. Feta – The Crumbly Contrast
Feta cheese offers a briny, tangy flavor and crumbly texture that creates interesting contrast with buffalo chicken.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken wraps, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes
Why it works: The saltiness and tanginess of feta enhances the flavor of buffalo sauce while its crumbly texture adds interest.
Pro tip: Crumble feta over hot buffalo chicken dishes just before serving so it slightly softens but doesn’t completely melt.
7. Goat Cheese – The Tangy Alternative
Goat cheese brings a distinctive tangy flavor and creamy texture that pairs surprisingly well with buffalo chicken.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken flatbreads, salads, and stuffed peppers
Why it works: Its tanginess complements the vinegar notes in buffalo sauce while providing a creamy counterpoint to the heat.
Pro tip: For a milder option, look for fresh goat cheese (chèvre) rather than aged varieties.
8. Brie – The Luxurious Option
Brie adds a touch of elegance with its buttery flavor and soft, creamy texture.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken paninis, crostini, and upscale appetizers
Why it works: The rich, buttery quality of brie balances the heat of buffalo sauce while adding a sophisticated touch.
Pro tip: Remove the rind for melting applications, but keep it on for cold preparations to maintain structure.
9. Stilton – The Bold British Choice
Stilton is a strong, flavorful blue cheese that brings complexity to buffalo chicken dishes.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken burgers, steak-style sandwiches, and fancy appetizers
Why it works: Its intense flavor can stand up to even the spiciest buffalo sauce while adding a gourmet element.
Pro tip: A little goes a long way – use Stilton sparingly as its flavor can be quite potent.
10. Swiss Cheese – The Nutty Option
Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor with excellent melting properties.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken sandwiches, melts, and casseroles
Why it works: Its subtle nuttiness and good melting qualities complement buffalo chicken without overpowering it.
Pro tip: Look for baby Swiss for a milder flavor or Emmental for more pronounced nuttiness.
11. Ricotta – The Light Choice
Ricotta brings a light, mild flavor and unique texture to buffalo chicken dishes.
Best used for: Buffalo chicken stuffed shells, lasagna, and dips
Why it works: Its mild sweetness helps balance the heat while its creamy yet slightly grainy texture adds interest.
Pro tip: Strain ricotta for a few hours before using to remove excess moisture for a thicker consistency.
12. Roquefort – The Fancy French Pick
Roquefort is a distinctive French blue cheese with a complex flavor profile.
Best used for: Gourmet buffalo chicken dishes, high-end appetizers, and wine pairings
Why it works: Its complex, pungent flavor creates an interesting counterpoint to spicy buffalo sauce.
Pro tip: Pair with a sweet element like honey or fig jam to balance the strong flavors.
Best Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Combinations by Dish Type
Not sure which cheese to use for specific buffalo chicken dishes? Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Dish Type | Best Cheese Options |
|---|---|
| Wings | Blue cheese, Roquefort, Ranch with cheddar |
| Dips | Cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack |
| Pizza | Mozzarella, blue cheese crumbles, provolone |
| Sandwiches | Monterey Jack, Swiss, blue cheese |
| Salads | Feta, blue cheese, goat cheese |
| Pasta | Cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta |
| Quesadillas | Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack |
Tips for Perfectly Pairing Cheese with Buffalo Chicken
To get the most out of your buffalo chicken and cheese pairing:
- Consider heat level: For super spicy buffalo sauce, choose creamier, milder cheeses to balance the heat
- Think about texture: Decide if you want melty cheese (like mozzarella) or a textural contrast (like feta)
- Experiment with combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix cheeses! A combination of mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles works great on pizza
- Temperature matters: Some cheeses are better cold (feta in salads), while others shine when melted (cheddar in dips)
- Presentation counts: For visual appeal, consider the color of your cheese against the bright orange-red of buffalo sauce
My Personal Favorite: The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip
I’ve tried many buffalo chicken and cheese combinations over the years, but my absolute favorite is this creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken dip that features THREE different cheeses for maximum flavor:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch until smooth
- Fold in chicken and half the cheddar
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheddar and blue cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly
- Garnish with green onions and serve with chips, celery, and carrots
The cream cheese provides the perfect base, the cheddar gives that classic melt, and the blue cheese adds that distinctive tang that pairs so well with buffalo sauce. It’s always the first thing to disappear at parties!
Wrapping It Up
Buffalo chicken and cheese are truly a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you stick with the classic blue cheese pairing or venture into more creative territory with options like brie or goat cheese, you really can’t go wrong.
The key is finding the balance that works for your palate – a cheese that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce without overwhelming it or getting lost in the background.
We’d love to hear about your favorite buffalo chicken and cheese combinations! Drop a comment below sharing your go-to pairing.
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about buffalo chicken and cheese has made me hungry. I think I’ll go whip up that dip I mentioned…
Happy cooking!
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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.
You might also want to pair buffalo chicken with cheese because it can be a fun way to introduce your guests to a new flavor profile.
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!.
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.
It is a cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and is perfect for buffalo chicken because of its flavor.
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.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
FAQ
What cheese compliments Buffalo?
When it comes to cheese and hot sauce, blue cheese doesn’t really cool down the heat from buffalo wings; instead, it makes it stronger. What is blue cheese, if not sweet and spicy, with its rich, nutty paste streaked with piquant, peppery blue mold?.
What cheese is best for a buffalo chicken sandwich?
Put green leaf lettuce, sliced vine-ripe tomatoes, sliced red onion, and dill pickle chips on top of a toasted bun. Next, add the grilled buffalo chicken. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can add a bit of ranch, mozzarella or provolone cheese, crumbled blue cheese or even blue cheese dressing.
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 kind of cheese goes in a buffalo chicken wrap?
TIPS AND TRICKS ON MAKING A BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAP: I use thin sliced chicken breasts for this, you can purchase them this way or you can cut a larger chicken breast in half. It just cooks up much faster. Colby-Jack cheese is used, but you can use your favorite cheese.