Buffalo 'Chicken' Mac & 'Cheese'
I can't wait for you guys to try this buffalo chicken mac inspired by the infamous Homeroom in Oakland, California. They have some incredible mac & cheese dishes with super unique flavors, and this recipe serves as a great base for all types of add-ins. I made this recipe dairy-free for the base, and topped it with a greek yogurt ranch from Ambitious Kitchen. Highly recommend with Frank's Hot Sauce and a TON of black pepper. ⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Mac & Cheese
- 9 Oz Elbow or Shell Pasta
- 4 Tbsp Vegan Butter or Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 1 Can Full Fat Coconut Milk - 13.5 Fl Oz
- 3/4 Cup Vegetable Stock
- 6 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Gardein Chicken - 8.1 Oz (optional)
- 3 Tbsp Breadcrumbs
- Salt & Pepper
- Hot Sauce & Cilantro to Garnish
Instructions
- 1
Boil pasta until al-dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 2
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 3
Melt butter/oil in pan on medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth paste forms.
- 4
Pour in coconut milk and vegetable stock. Keep whisking until mixture boils and is smooth.
- 5
Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- 6
If using Gardein chicken, cook according to package and chop into bite-size pieces.
- 7
Mix pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Fold in chicken if using.
- 8
Transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake 10-12 minutes until golden.
- 9
Drizzle with hot sauce, top with cilantro, and add lots of black pepper!
Pairs Perfectly
Nani
For the serious heat seekers - bold, fiery, unforgettable. Nani brings the heat with a blend habaneros, red bell pepper, and carrots along with a mild touch of Manuka honey that creates an incredible depth of flavor alongside serious spice. 🌟 Key Features: Heat Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Hot) Primary Ingredients: Habaneros, carrots, red bell pepper, Manuka honey, and vinegar Flavor Profile: Intense heat, punchy, fun Perfect With: Tacos, stir-fries, grilled meats, Greek yogurt 🔥 Warning: Extreme heat level! Start with just a few drops. Not recommended for beginners.