For Buffalo Chicken, go with Blue Cheese, Brie Cheese, Camembert Cheese, Chevre Cheese, and Feta Cheese.
What Cheese Goes with Buffalo Chicken?
For something lighter, swap in Feta Cheese instead.
Buffalo chicken and cheese is a timeless combo.
Sure, we all know that it's delicious - but what cheese pairs the best with this flavorful dish?
With so many options available, it's enough to make any foodie's head spin with excitement.
To help you out, this article highlights twelve of the very best cheeses to complement your next Buffalo Chicken meal.
From mild white cheddar to spicy pepper jack, these featured selections include something for everyone.
Investigate what we have to offer today and take your Buffalo Chicken game to the next level with these tempting options.
Why Consider Pairing Buffalo Chicken with Cheese?
There are several things to consider.
The heat of the buffalo sauce and the mildness of certain cheeses combine for a flavor-packed dish that contains balanced flavors.
Cheese can also give texture and thickness to many dishes, making them a popular addition.
There are several varieties of cheese that pair well with buffalo chicken.
Cheese can also be used in several ways and can either melt, dissolve or hold its structure when heated.
For example, cream cheese can thicken recipes while cheddar and mozzarella might melt in the heat of the dish.
So knowing what type of texture or experience you're looking for will help you select the right cheese for any dish.
Lastly, it's important to keep in mind that each variety of cheese has different milk fat contents which will affect moisture levels when cooking with cheese - so remember to pick your variety wisely.
Pairings that work well include: gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese crumbles, Amercian-style Dijon Havarti and Gruyere (which provide a slight nutty taste), string cheeses (which get creamy when heated) as well as cream cheeses (which become thick like sauce when cooked).
Both do these varieties pair well with Buffalo chicken but they are also fantastic toppings that add an unexpected creamy contrast to the spiciness from the hot sauce- making them highly diverse and enjoyable companions for this flavorful meal.
Think about the vegetable components that might accompany buffalo chicken - butter chicken vegetables to consider can help match textures and flavors.
12 Cheese Choices to Pair with Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken is a classic dish with several great cheese options to top it off.
Whether you're having traditional wings, pizza or a sandwich, these cheeses will go well with your favorite buffalo chicken dish.
Some cheeses also shine in sweet-and-spicy combos - fig jam cheese options show how fruity pairings work with bold flavors.
1. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a natural choice for Buffalo chicken - it serves up a nice contrast to the spicy heat of the chicken.
Its strong flavor stands up to the bold, fiery flavors of Buffalo chicken, while its creamy texture helps settle their heat.
You can pair blue cheese with any type of Buffalo chicken, from traditional Buffalo wings to pizza and dip.
It pairs particularly well with salads featuring both blue cheese and chicken to combine two popular ingredients into one delicious dish.
Other options you may want to consider include feta, Monterey Jack, Gorgonzola and Brie.
Soft, mild cheeses like cream cheese or mozzarella can also provide a nice balance to the spice without overpowering your palate.
Blue cheese's assertive tang also makes it a solid choice for sandwiches - see cold ham sandwich cheese options for similar pairings.
2. Brie Cheese
Brie is a creamy French cheese with a soft white rind.
Its rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture pair nicely with the complex flavors of buffalo chicken.
When selecting brie, look for a wheel that has an even-colored rind without too much orange/red hue.
It should have a uniform texture, with no mold spots or irregular openings in the wheel.
Brie can be served at room temperature, or melted into sauces and dips for extra richness and depth of flavor.
Top traditional buffalo chicken dip or pizza with slices of this pleasant cheese to experience its full potential.
Brie's creamy richness also pairs well with heartier proteins - meats for mac and cheese ideas illustrate compatible flavor combinations.
3. Camembert Cheese
Camembert cheese is a soft and creamy cheese with an earthy, mushroom-like flavor.
Its mild, buttery taste pairs nicely with the spicy kick of buffalo-style chicken.
This cheese also has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that adds a mellow balance to the meal.
The light and creamy texture of Camembert makes it perfect for melted toppings or even soft spreads.
Try adding some camembert to your dish for an extra flavor boost.
Camembert's earthy notes can complement savory sandwiches - see cold roast beef sandwich cheese picks for similar uses.
4. Chevre Cheese
Chevre cheese is made from goat milk, which results in a tangy, creamy cheese.
The flavor of chevre is harder to define than other cheeses because it can range from mildly sweet to earthy and sometimes even herbal.
For buffalo chicken dishes that call for creamy, tangy flavors, chevre cheese is a great choice.
This association makes sense as the earthiness of the goat milk balances out the acidic ingredients in buffalo sauce-based recipes.
Also, chevre has a milder flavor than many other cheeses, so it won't overpower the flavor of the chicken or sauce.
It pairs well with chicken because its taste improves foods without overwhelming them and can be used as an ingredient or garnish on burgers and wraps as well as pizza and salads.
