Buffalo Wild Wings (often affectionately called BWW or B-Dubs) has solidified itself as a premier destination. It attracts sports fans, food lovers, and wing enthusiasts alike. However, beyond its vibrant sports-bar atmosphere, the true star of the show at BWW is its extensive lineup of Buffalo Wild Wings sauces and dry rubs. These aren’t just ordinary condiments. In fact, they are what transform a regular meal into a mouthwatering experience. Additionally, they offer diverse flavors and surprising combinations.
With 26 sauces and dry rubs currently available, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone. These options range from mild to mind-blowingly hot. Additionally, they include flavors that are sweet to savory. Furthermore, you can find sauces that are both traditional and exotic. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into each sauce and rub. We will also explore the limited-edition releases. Moreover, we will offer ideas on how to combine flavors. You will learn how to utilize sauces in creative ways. Finally, we’ll discuss how to bring some of that flavor home. Let’s take a closer look at the sauces that make Buffalo Wild Wings a go-to spot for so many.
The Rich History of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Sauces
Before we get into the sauces themselves, it’s worth exploring how Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauce selection has evolved over the years. BWW started in 1982 as a simple wing joint in Columbus, Ohio, with just a handful of classic sauces. The concept was straightforward: serve delicious wings with bold, flavorful sauces that customers couldn’t find anywhere else.
The first sauce offerings were traditional think Mild, Medium, and Hot Buffalo sauces that paid homage to the original Buffalo wing, a New York delicacy. These sauces, inspired by classic wing recipes, quickly became customer favorites. As the chain expanded, so did their sauce menu, with newer, more adventurous flavors being introduced regularly. Over the years, Buffalo Wild Wings has never shied away from innovation, creating sauces inspired by international flavors, spicy chilis, and customer demand for something unique.
Today, the sauce menu reflects the brand’s evolution from a small local eatery to a nationwide sensation, with flavors inspired by various cuisines from around the world.
Signature Sauces: A Flavor for Every Palate
The core of Buffalo Wild Wings’ appeal is its wide variety of signature sauces. Whether you love spicy heat or a more savory and mild flavor, you’ll find something that suits your taste at BWW. Here are the 16 signature sauces that make up the current menu:
Mild
Mild is a classic choice for those who enjoy the flavor of Buffalo wings without the intense heat. This sauce offers the iconic taste of cayenne pepper, butter, and vinegar, but toned down to ensure it’s enjoyable for everyone, even those who are spice-sensitive.
Medium
Moving up the heat scale is Medium, a step up in intensity for those who like a bit more bite but don’t want to dive straight into the realm of blazing heat. This sauce keeps the classic flavor of Buffalo but adds just enough heat to make things interesting.
Hot
If you want a sauce that delivers that traditional Buffalo wing experience with a real kick, Hot is the way to go. This sauce is a favorite among spice lovers, with its perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Blazin’ Carolina Reaper
For the true heat-seekers, there’s no challenge greater than the Blazin’ Carolina Reaper sauce. Made with Carolina Reaper peppers the hottest in the world this sauce is for those who want to push the limits of their tolerance for spice. It’s not just hot; it’s blazing. Be warned, this sauce is not for the faint of heart.
Honey BBQ
Sweet and smoky, Honey BBQ is one of Buffalo Wild Wings’ most popular sauces. The sweetness of the honey balances out the smoky barbecue flavor, making this a great choice for those who prefer sweetness to spice. It pairs beautifully with chicken wings, sandwiches, and even fries.
Mango Habanero
Sweet and heat is a winning combination, and Mango Habanero delivers it perfectly. This sauce starts off with a burst of sweet, fruity mango flavor, but don’t let that fool you the heat from the habanero peppers kicks in soon after and leaves your mouth tingling. It’s a unique flavor that’s become a fan favorite for its balance of sweetness and fiery heat. This combination of sweet meets heat is a unique offering that appeals to adventurous eaters who love contrast in their meals.
Asian Zing
Inspired by Asian cuisine, Asian Zing is a blend of sweetness, spice, and tanginess. The sauce has a sticky, slightly syrupy texture and combines soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili, creating a complex flavor that’s both familiar and exotic. It’s the perfect sauce for those who love a balance of heat and flavor, with just a touch of sweetness.
Spicy Garlic
For garlic lovers, Spicy Garlic offers a punchy combination of garlic and heat. The spiciness is enough to make it interesting, but the bold garlic flavor is what sets this sauce apart. It’s a great choice if you’re a fan of robust, savory flavors.
Parmesan Garlic
One of the more unique sauces on the menu, Parmesan Garlic is a creamy, savory sauce that’s rich in flavor but without the heat. It’s perfect for those who prefer flavor over spiciness and pairs well with boneless wings, traditional wings, and even fries. The combination of cheese and garlic is irresistible.
