Buffalo Wild Wings is famous for one thing above all else: its incredible range of wing sauces. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Buffalo-style sauce, prefer something with a bit more sweetness, or enjoy pushing your heat tolerance to the limit, there’s a sauce for every flavor preference. With their legendary sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings offers one of the most versatile, customizable wing experiences around, making it a top choice for wing lovers everywhere.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the different sauces available, how you can pair them with different foods, and even how you can recreate some of your favorite sauces at home. Whether you’re new to Buffalo Wild Wings or a seasoned fan, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about their iconic sauces.
Why Buffalo Wild Wing Sauces Are Special
Buffalo Wild Wings built its reputation on its ability to cater to all kinds of taste buds. From the mildest wing eaters to those who thrive on heat, the diversity in their sauce selection is unparalleled. What makes Buffalo Wild Wing sauces so unique is the balance they strike between flavor and heat. No matter what level of heat you can handle, there’s always a sauce that ensures you’ll get a flavor-packed bite.
At the heart of the appeal is the range: from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory, each sauce has been fine-tuned to provide a memorable experience. Customers are often drawn to the sauces themselves rather than the wings, with many experimenting by dipping fries, onion rings, or even burgers into their favorite sauces.
Moreover, Buffalo Wild Wings frequently introduces limited-time sauces to keep the menu exciting. These rotating offerings give regular customers something new to look forward to, ensuring that the experience remains dynamic. Wing enthusiasts love the opportunity to explore new flavor combinations and heat profiles with these exclusive sauces.
The Art of Buffalo Wild Wing Sauce Pairing
One of the key reasons that Buffalo Wild Wings has sustained its massive popularity is the concept of customization. You aren’t limited to one type of wing sauce. The fun lies in mixing, matching, and experimenting with the variety of flavors available.
Pairing Sauces with Wings: A Flawless Combination
If you’re new to Buffalo Wild Wings, you may be tempted to stick with the classic Buffalo sauce, but you would be missing out on a wealth of taste experiences. Here’s how you can get the best out of the Buffalo Wild Wing sauces menu:
- Mild Flavors for Beginners: Start with the classics like Mild, Honey BBQ, or Sweet BBQ. These sauces offer a gateway into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings without overwhelming your palate with heat. Honey BBQ, for instance, offers a balance of sweetness and smoke that’s perfect for those who prefer their wings on the milder side.
- Medium-Level Heat for Thrill-Seekers: If you’re ready to level up the spice factor but still want to keep things moderate, Asian Zing or Parmesan Garlic is a great place to start. Asian Zing is an Asian-inspired sauce with the right combination of tanginess and a hint of heat, making it a top favorite for many wing enthusiasts.
- For Heat Lovers: Fans of fiery sauces flock to Mango Habanero and Thai Curry. These sauces offer layers of flavor beyond just heat. The Mango Habanero sauce combines the sweetness of mango with the burn of habanero peppers, making it an unforgettable blend for those who love their wings with a kick.
- Extreme Heat for the Brave: If you’re someone who thrives on pushing the boundaries of heat, the Blazin’ sauce is where your journey should end. Made with Carolina Reaper peppers, this sauce isn’t just about heat—it’s an endurance test. Blazin’ sauce is not for the faint of heart and is often accompanied by warnings to those attempting to conquer it.
Pairing Sauces with Non-Wing Dishes
Although Buffalo Wild Wings is known for their wings, their sauces are incredibly versatile. You can easily use their sauces to enhance non-wing items such as burgers, wraps, and even salads. Here are some ideal pairings to consider:
- Burgers: Imagine a crispy burger patty enhanced with the fiery sweetness of Mango Habanero sauce or the savory richness of Parmesan Garlic. This is a great way to add depth and excitement to your favorite burger.
- Wraps: Chicken wraps can be made even more exciting with a drizzle of Thai Curry sauce or Lemon Pepper. Both sauces introduce a burst of flavor that elevates simple chicken to something more memorable.
- Fries & Sides: Fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and other sides can all be improved by dipping them into Honey BBQ or Asian Zing. Both of these sauces offer just the right amount of sweetness and spice to complement crispy sides.
Don’t limit yourself to wings think outside the box and start incorporating Buffalo Wild Wing sauces into other aspects of your meal. If you’re new to making wings, learning how to deep fry chicken safely can make the process smoother and tastier.
Understanding the Heat Scale: From Mild to Blazin’
Buffalo Wild Wings categorizes their sauces not only by flavor but by heat levels, making it easy for customers to choose according to their tolerance. Let’s break down the heat scale:
- Mild Heat: The Mild, Sweet BBQ, and Parmesan Garlic sauces provide a delicious flavor without overwhelming the senses. These are perfect for those who prefer to avoid heat entirely or for children who might not enjoy spicy foods.
- Medium Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice but don’t want to overdo it, sauces like Asian Zing, Honey BBQ, and Spicy Garlic offer just the right amount of kick. They’re warm enough to satisfy spice lovers but not so hot that they’ll leave you sweating.
- Hot: For the heat seekers, the Mango Habanero, Thai Curry, and Desert Heat sauces provide a satisfying burn without going overboard. These sauces will give your wings a serious spice boost while delivering layers of flavor.
- Blazin’: At the top of the heat spectrum sits the infamous Blazin’ sauce, made with the hottest pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper. The intense heat of this sauce is balanced with a burst of flavor, but it’s undoubtedly a challenge even for the most experienced wing eaters.
This heat scale allows diners to choose exactly how far they want to take their spice experience, from the mildest to the most extreme.
