This is a straightforward homemade version of McDonald’s Spicy Buffalo Sauce — bold, buttery, tangy, and that perfect not-too-much kick. Mixes up in like 5 minutes and tastes way better than the packet.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 0 mins
- Flavor: spicy, buttery, tangy-sweet
- Great for: nuggets, fries, pizza crusts, bad days
Why I Like This Recipe
So… I started making this after hoarding the little dipping cups and realizing they never lasted long enough. This one? It hits harder. The butter smooths the heat, the honey softens the punch — it’s that addictive, snacky kind of spicy that makes you dip stuff just to keep tasting it. I’ve literally eaten carrots just to justify more sauce. No regrets.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2½ tbsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
How To Make Spicy Buffalo Sauce
- Melt the butter — microwave or stovetop, just don’t burn it.
- Stir together hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika in a bowl.
- Pour in the butter. Mix it up real good.
- Taste and adjust — more honey if too spicy, more hot sauce if not enough punch.
- Use immediately or stash in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- Frank’s RedHot = classic. Use it.
- Want it vegan? Swap butter for vegan, honey for agave. Still works.
- Warm it up before using — cold buffalo sauce is kinda sad.
- Great on wings, fries, sandwiches, breakfast eggs (yes).
- Store in a jar — shake before each use.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Lasts a week easy. Store in a sealed jar or bottle.
- Reheat: Microwave 10–15 sec or warm gently on the stove. Stir before using.
FAQs
Add more butter or honey. It softens the heat.
Sure — just keep it vinegar-based for the right flavor.
Honestly? It’s better. Richer. Less fake.
It’s pourable but creamy — that buttery cling is chef’s kiss.
If you must. It’ll still taste good, just not as rich.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Too runny → didn’t use enough butter. Fix: Chill it briefly or whisk in more.
- Weird texture → butter too hot. Fix: Let it cool a little before mixing.
- Over-spicy → forgot the honey. Fix: Add it gradually, stir and taste.
- Separated sauce → didn’t mix enough. Fix: Use a whisk. Or shake in a jar.
- Too vinegary → wrong hot sauce. Fix: Frank’s is your bestie here.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – ~1 tbsp)
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Total Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Potassium: 20 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes50
kcalA bold, buttery buffalo sauce with a touch of honey sweetness — spicy enough to wake you up, smooth enough to go with everything.
Ingredients
½ cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2½ tbsp honey
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Directions
- Melt butter.
- Mix hot sauce, honey, garlic, paprika.
- Stir in butter.
- Taste + adjust.
- Store in fridge or use right away.
Notes
- Use Frank’s for best flavor.
- Swap for vegan versions if needed.
- Shake before each use.
- Serve warm for max flavor.
