When it comes to pairing cheese with buffalo chicken, there are a few key factors to consider. The spicy and tangy flavor of buffalo chicken calls for a cheese that can stand up to and balance out those strong flavors. At the same time, you want a cheese that will complement and enhance the chicken rather than overpower it. With these guidelines in mind, blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese tend to be the best options.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a classic choice to serve with hot wings and buffalo chicken. The bold, salty flavor of blue cheese balances out the heat and acidity of buffalo sauce. When blue cheese melts, it creates a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. Blue cheese also adds a pleasant pungency and savoriness that brings all the flavors together. For buffalo chicken sandwiches, wraps, and salads, crumbled blue cheese works well. Melted blue cheese is also great drizzled over hot buffalo chicken as a dip or sauce.
Why Blue Cheese Works Well
- Salty, bold flavor balances spiciness
- Creamy texture cools heat
- Pungent taste brings out other flavors
- Classic pairing with hot wings
Easy Dishes
- Buffalo chicken salad with crumbled blue cheese
- Buffalo chicken sandwich with blue cheese sauce
- Buffalo chicken dip with melted blue cheese
Cheddar Cheese
For a more familiar flavor, aged cheddar cheese is a foolproof match with buffalo chicken. Sharp cheddar has a pronounced tang that stands up to spicy buffalo sauce. When melted, cheddar provides a smoother, more subtle creaminess to balance the heat. Cheddar adds great flavor to buffalo chicken dips, sandwiches, tacos, and more. Its versatility makes it a go-to choice. Mild cheddar can also work if you prefer a more subtle cheese flavor.
Benefits of Cheddar Cheese
- Tangy, sharp flavor complements heat
- Melted cheddar has creamy, smoothing texture
- Familiar flavor suits many tastes
- Very versatile for different dishes
Cheddar Cheese Options
- Aged, sharp cheddar
- White cheddar
- Mild cheddar
Mozzarella Cheese
Stringy, melted mozzarella cheese is a delicious match for buffalo chicken. The mild, milky flavor of fresh mozzarella balances the spice level. Low-moisture mozzarella melts into silky smoothness and adds great texture. Using mozzarella on buffalo chicken pizzas and flatbreads is always a good choice. Grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches with melted mozzarella also work very well. The textures and flavors meld together beautifully.
Benefits of Mozzarella
- Fresh mozzarella has mild, milky taste
- Low-moisture mozzarella melts smoothly
- Adds great texture and stringy factor
- Works well in melty applications
Mozzarella Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella for sandwiches
- Low-moisture for pizza, quesadillas, etc.
- Try buffalo chicken calzones with mozzarella
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a perfect melting cheese that pairs well with spicy buffalo chicken. Compared to cheddar, Monterey Jack has a mildest flavor. When melted, it has a creamy, velvety texture that helps temper the burn of buffalo sauce. Monterey Jack really shines when used in gooey buffalo chicken quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and more. The smooth melting properties of the cheese nicely coat the chicken. Pepper jack cheese can also be used to add a touch of heat.
Benefits of Monterey Jack
- Mild flavor doesn’t overwhelm buffalo sauce
- Melts into smooth, velvety texture
- Great for quesadillas, nachos, tacos, etc.
- Pepper Jack adds a little extra heat
Cooking Tips
- Shredded Monterey Jack for maximum melt factor
- Use in any dish where cheese will be melted
- Pepper Jack brings a new dimension to buffalo chicken
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese may not seem like an obvious choice, but it can make a great pairing with buffalo chicken. Cream cheese has a rich creaminess that helps balance the textural heat of buffalo sauce. Blending buffalo sauce with cream cheese makes an excellent dip or spread for chicken. The flavors marry beautifully. Cream cheese also works well in buffalo chicken dips and rolls. The soft tang pairs nicely with the seasonings. Just avoid overdoing it, as the flavors can become too rich.
Advantages of Cream Cheese
- Rich, creamy texture
- Soft tanginess balances heat
- Makes great dips, spreads, rolls
- Use in moderation to avoid heavy richness
Recipe Ideas
- Buffalo chicken pinwheels with cream cheese
- Buffalo chicken dip made with cream cheese
- Buffalo chicken flatbreads with cream cheese drizzle
Other Cheeses to Consider
While the cheeses above are most commonly paired with buffalo chicken, other varieties can work as well. Some other cheeses to consider include:
Swiss Cheese
The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese balances spiciness. It also melts into a smooth, creamy texture. Try it on buffalo chicken sandwiches or in melty applications.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone has a mild, milky flavor when young and more sharpness when aged. It melts well into strings and blankets buffalo chicken. Use provolone on pizzas or in stuffed chicken dishes.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a fresh Mexican cheese with a mild, tangy, salty flavor. It doesn’t fully melt but softens and provides a nice cooling contrast. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on tacos or nachos.
Feta Cheese
Salty, tangy feta cheese pairs well flavor-wise with buffalo chicken. The crumbly texture doesn’t melt but rather softens. Try feta in salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and more.
Goat Cheese
Tangy goat cheese holds its shape when heated but softens into creaminess. The tart flavor helps cut through spice. Use crumbled goat cheese in salads or sandwiches.
Conclusion
When pairing cheese with buffalo chicken, complementing and balancing the spicy flavor is key. Opt for cheeses with some tanginess, creaminess, saltiness, or mildness to even out the heat. Blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese are safe bets that will melt or soften into great textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses too. The key is finding a cheese that improves the dish rather than competes with the delicious flavors of buffalo chicken.