The Flavor Breakdown: A Deep Dive into Buffalo Wild Wing Sauces
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a diverse selection of sauces, each bringing something different to the table. Below is a detailed breakdown of some of the most popular sauces:
Classic Buffalo Sauces
The cornerstone of Buffalo Wild Wings’ menu, the Buffalo sauces, offer that perfect balance between tangy vinegar and the right amount of spice. Whether you opt for Mild, Medium, Hot, or Blazin’, these sauces stay true to the traditional flavors of Buffalo wings.
- Mild: Perfect for wing beginners who want that Buffalo sauce flavor without the burn. This sauce gives you the classic Buffalo taste with only a hint of spice.
- Medium: For those who enjoy the flavor of Buffalo sauce but can handle a bit more heat, Medium offers a step up from Mild without overwhelming your palate.
- Hot: A step higher on the heat scale, this sauce brings the heat while maintaining the signature Buffalo tang.
- Blazin’: As mentioned earlier, this is the ultimate challenge sauce for those who want their taste buds tested by extreme heat.
Sweet and Tangy Sauces
For those who love a little sweetness with their wings, Buffalo Wild Wings has a range of options that combine tangy and sweet flavors.
- Honey BBQ: This is a sweet, smoky sauce that’s perfect for those who prefer a more subtle, laid-back flavor. It’s an ideal sauce for kids or for those who want a break from spicy heat.
- Asian Zing: This sauce brings together the best of both worlds with a sweet start and a fiery finish. The subtle heat, combined with the sweetness of Asian-inspired ingredients like ginger and soy, makes it one of the most popular choices.
- Sweet BBQ: A milder version of Honey BBQ, this sauce is all about sweet, rich flavors without the addition of heat. It’s a great option for diners who want to focus purely on flavor.
Spicy Sauces
For those who enjoy a bit of a burn, Buffalo Wild Wings has some standout spicy options that bring the heat without sacrificing flavor.
- Mango Habanero: This sauce is beloved for its balance of sweetness and intense heat. The tropical mango flavor is perfectly complemented by the fiery habanero peppers.
- Thai Curry: Inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, this sauce blends coconut milk, lemongrass, and spices to create a creamy, flavorful, and spicy experience.
- Desert Heat: A dry rub rather than a sauce, Desert Heat delivers a bold flavor with just the right amount of kick. It’s perfect for those who enjoy dry-rubbed wings rather than the traditional saucy options.
Savory and Rich Sauces
Savory lovers, rejoice! Buffalo Wild Wings also offers rich, savory sauces that don’t rely on sweetness or spice but rather on deep, umami flavors.
- Parmesan Garlic: Creamy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious, this sauce is a favorite for those who prefer rich, bold flavors. It’s perfect for pairing with wings, burgers, or even dipping fries.
- Lemon Pepper: Zesty and slightly tangy, Lemon Pepper offers a fresh burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the wings. This dry rub is a hit with those who want a lighter, more refreshing option.
- Teriyaki: A Japanese-inspired sauce, Teriyaki is sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, offering a bold flavor profile without any heat. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to step away from the spice and indulge in something more savory.
Bringing Buffalo Wild Wing Sauces into Your Kitchen: Copycat Recipes
If you’re craving the unique flavors of Buffalo Wild Wing sauces at home, you can recreate many of their signature flavors with some simple ingredients. While the exact recipes may be proprietary, here are a few copycat recipes to help you get close to the originals:
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is surprisingly easy to make at home. For a basic version of this classic sauce, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until everything is well-combined.
- Use this sauce to coat your favorite wings, or serve it as a dip on the side.
Mango Habanero Sauce
This copycat Mango Habanero sauce recipe brings the heat and the sweet together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 3 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan and add the diced mango and habanero peppers.
- Cook until the mango softens, then stir in the honey, lime juice, and vinegar.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once everything has softened and combined, remove from heat and blend the mixture until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to cool before using it to coat wings or as a dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wild Wing Sauces
1. What is the most popular Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
- The Honey BBQ and Parmesan Garlic sauces are two of the most popular choices among Buffalo Wild Wings fans. These sauces strike the perfect balance between bold flavors and mild heat, making them favorites for a wide range of taste preferences.
2. What is the hottest sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings?
- The hottest sauce available is the Blazin’ sauce, made with Carolina Reaper peppers. It’s incredibly spicy and often seen as a challenge for wing lovers who enjoy extreme heat.
3. Can you mix sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings?
- Yes, mixing sauces is a popular practice at Buffalo Wild Wings. Many customers enjoy combining different flavors to create unique blends, such as mixing Mango Habanero with Honey BBQ for a sweet and spicy kick.
4. Are Buffalo Wild Wings sauces gluten-free?
- Several of the sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check with the restaurant or consult their allergen guide for the most up-to-date information.
5. Can you purchase Buffalo Wild Wings sauces for home use?
- Yes! Buffalo Wild Wings offers many of their signature sauces for sale at their restaurants and through select retailers, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite flavors at home.
Conclusion on Buffalo Wild Wing Sauces
Buffalo Wild Wings has mastered the art of sauce-making, offering something for everyone whether you like your wings mild, medium, or on fire. With their constantly evolving menu, frequent limited-time offerings, and the ability to pair sauces with non-wing items, Buffalo Wild Wings delivers an unmatched experience for wing lovers.
Now that you know the ins and outs of the most popular Buffalo Wild Wing sauces, it’s time to head to your nearest location and start experimenting. Try mixing sauces, pairing them with different foods, or even recreating them at home using the copycat recipes provided. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a sauce (or two) that will become your new favorite.