Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo has become my absolute go-to for game days and even just a cozy weeknight treat. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of spicy buffalo sauce and melting cheese filling my kitchen was incredible. The crust gets so perfectly crisp in the cast iron, and that gooey, cheesy pull is just divine. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, and this buffalo cheese skillet truly elevates comfort food. Get ready to impress yourself and your friends – let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this amazing recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience!
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The cast iron skillet creates an unbelievably crispy crust.
- You get that satisfying spicy kick from the buffalo sauce.
- It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties and game days.
- This crispy buffalo cheese bake is pure comfort food bliss.
- The combination of melted cheeses is pure cheesy perfection.
- You can customize the heat level to your preference.
- This crispy buffalo cheese bake is a guaranteed hit every single time.
Ingredients for Your Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating your ultimate cheesy buffalo chicken skillet. I love how simple this recipe is, and having everything ready makes the process smooth.
- 1 base Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought) – use your favorite kind!
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken – rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce – choose your preferred heat level
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil, or Parsley), chopped – adds a burst of freshness
- 2 cloves Garlic, grated – for a pungent kick
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes – optional, for extra heat
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing – creamy and cooling
- 1/2 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese (optional) – for that classic buffalo pairing
- 1 cup Shredded Whole Milk Provolone Cheese – melts beautifully and adds a mild flavor
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese – for that sharp, irresistible taste
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – ensures that gooey, stretchy pull
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Scallions – for a fresh oniony finish
- Olive oil for skillet – just enough to coat the pan
How to Make Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Making this Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a masterpiece in no time!
- Step 1: Crank up the heat! Preheat your oven to a blazing 500°F (260°C). It’s crucial to let that oven heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure a perfectly crisp crust.
- Step 2: Grab your cast iron skillet. Give it a good, light coating of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and contributes to that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- Step 3: Time for the base. Gently press your pizza dough evenly into the oiled skillet. Make sure it covers the bottom and comes up the sides a bit – this creates a wonderful vessel for all that cheesy goodness.
- Step 4: Let’s build some flavor. In a small bowl, combine your chopped fresh herbs, grated garlic, and chili flakes. Give it a good mix. This aromatic blend adds a fantastic depth.
- Step 5: Start the cheese layers. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the pizza dough. Provolone is great for melting and adds a subtle, savory note.
- Step 6: Drizzle your sauces. Generously drizzle the ranch dressing and the buffalo sauce over the provolone layer. This is where the magic really starts to happen.
- Step 7: Pile on the protein. Scatter the cooked shredded chicken evenly across the sauced cheese. Make sure you get a good amount in every bite! This is how you make skillet buffalo cheese a hearty meal.
- Step 8: Into the oven it goes! Bake your skillet buffalo cheese pizza for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, give the skillet a quick rotation to ensure even cooking and browning. You’re looking for that crust to be golden and the cheese to be bubbly and irresistible.
- Step 9: Patience, almost there! Once out of the oven, let your creation cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Step 10: The grand finale! Top with the chopped scallions for a fresh bite and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you dare. Slice it up and serve immediately. Enjoying how to make skillet buffalo cheese is part of the fun!
Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
Want to elevate your game? These tips will ensure your skillet buffalo cheese is absolutely perfect every time.
- Preheat your oven and skillet thoroughly for maximum crispiness. A screaming hot oven is key to that perfect crust.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! A good blend ensures that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves in a cheesy buffalo chicken skillet.
- For an easy skillet buffalo cheese experience, use pre-shredded cheeses and rotisserie chicken.
- If using homemade dough, let it come to room temperature before pressing it into the skillet for easier handling.
What’s the secret to perfect Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo?
The secret lies in the high heat and the cast iron skillet. Getting both screaming hot ensures a wonderfully crisp crust and perfectly melted, bubbly cheese, making this the best skillet buffalo cheese creation.
Can I make Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and toppings ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. However, for the best crispy crust, I recommend assembling and baking right before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo?
