Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe

Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce is a bold, tangy, and buttery hot sauce blend that brings the perfect kick to wings, sandwiches, dips, and more. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients and tastes even better than store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buffalo wing sauce is the ultimate blend of heat, richness, and flavor. It comes together in minutes, uses simple ingredients, and can be adjusted to suit your heat tolerance. Whether you’re tossing it with crispy wings or drizzling it over fries or wraps, this sauce delivers that classic restaurant-style buffalo flavor right at home. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to bottled sauce again.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt (optional, to taste)

directions

this recipe

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
2. Once melted, add the hot sauce, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper if using.
3. Whisk the mixture together until smooth and fully combined.
4. Simmer the sauce gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Use immediately, or let it cool slightly and store for later use.

Servings and timing

Yields about 1 cup of sauce (enough for around 2 pounds of wings)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Make it milder by using less hot sauce or more butter.
• Add honey or brown sugar for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Stir in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang.
• Make it creamy with a bit of ranch dressing or Greek yogurt.
• For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

storage/reheating

Store cooled sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot is classic for buffalo sauce, but any vinegar-based hot sauce will work.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free version.

Is buffalo sauce the same as hot sauce?

No, buffalo sauce is a blend of hot sauce and butter with added seasonings, giving it a richer and milder flavor.

How do I thicken buffalo wing sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce slightly, or whisk in a tiny amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and reheats easily.

What can I use buffalo sauce on?

Wings, cauliflower bites, sandwiches, pizza, wraps, burgers, dips, fries, and more.

How spicy is this sauce?

It depends on the hot sauce and amount of cayenne used. You can easily adjust the heat level.

Can I freeze buffalo sauce?

Yes, it can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently before use.

Does it separate after cooling?

It may slightly, but just give it a quick stir or reheat it and it will come back together.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, most hot sauces and ingredients used are gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.

Conclusion

Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce is quick to make, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have a zesty, buttery sauce perfect for wings and so much more. Skip the store-bought versions—this easy homemade recipe will become your new go-to.

Print