Caribbean Jerk
Bringing a taste of the islands to Buffalo Wild Wings, Caribbean Jerk is a bold, spicy sauce with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This sauce is moderately hot and full of spices that are common in Caribbean cuisine, making it a great option for those who love something a bit more adventurous.
Thai Curry
Thai Curry sauce is one of the most flavorful options on the menu, combining the complex flavors of curry with coconut, lime, and chilies. This sauce is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for those who love the bold, fragrant flavors of Thai cuisine.
Chipotle BBQ
If you love the smokiness of barbecue but want something with a bit more depth, Chipotle BBQ is the sauce for you. The chipotle adds a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, creating a flavor that’s both familiar and unique.
Buffalo
For those who want to keep it classic, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of Buffalo sauces in varying heat levels, including Mild, Medium, and Hot. These sauces stick to the traditional Buffalo wing flavor profile: tangy, slightly buttery, and spicy.
Sweet BBQ
Sweet BBQ is perfect for those who prefer their wings on the sweeter side. This sauce has a rich, sweet flavor with just a hint of smokiness, making it a popular choice for kids and adults who aren’t into spicy foods. It’s great for wings, but also works well on burgers and other grilled items.
Teriyaki
Teriyaki sauce brings a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor to the table. This Asian-inspired sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a milder taste with just a touch of sweetness. It’s a great alternative to some of the spicier sauces on the menu.
Nashville Hot
Inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken, this sauce is bold, spicy, and a little bit smoky. It brings the heat, but it’s also rich in flavor, making it one of the more complex spicy sauces on the menu.
These sauces are the backbone of Buffalo Wild Wings’ flavor offerings and cover nearly every flavor profile imaginable. Whether you want something sweet, savory, mild, or blazing hot, you’ll find a sauce that fits your craving.
Dry Rubs: A Different Kind of Flavor
If you’re looking for flavor without the mess of sauce, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a variety of dry rubs. These seasonings pack just as much flavor as the sauces but with a drier texture that some people prefer for a cleaner eating experience. Let’s take a look at the dry rub options:
Lemon Pepper
A zesty blend of lemon and black pepper, Lemon Pepper dry rub is a favorite for those who enjoy a citrusy, tangy flavor on their wings. The lemon adds a bright, fresh taste, while the pepper provides a mild kick.
Buffalo Seasoning
If you love the flavor of Buffalo wings but don’t want the mess of sauce, Buffalo Seasoning is the perfect option. This dry rub captures the essence of Buffalo sauce in a dry form, offering that tangy, slightly spicy flavor without the need for a wet sauce.
Chipotle BBQ
Chipotle BBQ dry rub combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of barbecue. It’s a rich, smoky seasoning that’s perfect for those who love bold flavors but want to avoid the stickiness of sauce.
Salt & Vinegar
Tangy and salty, Salt & Vinegar dry rub is reminiscent of the popular chip flavor but works beautifully on wings. The combination of tangy vinegar and salty seasoning gives your wings a unique, bold taste that’s unlike anything else on the menu.
Desert Heat
Desert Heat is one of the spiciest dry rubs available at Buffalo Wild Wings. It combines chili powder, paprika, and other spices to create a dry rub that’s bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. If you love heat, but want to skip the sauce, this is the rub for you.
These dry rubs offer a great alternative to the sauces and are perfect for those who prefer a less messy eating experience. Each rub is packed with flavor, ensuring that your wings will taste amazing, even without the sauce.
Pairing Sauces and Rubs for the Ultimate Wing Experience
One of the best things about Buffalo Wild Wings is the ability to customize your order. With 26 sauces and dry rubs to choose from, you can mix and match flavors to create the perfect combination for your meal. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and spicy or prefer something milder, there’s no shortage of ways to pair sauces and rubs.
Here are some pairing suggestions to help you make the most of your meal:
Sweet and Spicy Combo: If you love the combination of sweetness and heat, try pairing Honey BBQ with Mango Habanero. The sweetness of the Honey BBQ balances out the heat of the Mango Habanero, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Savory and Mild: For those who prefer something a bit milder, consider pairing Parmesan Garlic with Lemon Pepper Dry Rub. The creamy, savory flavor of the Parmesan Garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the bright, zesty flavor of the Lemon Pepper rub.
Bold and Spicy: If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, try combining Spicy Garlic with Chipotle BBQ Dry Rub. The garlicky heat of the sauce combined with the smoky, spicy flavor of the dry rub creates a powerful flavor combination that’s sure to satisfy.
Island Vibes: For a taste of the tropics, pair Caribbean Jerk with Desert Heat Dry Rub. The bold, spicy flavors of the Caribbean Jerk sauce are enhanced by the fiery heat of the Desert Heat rub, creating a flavor profile that’s both complex and delicious.
