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Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Making homemade Buffalo sauce is so easy, you may never buy store-bought again. In under 10 minutes you’ll have delicious Buffalo sauce at your disposal. Chicken wings, dip, pizza…you can use this Buffalo sauce on so many things!

There are tons of versions of Buffalo sauces out there. It’s one of those recipes where everyone puts their own unique spin on it. Here you’ll see that I keep things simple and only use 3 ingredients!

What Is Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce originated in….Buffalo New York. It’s a spicy & buttery sauce that is used as a condiment or dipping sauce. Is Buffalo sauce the same thing as hot sauce? No. However, hot sauce is one of the two main ingredients in Buffalo Sauce but not the other way around.

Ingredients for Homemade Buffalo Sauce Collage
hot sauce, butter, white vinegar

Ingredients For Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Technically there are only 2 ingredients needed for Buffalo sauce: Frank’s Hot Sauce and butter. Any additional ingredients are for personal flavor & flare. For instance, I also add a bit of white vinegar. The vinegar is listed as an optional ingredient because you do not need it to be a proper Buffalo sauce.

  • Hot Sauce: You will need a cayenne pepper based hot sauce like Frank’s Hot Sauce.
  • Butter: 2/3 cup of butter per 1 cup of hot sauce is the ratio used here. Feel free to play around with the butter measurements.
  • White vinegar: This is an optional ingredient since it’s not necessary. If you find yourself without vinegar or forget to add it, don’t worry your homemade sauce will still taste great.
heat ingredients in a sauce pan

How To Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Making homemade buffalo sauce is very easy. You combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes. Whisking is required to this is not a sauce you can leave unattended.

Close up up of cooked Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a black saucepan

What Type Of Hot Sauce To Use

I recently discovered that to use the term Buffalo sauce, Frank’s Hot Sauce has to be the hot sauce used. Personally, Frank’s is my go-to hot sauce so I have no problem there. If the technicality does not concern you, just be sure to use a cayenne pepper based hot sauce…like Frank’s.

overhead shot of Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a mason jar

What To Serve Buffalo Sauce With

Most people think of Buffalo chicken wings when they hear the words Buffalo sauce. That’s what I use Buffalo sauce for 99% of the time. Having said that, these days Buffalo sauce is used on or in many different recipes like cauliflower bites, catfish, sliders, pizza, meatballs, salads, dips, chili, etc. 

sauce will thicken as it cools
close up of cooled & thickened Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a mason jar
sauce will thicken as it cools

Recipes To Use This Buffalo Sauce With

Chicken Wings

Fried Cauliflower

Chicken Dip

Overhead shot of Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a jar with Buffalo wings on a white plate to the right side

Storing Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Store unused sauce in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Can you freeze leftover sauce? Yes! Place the sauce in an airtight freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a jar with Buffalo wings on a white plate in back

Tips For Making Homemade Buffalo Sauce

  • I do not suggest you add salt but if you do, don’t use much. Hot sauce & vinegar will take care of the sodium content.  
  • Reheat buffalo sauce in the microwave or on the stove-top.
  • Shake or stir your Buffalo sauce before serving. 
  • Add heat to your sauce by stirring in a bit of cayenne pepper while the cooking.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce in a jar & spoon. Buffalo wings on a white plate in back

Other Sauce Recipes You May Enjoy

Copycat Bang Bang Sauce

Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

Vegan Jamaica Jerk Sauce

Homemade Horseradish

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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Making homemade Buffalo sauce is so easy, you may never buy store-bought again. In under 10 minutes you'll have delicious Buffalo sauce at your disposal. Chicken wings, dip, pizza…you can use this sauce on so many things!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author Shannon Epstein

Ingredients

  • 1 cup hot sauce
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  • In a medium size saucepan, add the hot sauce, butter, and vinegar (if using). Bring to a simmer.
  • Cook 7-10 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Notes

Sauce will thicken as it cools. 
Recipe Rating