Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings with Gouda Mac

Craving comfort food with a bold twist? Let’s talk about Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings with Gouda Mac—a flavor-packed duo that delivers crispy heat, zesty sweetness, and creamy richness in every bite.

This isn’t your average wing and mac dinner. It’s a crave-worthy combo that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning game day, or just treating yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet. Spicy. Savory. It hits all the right notes.
• Crispy wings with real heat thanks to Frank’s RedHot.
• Golden, gooey mac made with smoky Gouda and sharp cheddar.
• Simple, real ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
• Perfect for any occasion—from chill nights to special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings:

• 2–2.5 pounds chicken wings
• Kosher salt (for brining)
• Water
• Salt, pepper, onion powder (light seasoning)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

For the Gouda Mac:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 pound elbow noodles
• 1 block Gouda cheese (about 8 oz)
• 1 block sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Brine and Prep the Wings

Want tender, juicy wings? Start here.

• In a large bowl, combine enough cold water to cover your wings.
• Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt per quart of water.
• Let your wings brine for 25–30 minutes.
• Drain, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels.
• Lightly season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Don’t overdo it—the sauce will carry the flavor.

Step 2: Fry the Wings to Crispy Perfection

Heat your oil to 375°F. You’ll want medium-high heat—test with a thermometer if possible.

• Carefully drop in your wings.
• Fry in batches for 12 minutes, flipping once halfway.
• Place them on paper towels to drain and cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Here’s where things get tasty.

• In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:
  • 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
• Toss your fried wings in the sauce until fully coated.

Pro tip: Add more honey if you want a sweeter balance.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta for the Mac

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add half a box of elbow noodles (about 1/2 pound).
• Cook until just al dente—around 7–8 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

This is where the magic happens.

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour until it forms a smooth roux (about 1–2 minutes).
• Slowly whisk in 2 cups heavy cream, stirring constantly.
• Lower heat and add:
  • Half the block of Gouda, shredded
  • Half the block of sharp cheddar, shredded
• Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Mac

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
• Shred and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Final Touch: Serve It Up

Plate your wings hot and saucy.
Add a generous scoop of that creamy Gouda mac.
You just made a next-level meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the brine—it’s key for juicy wings.
• Use block cheese, not pre-shredded. It melts better and tastes fresher.
• Add a little lemon zest to the wing sauce for an extra citrusy kick.
• Want spicier wings? Toss in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
• Bake the mac covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.

FAQ

Can I bake the wings instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway. For crispier skin, broil the last 2–3 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the mac and wings in advance. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I use instead of Gouda?
Smoked mozzarella or fontina works well. But Gouda’s creamy, rich flavor is hard to beat.

Is this spicy?
The heat level is mild to medium. Adjust the hot sauce or add more honey to suit your taste.

With just a few everyday ingredients, you created a dish that’s bold, comforting, and unforgettable.

Hot honey lemon pepper wings with Gouda Mac isn’t just a meal—it’s a statement.

Want to impress your friends?
Need a go-to game day dish?
Or just want to treat yourself?

This recipe has you covered.

Ready to cook it up?
Try it out and let your taste buds do the talking.

And if you enjoyed this, be sure to bookmark it—because you’ll want to come back for seconds.