This homemade Buffalo sauce recipe is spicy, tangy, and easy to make, so much better than store bought, perfect for wings, chicken, dips, pizza, and more!
Mike's Recipe Highlights
I already know you LOVE Buffalo sauce. I mean, you’re hanging around Chili Pepper Madness, so that’s a good indication that you love spicy food.
It's also a good indication that Buffalo sauce is something you’ve been enjoying much of your life.
For some people, Buffalo sauce is one of the gateway foods. One day you’re a regular eater, then you try a good Buffalo sauce, usually on a chicken wing or a chicken tender. Then...
BOOM! Instant chilihead.
I get Buffalo sauce on my wings all the time when I’m at a restaurant. At home, I like to make it myself. Why? I like mine better. Homemade Buffalo Sauce is the best.
What is Buffalo Sauce?
Buffalo sauce is a simple mix of hot sauce and butter. These simple ingredients are the core combination. The butter makes it thicker, smoother, and richer than regular hot sauce.
It was invented at the famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, by Teressa Bellissimo and no, it has nothing to do with actual buffaloes!
I’ve visited the original Anchor Bar, and trust me, homemade Buffalo sauce is so much better than anything store-bought. And my recipe is the real deal.
Some people confuse hot sauce and Buffalo sauce, but thanks to the butter, they’re definitely different in flavor and texture.
Most people consider it a homemade buffalo wing sauce only, though you can use it to add a spicy kick to many different foods. Try buffalo chicken dip. I know you're going to love it.
Let's talk about how to make Buffalo sauce at home, shall we?
Recipe Ingredients
- Butter. I use unsalted butter.
- Louisiana Style Hot Sauce. Frank's hot sauce is very popular, though I enjoy using Valentina HOT, as it makes a nice thick buffalo sauce.
- Vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce. For a nice flavor pop.
- Paprika. I love Hungarian hot paprika, though smoked is great, too.
- Garlic Powder, Salt and Black Pepper.
- Optional Addition. Pinch of ghost pepper flakes for XTRA HOT! Or try Cayenne pepper for a nice level heat. I also like to add Tabasco sauce for a bit of a tangy finish.
Of course you CAN make your own sauce with only 2 ingredients, as many recipes like to push - butter and hot sauce, with vinegar and Worcestershire optional additions - and it's good in a pinch, but the extra ingredients here make a big difference in the overall flavor.
Highly recommended!
How To Make Buffalo Sauce - The Recipe Method
First, melt the butter in a small pot over low to medium heat.
Next, add the hot sauce - a good Louisiana style hot sauce - along with vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne or ghost chili flakes (if using), paprika, garlic and salt and pepper, until the sauce is nice and smooth.
Finally, cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the fridge or use it right away.
Boom! Done! Your homemade buffalo sauce is ready to enjoy. How are you going to enjoy yours? This is the best buffalo sauce you'll ever try, hands down.
Ways to Use Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- Wings, wings, wings! Consider this your new Buffalo wing sauce recipe. Check out my classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe, or these awesome fried chicken wings. Slather up those wings!
- Pizza. Drizzle it over your pizza to make Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
- Dips or Dippers. Swirl it with a mixture of cream cheese and ranch dressing for a super simple spicy dip. As a Dip for Chicken Taquitos or The Ultimate Texas Nachos.
- Meatballs or Sliders. Mix it into ground meat to flavor anything from meatballs to homemade hamburger patties or shredded chicken for Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
- Spicy Pasta. Combine it with some tomato sauce for a spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
- Marinade. Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or grilled pork.
- Spicy Bloody Mary! Swirl some into your spicy bloody mary for one of the best you've ever had
- Drizzle it. Drizzle over Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, or Mike’s Late Night Nachos.
Recipe Notes & Tips
The Hot Sauce. For the Louisiana style hot sauce, Frank's RedHot Sauce is traditionally used, though I also like to use Valentina Hot Sauce.
Or, make your own. See my post: Homemade Louisiana Hot Sauce Recipe.
Buffalo Sauce with No Butter. You can make this recipe without butter, but it won't be as thick. Simply whisk all of the ingredients together, then simmer to warm them.
Storage Information
Store your Buffalo sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a month or longer. Simple reheat it to enjoy again.
You can also freeze Buffalo sauce in vacuum sealed containers, where it will last for 6 months.
