Buffalo Ranch Loaded Mac and Cheese
Experience a flavor explosion with this Buffalo Ranch Loaded Mac and Cheese! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce infused with zesty hot sauce and the signature flavor of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and parmesan crust, this dish is not just about comfort; it’s about a deliciously satisfying experience that will make your taste buds cheer. Whether it's game day or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike with its cheesy goodness and bold flavors.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1/2 lb (cooked)
hot sauce
1/4 cup (none)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
shallot
1 (minced)
eggs
2 (beaten)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup (none)
milk
2/3 cup (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
3
Stir in the hot sauce and mix well, allowing the flavors to marry for another minute.
4
Return the drained pasta to the pot, tossing it gently with the buttery shallots and hot sauce until evenly coated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing until well combined.
6
Once the pasta has cooled, pour the egg mixture over it, then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy.
7
Grease an 8x8 baking dish with a little butter, then pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
In a small bowl, combine the grated parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
9
For an extra kick, drizzle a few splashes of hot sauce on top.
10
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
22g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo Ranch Loaded Mac and Cheese?
It is a flavor-packed pasta dish that combines elbow macaroni with a creamy sauce made from hot sauce, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese, finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of elbow macaroni, cooked al dente.
How much hot sauce is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of hot sauce to be mixed into the pasta, with extra splashes recommended for the top.
What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
The recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing for its signature flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does the mac and cheese need to bake?
Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What size baking dish is required?
An 8x8 baking dish greased with butter is ideal for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This Buffalo Ranch Mac and Cheese provides 9g of protein per serving.
What kind of cheese is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the main sauce.
What makes the topping crunchy?
The topping is a combination of 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
How are the shallots prepared?
One shallot should be minced and sautéed in butter for about 2 minutes until soft.
Do I need to use eggs in this recipe?
Yes, 2 beaten eggs are whisked with milk and ranch to help bind the sauce and create a creamy texture.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of milk.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add extra hot sauce?
Yes, the instructions suggest drizzling a few extra splashes of hot sauce on top before baking for an extra kick.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is the pasta cooked before baking?
Yes, the elbow macaroni should be boiled in salted water until al dente before being mixed with the sauce.
What kind of butter is used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of melted butter for sautéing shallots and greasing the dish.
What seasonings are added?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can this be served for game day?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a great option for game day or cozy family dinners.
Should the macaroni be cooled before adding the egg mixture?
Yes, the instructions recommend letting the pasta cool slightly before pouring the egg, milk, and ranch mixture over it.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
It is done when the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb-parmesan topping is golden brown.
Is the parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the topping.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for flavor, you could substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterrey Jack or mild cheddar.
Does this recipe include meat?
No, this version is a vegetarian pasta dish, though buffalo chicken is a common suggested addition.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The primary flavors are zesty buffalo hot sauce, cool ranch dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How long should it cool after baking?
It is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as a casserole and a comfort food pasta dish.