Chevre's tangy profile also pairs well with deli flavors - cheeses that pair with pastrami offers related pairing ideas.
5. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a briny, crumbly cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk.
It has a salty and tangy flavor that makes it an excellent choice when looking to pair with buffalo chicken.
Feta goes with the spiciness of the dish, adding a tart and creamy element that helps to balance out the heat.
It is particularly good when served with salads and sandwiches, as it helps to cut through heavier flavors - see cheese for Caesar salad ideas for similar salad-friendly options.
For added flavor, try sprinkling some oregano or parsley into your dish for an extra burst of aromatic herbs.
6. Goat Cheese
It is a tangy cheese, goat cheese combines perfectly with the heat of buffalo chicken.
Most commonly found in a soft, mild form, its flavor adds a subtle creamy texture to your dish.
Crumble some goat cheese over freshly cooked chicken wings or dip pieces in a melty goat cheese sauce to enjoy the unique flavors together.
The combination of heat, salty and tart flavors creates an unforgettable experience.
Goat cheese's bright tang pairs nicely with bold seasonings - spices in mac and cheese options suggest complementary spice profiles.
7. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is one of the most versatile cheeses to use with buffalo chicken.
It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy, stringy texture that adds amazing depth and flavor to any dish.
Its mild yet distinctive flavor makes it an ideal choice for spicy dishes such as buffalo chicken.
It also melts very well, so it's perfect for hot dishes served on a sandwich or in tacos.
Monterey Jack can be used in place of cheddar cheese in many recipes if you're looking for more complex flavors and textures.
Try making a homemade creamy buffalo sauce with butter, garlic, onions, hot sauce and Monterey jack or use it as a topping on nachos for extra cheesy goodness.
8. Neufchâtel Cheese
Neufchâtel cheese, sometimes referred to as French cream cheese, is a semi-soft cheese that has a very creamy texture and mellow flavor.
On its own, it's not too strong or flavorful.
However, when added to dishes like Buffalo chicken, it adds an extra layer of creaminess and tanginess that goes well with the heat from the chicken.
Neufchâtel cheese can be purchased in blocks, slices, or cubes and is often used as a substitute for soft cheeses such as ricotta or cream cheese.
It's usually served cold straight from the fridge but can also be consumed at room temperature for an even richer flavor.
When using Neufchâtel with Buffalo chicken, try topping it with a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce - the results will be mouthwateringly delicious.
9. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that makes a good addition to buffallo chicken.
Ricotta is particularly well suited for dishes with lots of flavor because it can absorb and balance out the sensation of spiciness.
The cheese is made from whey left over from the production of other cheeses and has a light, slightly sweet flavor that does not overpower other ingredients.
Ricotta is available in both part-skim and full-fat versions which have different textures; part-skim is generally preferred for this dish because it has a smoother and lighter texture without sacrificing flavor.
Using ricotta on buffalo chicken allows you to enjoy the classic combo of rich creamy cheese with spicy flavors without taking away from either.
10. Roquefort Cheese
Roquefort cheese is a type of blue cheese from the south of France.
It has a distinctive aroma and smooth, crumbly texture, with a distinct salty flavor with notes of nuttiness.
It is delicious as an accompaniment to buffalo chicken for its bold flavor that can stand up to the spiciness of the dish.
Roquefort pairs well with white or red wines and creamy sauces such as carbonara or alfredo.
11. Stilton Cheese
Stilton cheese is an English cheese first made by a farmer near the village of Stilton in the 18th century.
It is one of the few British cheeses to be granted protected geographical indication EU status.
This means that no other cheese produced anywhere else in the world can be called Stilton.
The texture of this cheese is semi-firm and crumbly, while its flavor ranges from mild to sharp and tangy with a blue-green 'stretch'.
It pairs well with many different wines, sweet and savory dishes, and strong flavors like Buffalo chicken.
If you choose Stilton as your cheese accompaniment for this dish, remember to take it out of the refrigerator about one hour before serving for optimum flavor.
12. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is an excellent cheese pairing for spicy buffalo chicken because of its mild flavor.
The light and slightly nutty flavor of Swiss cheese goes with the heat and spiciness of the buffalo chicken.
It also melts quickly so it can easily be spread over the top of your dish.
Swiss cheese is a popular cheese option when adding extra flavour to any sandwich or hot dish, like a buffalo chicken pizza or chicken tenders.
Salami sandwiches often call for robust cheeses and sides - salami sandwich cheese sides outlines compatible pairings. Chicken sandwiches benefit from complementary sauces and spreads - chicken sandwich sauce options lists versatile choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cheese Goes with Buffalo Chicken? Brie Cheese Brie is a creamy French cheese with a soft white rind.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. This side dish handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.
What is the lightest option to round out the plate?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option.
It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.
Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily. Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.
Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.