What’s your favorite way to use Buffalo Sauce? There are so many! Let me know how it turns out for you! – Mike H.
Check Out Some of My Popular "Buffalo" Recipes
- Boneless Buffalo Wings
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Buffalo-Blue Cheese Chicken Sliders
- Creamy Buffalo Mac and Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Buffalo Cauliflower
- Buffalo Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
They're also PERFECT on this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings recipe.
Try Some of These Other Sauce Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter 1/2 cup, or 8 tablespoons
- ½ cup Louisiana style hot sauce Franks is very popular, though I use Valentina HOT
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika I use Hungarian paprika – smoked is great, too
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or more to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL: Pinch of ghost pepper flakes for XTRA HOT! Or try Cayenne Flakes for nice hot. Add a bit of Tabasco sauce for extra tang.
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk them together until nice and smooth.
- Cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Use as needed!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 4/14/23 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 3/19/18.
Judith says
Hello, Can I use Sriracha sauce instead of Tabasco, etc.? I'm in Mexico and not sure the Louisiana sauces are available here...Gracias!
Mike Hultquist says
Hola, Judith! Yes, you can use it. You'll likely get a slightly sweeter flavor, but it will certainly work. I'd love to hear how it turns out for you.
James Poirier says
Made it,,,and I like it. Printed recipe out to have it. Thanks,,
I like your CHILI pepper madness recipes.
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! Nice! Glad you enjoyed it, James. Thanks.
Paul says
Mike & Patty,
I’ve literally just made this sauce, or a version of it. I went to the Supermarket in town earlier in the hope that I could get a Louisiana hot sauce. I found Franks…and his little brother-Franks wings. Like a fool I chose the latter only realising when I got back home that it was exactly the thing that I wanted to make a better version of.
Substituted almost half a cup with Cholula original and topped up with about 3 tbsps Sun Valley Habanero sauce.
Lovely…but all that butter. Naughty!
How it compares to using Frank’s, I’ll let you know next time.
Paul:-)
Mike Hultquist says
Hey, Paul. Yes, Franks does sell a "Buffalo Sauce" already made, which is tasty!
Billy says
love you work Mike. this sauce is great. For extra fun I add finely chopped pickled jalapeño.
Mike H. says
Love it, Billy. Enjoy!
Crist M Holveck says
Mike,
Your website is first rate, and suprised it's no cost considering how much work you've put into it! Selecting print options was awesome, and the breadth of recipes on this one topic is frankly ... well, it gave me pause. I'm a fan.
Thank you,
C
Mike H. says
I am glad to hear that you are enjoying it, Crist. Keep it spicy! =)
MIKE DOUGLAS says
Hey Mike! Tell me about adding honey to this. The Wife has expressed a desire for honey...
Mike Hultquist says
Hey, Mike! Go for it. Just swirl in 1 tablespoon of honey (or to preference) with the other ingredients and whisk it up. You can simmer a bit if you'd like. Let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
Byram says
Hi Mike, Can you tell me how many ounces or milliliters this makes. Serves 8 does not make sense for a hot sauce.
Mike H. says
Hi Byram, you are looking at roughly 12 fl oz.
Max says
Hey,
Thank you for the recepie!
We don't have such hot sauce in eastern europe (franks or valentina) so I used sriracha + tabasco instead + all other ingridients from this guide and it was perfect!
Thanks!
Max from Estonia
Mike H. says
Glad you've enjoyed it, Max. Thanks!
Sherry S says
I’m making this for game day Saturday. I can’t wait to try it.
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Sherry! I hope your team wins! =)
Kelly Preslicka says
Used recipe for reference (didn't measure anything) and used homemade fermented hot sauce as the base (your recipe referenced for this as well) and it tastes pretty delicious so far... way hotter than if made with Frank's though.
Susan Longley says
I'm wanting to use your recipe but my hot sauce, not a store bought like Frank's. Are there any adjustments I would need to make?
Mike Hultquist says
Susan, you can definitely use your own hot sauce. No real adjustments, but the thickness can vary based on how thick your hot sauce is. Let me know how it turns out!
Joe Grumblis says
Best wing sauce I've made. I added fresh garlic onto of the granulated and used scotch bonnet pepper flakes. Absolutely delicious and will be my go to going forward!
Mike H. says
Thank you Joe - enjoy!