Savory Homemade Buffalo Sauce
This savory homemade buffalo sauce is bold, buttery, and full of that classic spicy kick people love. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this homemade version is perfect for buffalo wings, buffalo chicken pizza, cauliflower bites, or as a dipping sauce for french fries. If this is your first time making a homemade condiment like this, you’ll be surprised at how easy and flavorful it is.
Buffalo sauce has deep roots in New York, where true buffalo sauce was first served at the Anchor Bar. That original recipe is often credited to Teressa Bellissimo, and while there are many different recipes today, the main ingredients have stayed simple. This good buffalo sauce recipe sticks close to the basics while still delivering that medium heat and rich flavor people expect.
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe
This homemade buffalo wing sauce comes together quickly and tastes better than anything you’ll find at grocery stores. Using real butter and your favorite hot sauce creates a tasty sauce that works for game day, taco night, or everyday meals.

Reasons this sauce is a favorite:
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in minutes using a small saucepan
- Easy to store in an airtight container or mason jar
- Delivers a classic spicy pepper flavor with balanced heat
The best part is that you can adjust the spice level to match your heat level preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Buffalo Sauce
These are the main ingredients used in this homemade buffalo sauce recipe. While some buffalo wing sauce recipes include additional ingredients like worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, onion powder, brown sugar, vegetable oil, or even sour cream, this version keeps things classic.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (real butter works best)
- 1 cup cayenne pepper sauce, such as Frank’s hot sauce or Louisiana
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (white vinegar works too)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
You can use regular hot sauce or your favorite hot sauce, but a cayenne-based chili pepper sauce gives the most authentic flavor.
How to Make Savory Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Melt the Butter
Add the butter to a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until melted.
Add the Hot Sauce
Pour in the cayenne pepper sauce to create that signature tangy, spicy buffalo taste.
Whisk in the Seasoning
Add the apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. This creates a balanced heat level with a tangy finish.
Cool and Store
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight jar or airtight container for storage.

How to Use Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce
This homemade version is incredibly versatile and works with many meals beyond buffalo chicken wings.
Try it with:
- Buffalo wings or buffalo chicken wings
- Buffalo chicken pizza
- Cauliflower bites
- Avocado toast with a spicy kick
- As a dipping sauce for french fries
- Drizzled over buffalo chicken wraps or salads
It also pairs well with cooling sides like sour cream or ranch dressing.
Storage and Leftover Sauce Tips
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Because this sauce uses real butter, it will thicken when chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before using.
Tips and Variations
- For a butter substitute, you can use dairy-free butter, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
- Some people enjoy adding onion powder, white vinegar, or a splash of worcestershire sauce, but those are optional additional ingredients.
- This sauce is easy to adjust if you want to experiment with different recipes or create one of your favorite sauces.
Conclusion
This savory homemade buffalo sauce is simple, bold, and full of classic flavor that works for so many meals. With just a few ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you can have a rich, buttery sauce ready whenever a craving hits. Keep a jar in the fridge for wings, sandwiches, or easy weeknight dinners, and enjoy knowing exactly what went into making it from scratch.

Savory Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Equipment
- small saucepan
- whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- airtight container or mason jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cayenne-based hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the butter to a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until fully melted.
- Pour in the hot sauce and whisk until combined with the melted butter.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