Classic Combo: Sometimes, you just want to keep things classic. Pair Medium Buffalo sauce with Buffalo Seasoning for a double dose of that iconic Buffalo flavor.
These are just a few of the many combinations you can create at Buffalo Wild Wings. With so many sauces and dry rubs to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, spicy, or mild flavors, you can customize your meal to suit your taste perfectly.
Limited Edition and Seasonal Sauces: Always Something New
Buffalo Wild Wings is always looking for new ways to keep their menu fresh and exciting, which is why they regularly introduce limited edition and seasonal sauces. These sauces are often available for a limited time only, so customers have to act fast if they want to try them.
Some of the most popular limited edition sauces in recent years have included:
- Orange Chicken: Inspired by the popular Chinese dish, this sauce combines sweet orange flavors with savory soy sauce and a hint of ginger. It was a hit with customers who loved the combination of sweet and savory flavors.
- Blazin’ Carolina Reaper: Originally introduced as a limited edition sauce, Blazin’ Carolina Reaper quickly became a fan favorite for its extreme heat. It’s now a permanent fixture on the menu, but it started as one of Buffalo Wild Wings’ seasonal offerings.
- Jamaican Jerk BBQ: A twist on the Caribbean Jerk sauce, this version added a smoky, sweet barbecue flavor to the spicy jerk seasoning. It was a limited-time sauce that customers couldn’t get enough of.
- Sweet Chili: This sauce offered a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, with flavors of red chili peppers and honey. It was available for a limited time but quickly became a customer favorite.
- Pizza Wings Sauce: For a limited time, Buffalo Wild Wings offered a pizza-flavored sauce that combined tomato, garlic, oregano, and cheese. It was a fun, unique option that gave wings the flavor of pizza.
These limited edition sauces allow Buffalo Wild Wings to experiment with new flavors and offer something special to their loyal customers. While they may not always be available, they keep things exciting and give customers a reason to visit BWW regularly.
Bottled Sauces: Bringing Buffalo Wild Wings Home
For those who can’t get enough of Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauces, the good news is that many of their most popular sauces are available in bottled form. This allows customers to bring the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings home and use the sauces in a variety of ways.
Some of the most popular bottled sauces include:
- Parmesan Garlic
- Honey BBQ
- Mango Habanero
- Asian Zing
- Medium Buffalo
These sauces are available for purchase both in-store and online, making it easy for fans to enjoy their favorite BWW flavors at home. They can be used as marinades, dipping sauces, or even drizzled over homemade wings. Many customers love to experiment with these sauces in their own cooking, using them to add flavor to everything from sandwiches to stir-fries.
Bottled sauces allow you to recreate the Buffalo Wild Wings experience at home and give you the flexibility to enjoy your favorite flavors whenever you want. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to add a little extra flavor to your weeknight dinner, these sauces are a must-have for any BWW fan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces
As one of the most popular wing chains in the country, Buffalo Wild Wings receives a lot of questions about their sauces. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. How many sauces does Buffalo Wild Wings offer?
- Buffalo Wild Wings currently offers 26 sauces and dry rubs, covering a wide range of flavors from sweet to spicy.
2. What is the hottest sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings?
- The hottest sauce on the menu is Blazin’ Carolina Reaper, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, which are recognized as the hottest peppers in the world.
3. Can I get multiple sauces in one order?
- Yes! When you order wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, you can choose a different sauce for every five wings, allowing you to try multiple flavors in one sitting.
4. Are Buffalo Wild Wings sauces available for purchase?
- Yes, many of Buffalo Wild Wings’ most popular sauces are available in bottled form for purchase both in-store and online.
5. What are some popular sauce combinations?
- Some of the most popular combinations include pairing Honey BBQ with Mango Habanero, Parmesan Garlic with Lemon Pepper Dry Rub, and Spicy Garlic with Chipotle BBQ Dry Rub.
Conclusion: A World of Flavor at Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings has become a favorite destination for wing lovers across the country, thanks in large part to their incredible selection of sauces and dry rubs. With 26 unique flavors to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet, savory, mild, or hot flavors.
What sets Buffalo Wild Wings apart is not just the variety of sauces. Furthermore, it is the ability to mix and match flavors. This allows you to create a completely customizable dining experience. Whether you’re dining in with friends or taking your wings to go, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone. Additionally, you can bring home a bottle of your favorite sauce. In any case, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a world of flavor that’s hard to beat.
So the next time you’re craving wings, head to Buffalo Wild Wings. Explore their sauce menu and get ready for a flavor-packed experience. This experience is sure to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, don’t forget to keep an eye out for those limited edition sauces. You never know what delicious new flavors might be coming next!
With all this variety, it’s no wonder Buffalo Wild Wings has become a go-to spot. It is popular among wing lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you stick to your tried-and-true favorites, or venture out to try something new, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone. Additionally, they will always have the perfect sauce for you.