Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Simple Recipe

The Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce You Can’t Get Enough Of

If you’re a fan of Buffalo Wild Wings, then you’re no stranger to the mouthwatering allure of their Parmesan Garlic Sauce. This sauce, with its rich, creamy texture and bold, garlicky flavor, has won the hearts of many—and for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of savory Parmesan cheese, tangy garlic, and just the right amount of spices to create a sauce that’s both comforting and utterly addictive.

I remember the first time I tried this sauce; it was one of those experiences that linger in your memory long after the meal is over. The way the creamy sauce coated each wing, with that perfect balance of garlic and Parmesan, had me hooked from the first bite. It wasn’t long before I found myself craving it at odd hours, wishing I could bring that same flavor home. That’s when I decided to experiment in the kitchen and recreate this beloved sauce. After a few attempts, I finally nailed it, and I’m excited to share this easy, delicious recipe with you.

Whether you’re planning a game day snack, a quick dinner, or just want to satisfy your craving for that Buffalo Wild Wings experience at home, this Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a must-try. It’s incredibly versatile, too—perfect for wings, pasta, or even as a dip for your favorite snacks. So, let’s dive into the recipe, and I promise you, once you make this sauce, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To recreate the famous Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce at home, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to form a rich and flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

List of Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise – The base of the sauce, providing creaminess and richness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds that distinctive cheesy flavor; freshly grated is best.
1 tablespoon white vinegar – Brings a touch of tanginess to balance the flavors.
1 teaspoon sugar – Helps to mellow the acidity and enhances the overall flavor.
2 teaspoons garlic powder – The star of the show; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a bit of spice and warmth.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but great for adding a hint of heat.
1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
1/4 cup water – To adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Notes on Ingredients

Mayonnaise: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat mayonnaise. Light versions can work, but the sauce may not be as rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, you can add a bit more garlic powder or even use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
Vinegar: White vinegar is standard, but apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used for a slightly different tang.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer a milder sauce, you can skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Instructions

Making the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce at home is straightforward and quick. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Guide

Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well blended.
Add the Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Adjust the Consistency: Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to wings but not too runny.
Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more garlic flavor, add a bit more garlic powder. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
Simmer the Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken as it cools. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips

For a smoother sauce: You can blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before simmering to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
Make ahead: This sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more as it sits.
Adjusting the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether, or for a milder kick, use sweet red bell pepper instead.

Serving Suggestions

The Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to various dishes. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this delicious sauce:

Pairing Ideas

Chicken Wings: Of course, the classic pairing is with crispy chicken wings. Toss the wings in the sauce just before serving to keep them crispy on the outside while soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Pasta: This sauce makes a fantastic pasta topping. Simply toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and comforting meal. Add grilled chicken or vegetables for extra flavor.
Vegetable Dip: Serve it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The creamy texture and bold flavor complement the crunch of the vegetables perfectly.
Sandwich Spread: Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Pizza Sauce: For a unique twist, use this sauce as a base for white pizza. Top it with mozzarella, chicken, and spinach for a delicious garlic Parmesan pizza.
Garlic Bread: Drizzle it over freshly baked garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic side dish.

Presentation Tips

Garnish: Sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the sauce when serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the sauce warm. If you’ve made it ahead of time, gently reheat it on the stove before serving.
Side Dishes: Pair the sauce with simple side dishes like a fresh green salad or roasted potatoes to balance out the richness.

Optional Variations

While the original Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:

Alternative Recipes

Spicy Parmesan Garlic Sauce: If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. For a more pronounced kick, you could also stir in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Herbed Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Add some fresh or dried herbs to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Basil, oregano, or thyme would complement the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. This variation works particularly well as a pasta sauce.
Lemon-Parmesan Garlic Sauce: For a tangier version, add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce. The citrus will brighten the flavors and add a fresh twist.
Creamy Blue Cheese Parmesan Garlic Sauce: For a richer, more indulgent sauce, mix in a few tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese. This variation is excellent with wings or as a dip for buffalo cauliflower.

Add-ons

Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, adding more Parmesan or even some mozzarella will make the sauce extra cheesy and gooey.
Roasted Garlic: Swap out the garlic powder for roasted garlic. It will give the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor that’s slightly sweet and smoky.
Low-Calorie Version: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the sauce. You’ll still get the creamy texture but with fewer calories and added protein.

FAQs

To help you get the most out of your Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce, I’ve gathered some common questions and provided detailed answers that will enhance your cooking experience.

What is in Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?

Buffalo Wild Wings’ Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a creamy, tangy delight made from a blend of ingredients designed to deliver that iconic flavor. The key ingredients include:

Soybean Oil: The base oil, providing the sauce’s rich texture.
Distilled Vinegar: Adds the necessary tang to balance the creamy richness.
Parmesan Cheese: A combination of milk, part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, this cheese is the star of the sauce, delivering its distinctive flavor.
Garlic: Essential for that bold, savory kick.
Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup: These sweeteners help balance the sharpness of the vinegar and garlic.
Spices: A mix of garlic powder, onion salt, and black pepper adds depth and a touch of warmth to the sauce.
Shallots: Dehydrated shallots add a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Preservatives: Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are used to maintain freshness.

This combination creates a sauce that’s not just flavorful but also perfectly balanced with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile.

Is the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce Spicy?

Despite its robust flavor, the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is not particularly spicy. However, it does have a slight kick, which comes from a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes. This adds a subtle warmth that enhances the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can easily reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or substitute them with sweet red bell pepper to retain the color without the heat.

What is Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce Made Of?

The key components of a good garlic Parmesan wing sauce include:

Butter: A stick of melted butter serves as the foundation, providing richness and a silky texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is mixed in to give the sauce its cheesy, umami depth.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with a robust garlic flavor.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion salt, and black pepper rounds out the flavor profile, adding layers of taste that make the sauce so irresistible.

This combination ensures that the sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect match for crispy chicken wings.

What is Buffalo Wild Wings’ Most Sold Sauce?

At Buffalo Wild Wings, three sauces stand out as fan favorites: Medium, Honey BBQ, and Parmesan Garlic. Among these, the Parmesan Garlic sauce holds a special place, especially for those who prefer a milder, creamier option that’s packed with flavor but not overwhelming in heat. The combination of Parmesan and garlic, along with its creamy texture, makes it a top choice for wings and other dishes.

The simplicity of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce recipe

To wrap it up, this Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to bring that beloved restaurant flavor into their home kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with the savory goodness of Parmesan and garlic, with just a hint of warmth from the spices. Whether you’re slathering it on wings, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a dip, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So, why not give it a try? The simplicity of the recipe means you can whip it up in no time, and the versatility ensures that it will quickly become your go-to for a variety of meals. Once you’ve tried it, don’t forget to share your experience—whether you add your own twist or stick to the classic version, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.

And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes to complement this sauce, be sure to check out other sections of my blog. There’s a whole world of flavors waiting to be discovered!

Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe Made Easy