Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe

This glossy Buffalo Sauce is a game day essential as well as being incredibly versatile! Whisking melted butter into the hot sauce creates a rich emulsion, which along with the sticky honey adds a sweet, fiery glaze to this sauce that is so perfect for wings or roasted cauliflower.

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Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth)

How To Make Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe

1. Melt the butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the butter completely. Be careful not to let it bubble over or brown; you just want it liquid.
2. Combine the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. The honey might be sticky, so give it a good stir.
3. Emulsify: Slowly pour the melted butter into the hot sauce mixture while whisking constantly. This “emulsification” is key—it blends the fat and the vinegar-based sauce into a creamy, glossy orange coating rather than a separated oily mess.
4. Taste and adjust: Dip a spoon (or a finger, carefully!) and taste. Too spicy? Add another teaspoon of honey. Too sweet? Add a splash more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne powder.
5. Use or store: Use immediately to toss with hot wings or nuggets. If storing, pour into a jar and refrigerate.

Recipe Tips!

• Butter is Boss: The butter isn’t just for flavor; it cuts the sharpness of the vinegar in the hot sauce and helps the sauce cling to the food. Without it, the sauce would just run right off your wings!
• Honey Heat: The honey is the secret ingredient here! It creates a “sticky” glaze that adheres better than traditional buffalo sauce and balances the intense heat with a subtle floral sweetness.
• Warm it Up: If you are tossing wings, warm the sauce slightly first. Cold sauce on hot wings cools them down instantly and makes the skin soggy.
• Frank’s is King: While you can use other hot sauces, Frank’s RedHot has the specific cayenne-vinegar ratio that tastes like “Buffalo.” Tabasco is too vinegary and thin; Sriracha is too garlic-heavy. Stick to the classic.

What To Serve With Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe?

This Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe is liquid gold for dipping! Obviously, it belongs on Chicken Wings or Boneless Nuggets (recipe above!). But don’t stop there—drizzle it over Roasted Cauliflower or mix it into Mac and Cheese for a spicy kick! It also makes an incredible burger topping when mixed with a little mayonnaise.

How To Store Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 1 month. The butter will solidify, so it will look thick and separated when cold.
• Reheat: To use after refrigerating, microwave the jar (lid off) for 20-30 seconds and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify the butter and sauce back into a smooth glaze.
• Freeze: Freezing is not necessary as it keeps so long in the fridge!

Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per tablespoon.

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