What Cheese Goes in Buffalo Chicken Dip? The Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Spicy Perfection

Let’s face it – few appetizers bring people running to the table faster than a hot, bubbling dish of buffalo chicken dip This game day favorite combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy, melty cheese and tender chicken for an irresistible combo that’s practically impossible to stop eating But if you’ve ever wondered what cheese makes the BEST buffalo chicken dip, you’re not alone!

I’ve made this dip more times than I can count (my family basically demands it for every gathering), and I’ve experimented with pretty much every cheese combination possible Today, I’m sharing everything I know about creating the perfect cheese blend for your next buffalo chicken dip masterpiece

The Classic Cheese Trio for Buffalo Chicken Dip

The most popular buffalo chicken dip recipes typically use a combination of three key cheeses

1. Cream Cheese – The creamy foundation
2. Cheddar Cheese – The sharp, melty layer
3. Blue Cheese or Ranch – The flavor balancer

Let’s break these down and see why they work so well together!

Cream Cheese: The Essential Base

Cream cheese is non-negotiable in buffalo chicken dip. It provides:

• A thick, creamy texture that holds everything together
• A mild, slightly tangy flavor that balances the spicy buffalo sauce
• That rich, velvety mouthfeel that makes the dip utterly addictive

For best results, always use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients without any lumps. I usually use 16 ounces (two 8-oz packages) for a standard-sized dip that serves 8 people.

Cheddar Cheese: The Melty Middle Layer

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful flavor dimension and that stretchy, gooey quality we all love. When selecting cheddar:

• Sharp or extra-sharp varieties stand up best to the buffalo sauce
• Pre-shredded works fine, but freshly grated melts more smoothly
• About 1½ cups is typically ideal for a balanced flavor

I’ve found that orange cheddar gives the dip that classic buffalo chicken dip look, but white cheddar tastes just as delicious if that’s what you have on hand.

The Flavor Balancer: Blue Cheese vs. Ranch

Here’s where buffalo chicken dip recipes often diverge into two camps:

Blue Cheese Option:

• Authentic buffalo wing flavor (mimics blue cheese dressing)
• Adds a funky, tangy punch that cuts through the heat
• Can be polarizing for guests who dislike blue cheese

Ranch Option:

• More universally appealing flavor profile
• Mellower taste that lets the buffalo sauce shine
• Creates a creamier, smoother texture

I personally prefer using ranch dressing in my dip (about 1 cup) because it’s always a crowd-pleaser, but many buffalo purists insist on blue cheese crumbles or dressing for authenticity.

Beyond the Basics: Other Cheese Options

While the classic trio above forms the foundation of most buffalo chicken dips, there are plenty of other cheeses that can elevate your recipe!

Mozzarella: For Extra Stretch Factor

Mozzarella cheese brings incredible stretch to your buffalo chicken dip. It’s mild enough not to compete with the buffalo flavor but adds that Instagram-worthy cheese pull when you dip in a chip. Use about 1 cup, either in place of some cheddar or in addition to it.

Monterey Jack or Colby Jack: The Melty Alternatives

Both Monterey Jack and Colby Jack melt beautifully and offer:

• A mild, slightly buttery flavor
• Excellent melting properties
• Less sharpness than cheddar

These make great substitutes if you’re not a fan of cheddar’s stronger taste or want a milder dip overall.

Gouda: The Secret Weapon

Smoked gouda isn’t traditional, but a half cup mixed with your cheddar creates a buffalo chicken dip with incredible depth. The smoky notes complement the buffalo sauce beautifully!

Parmesan: The Flavor Booster

A quarter cup of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty undertone that can really enhance your dip. It’s not a main cheese but works wonderfully as an accent cheese mixed in with the others.

My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip Cheese Blend

After years of testing, here’s my personal favorite cheese combination for buffalo chicken dip:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for extra flavor depth)

This blend creates the perfect balance of creaminess, meltiness, and flavor that complements the buffalo sauce without overwhelming it.

Tips for Cheese Success in Buffalo Chicken Dip

No matter which cheese combo you choose, these tips will help ensure your dip turns out perfectly:

1. Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps
2. Grate your own cheese when possible – pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melting
3. Layer some cheese on top before baking for that beautiful bubbly crust
4. Stir halfway through baking for even melting if using a slow cooker
5. Add cheese gradually if melting on the stovetop to prevent clumping

The Complete Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the cheese options, here’s my go-to buffalo chicken dip recipe that always disappears within minutes at parties:

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce is my fave)
• 2 cups shredded chicken (canned works great, or use rotisserie)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (I use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, blue cheese crumbles, extra buffalo sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (if baking).
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
3. Mix in buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheese.
4. Fold in shredded chicken until well combined.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve hot with chips, celery sticks, carrots, or crackers.

Serving Suggestions & Dippers

Your cheesy buffalo chicken dip deserves the perfect dippers! Here are some winning combinations:

• Tortilla chips – Sturdy and perfect for scooping
• Celery sticks – The classic buffalo wing side that provides a fresh crunch
• Carrot sticks – Sweet crunch that balances the spicy dip
• Baguette slices – For a more sophisticated presentation
• Fritos or corn chips – Extra crunchy and salt-forward
• Chicken-flavored crackers – Doubles down on the chicken flavor
• Pretzel thins – Salty-sweet base that holds up well

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Buffalo chicken dip is perfect for prepping ahead:

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or reheat in oven at 350°F until hot

Common Buffalo Chicken Dip Cheese Questions

Can I use light cream cheese in buffalo chicken dip?

You can, but the texture won’t be as rich and it may separate more easily when heated. If watching calories, I suggest using full-fat cream cheese but slightly less of it rather than substituting with light versions.

My dip is stringy/grainy – what went wrong?

This usually happens when cheese is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. For smooth results, cook buffalo chicken dip low and slow, whether in the oven or a slow cooker.

Can I make buffalo chicken dip without blue cheese?

Absolutely! Many people (including me) prefer using ranch instead of blue cheese. The dip will still have that classic buffalo flavor without the strong blue cheese taste that some people find overwhelming.

What’s the best way to melt cheese into buffalo chicken dip?

For stovetop preparation, use low heat and stir constantly. For oven or slow cooker methods, stirring occasionally throughout the cooking process helps achieve even melting.

Final Thoughts

The perfect buffalo chicken dip is all about finding the right cheese balance for YOUR taste preferences. While cream cheese provides the essential base, the other cheeses can be mixed and matched to create your signature version.

Whether you’re a blue cheese devotee or a ranch enthusiast, prefer extra-sharp cheddar or mild mozzarella, the beauty of buffalo chicken dip is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations until you find your perfect match!

I’d love to hear about your favorite cheese blend for buffalo chicken dip! Drop a comment below with your go-to recipe or any questions you have about creating the ultimate game day appetizer.

Happy dipping!

Blue cheese is the most traditional cheese paired with buffalo chicken, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses are also excellent choices, especially for melting. Combinations of these cheeses, often mixed with cream cheese, are common in buffalo chicken dip recipes. Other good options include mozzarella, provolone, and Swiss for their meltability.

Good substitutes for blue cheese in buffalo chicken dip include cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack cheese, or ranch dressing, which provides a similar creamy and tangy flavor profile. You could also use a combination of cheeses like a Mexican cheese blend or even stronger-flavored options like feta cheese for a different tangy kick.

The best cheese for a buffalo chicken cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference, but American cheese (especially Cooper Sharp) and provolone are excellent choices for a classic melt. Other great options include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, and blue cheese.