A common pitfall is a soggy crust. Ensure your oven and skillet are fully preheated. Also, avoid overloading with too much sauce, which can make the dough steam instead of crisp.
Best Ways to Serve Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
This amazing dish is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few complementary items can really make it shine. It’s perfect as a hearty main course or a shareable appetizer.
- For a full meal, serve slices with a side of crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks dipped in extra ranch or blue cheese dressing. This adds a refreshing crunch and cools down the spice.
- Consider pairing it with a light, refreshing salad tossed with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- As a game-day snack, this skillet buffalo cheese appetizer is a winner! Cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve with a variety of dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy.
Nutrition Facts for Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious dish:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your homemade skillet buffalo cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo later. Once it’s cooled down significantly, typically for about 30 minutes after cooking, you can store it. I like to cut it into individual portions or slices before storing. For the best results, place the cooled skillet buffalo cheese in an airtight container. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from drying out. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is an option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Following these skillet buffalo cheese instructions will ensure you can enjoy this treat whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo
What is Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo?
What is skillet crispy cheese buffalo? It’s a delicious, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish baked in a cast iron skillet. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza or a super-loaded cheese dip with a crispy pizza crust base. It features layers of cheese, buffalo chicken, and ranch, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a fantastic comfort food that’s incredibly satisfying!
Can I use different cheeses in my Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a good Gruyere can add fantastic flavor. The key is to use cheeses that melt well for that signature gooey pull in your buffalo cheese skillet.
How spicy is this Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo recipe?
The spice level really depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and whether you add extra chili flakes. Most standard buffalo sauces offer a medium heat. If you prefer it milder, use a less spicy sauce or omit the chili flakes. For a fiery kick, opt for a hotter buffalo sauce – making your own homemade skillet buffalo cheese allows for perfect heat control.
Is this a good Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo appetizer?
Definitely! This dish works wonderfully as a shareable skillet buffalo cheese appetizer. Cut it into smaller squares or wedges, and serve it hot with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping. It’s always a hit at parties and gatherings, offering a unique and flavorful bite that guests rave about.
Variations of Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo You Can Try
While this original recipe is fantastic, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this dish to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and double up on the veggies! Roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce or even black beans make for a hearty meatless option. This variation still captures the essence of a flavorful buffalo chicken cheese skillet recipe without the meat.
- Cauliflower Crust Base: For a lower-carb option, try using a pre-made or homemade cauliflower crust as your base instead of pizza dough. It bakes up beautifully in the skillet and offers a lighter texture while still delivering all those delicious buffalo cheese flavors.
- Spicy Sausage Twist: Add some crumbled, cooked spicy Italian sausage or chorizo to the chicken layer for an extra punch of flavor and heat. This creates a richer, more robust profile that complements the buffalo sauce wonderfully.
- Smoked Gouda & Bacon: Swap out some of the cheeses for smoked gouda and add some crispy bacon bits. This variation offers a smoky, savory depth that pairs incredibly well with the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a truly decadent skillet experience.
Skillet Crispy Cheese Buffalo: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crispy, cheesy buffalo chicken pizza baked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for game nights or a satisfying comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 1 base Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil, or Parsley)
- 2 cloves Garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese (optional)
- 1 cup Shredded Whole Milk Provolone Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Scallions
- Olive oil for skillet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and allow it to heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Lightly oil a cast iron skillet with olive oil.
- Press the pizza dough evenly into the skillet, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- In a small bowl, combine the fresh herbs, grated garlic, and chili flakes. Mix well.
- Layer the provolone cheese evenly over the pizza dough.
- Drizzle ranch dressing and buffalo sauce over the provolone cheese.
- Scatter the shredded chicken evenly over the sauced cheese layer.
- Bake the skillet buffalo cheese pizza for approximately 15 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through for even cooking.
- The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Top with chopped scallions and an additional drizzle of buffalo sauce before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 500°F (260°C).
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg