Buffalo Wild Wings is a household name when it comes to delicious chicken wings and a wide variety of sauces to complement them. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, the popular sports bar and grill has become synonymous with mouth-watering wings and a fun, lively atmosphere. But have you ever wondered what kind of wing sauce Buffalo Wild Wings uses? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauces, exploring their ingredients, flavors, and the secret recipe that sets them apart from the competition.
A Brief History of Buffalo Wild Wings
Before we dive into the world of sauces, let’s take a brief look at the history of Buffalo Wild Wings. Founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, the first Buffalo Wild Wings location opened in Columbus, Ohio. The concept was simple: create a sports bar that served high-quality chicken wings in a variety of flavors. The idea quickly took off, and today Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the largest sports bars in the world.
The Sauce: A Key Component of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Success
So, what makes Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauce so special? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients and the secret recipe that has remained unchanged since the company’s inception. While we can’t reveal the exact recipe (that’s a trade secret!), we can explore the ingredients and flavors that make up the signature sauce.
Ingredients: A Blend of Spices and Flavorings
Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauce is a proprietary blend of spices and flavorings that are mixed with a base of hot sauce and butter. The exact ingredients are unknown, but based on interviews with former employees and food bloggers, we can make an educated guess about the components of the sauce. Some of the likely ingredients include:
- Hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or a similar variety)
- Butter
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
Flavor Profile: A Balance of Spicy and Savory
The flavor profile of Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauce is a perfect balance of spicy and savory. The hot sauce provides a spicy kick, while the butter adds a rich, creamy element. The garlic and onion powder add a depth of flavor, while the paprika and cayenne pepper provide a smoky, slightly sweet note. The salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor and add a touch of complexity.
Other Sauces on the Menu
While the signature sauce is the most popular, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide variety of sauces to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the other sauces on the menu include:
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, mustard, and spices.
- BBQ: A sweet and smoky sauce made with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
- Sweet and Sour: A tangy and slightly sweet sauce made with sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Lemon Pepper: A bright and citrusy sauce made with lemon juice, black pepper, and spices.
- Mango Habanero: A sweet and spicy sauce made with mango puree, habanero peppers, and spices.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Sauces
In addition to the regular menu sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings often releases seasonal and limited-time sauces to keep things fresh and exciting. Some examples include:
- Pumpkin Sauce (fall season)
- Cranberry Sauce (winter season)
- Buffalo Ranch Sauce (limited-time only)
- Ghost Pepper Sauce (limited-time only)
How to Make Your Own Buffalo Wild Wings-Style Sauce
While we can’t replicate the exact recipe, we can provide a DIY version of the sauce that’s close enough to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Buffalo Wild Wings-style sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the hot sauce and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the secret to Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature sauce lies in the combination of ingredients and the proprietary recipe that has remained unchanged since the company’s inception. While we can’t reveal the exact recipe, we can explore the ingredients and flavors that make up the sauce and even provide a DIY version to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of the signature sauce or prefer one of the many other options on the menu, Buffalo Wild Wings has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
So the next time you’re at Buffalo Wild Wings, take a moment to appreciate the sauce that makes their wings so delicious. Whether you’re a sauce connoisseur or just a fan of good food, the story behind the sauce is a fascinating one that’s sure to leave you craving more.
What is the signature wing sauce of Buffalo Wild Wings?
The signature wing sauce of Buffalo Wild Wings is their proprietary “Blazin’ Sauce.” However, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret. The Blazin’ Sauce is known for its intense heat and unique flavor profile, which sets it apart from other wing sauces on the market.
While the exact ingredients of the Blazin’ Sauce are unknown, fans of the sauce have attempted to reverse-engineer it by analyzing its flavor profile and ingredients. Some have speculated that the sauce contains a combination of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices, but the exact proportions and preparation method remain a mystery.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing sauce available for purchase in stores?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing sauce is available for purchase in stores. The company sells a range of sauces, including their signature Blazin’ Sauce, in bottles that can be found in many grocery stores and online retailers. However, it’s worth noting that the bottled sauce may not be identical to the sauce served in Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants, as the company may use a different formulation for their retail products.
Additionally, Buffalo Wild Wings also sells a range of other sauces, including their Medium Sauce, Honey Mustard Sauce, and Lemon Pepper Sauce, among others. These sauces can be used to add flavor to wings and other foods at home, and can be found in the condiment section of many grocery stores.
Can I make a copycat version of Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing sauce at home?
Yes, it is possible to make a copycat version of Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing sauce at home. There are many recipes available online that claim to replicate the flavor and heat of the Blazin’ Sauce. These recipes often involve combining hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices in a specific ratio, and then simmering the mixture to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
However, it’s worth noting that the exact recipe for Blazin’ Sauce remains a trade secret, so any copycat recipe is likely to be an approximation rather than an exact replica. That being said, many fans of Buffalo Wild Wings have reported success with making copycat sauces at home, and there are many online resources available to help guide the process.
What is the Scoville heat unit rating of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Sauce?
The Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Sauce is reportedly around 350,000-400,000 SHU. This makes it one of the hottest commercially available wing sauces on the market. For comparison, Tabasco sauce has an SHU rating of around 30,000-60,000, while Ghost Pepper sauce has an SHU rating of around 855,000-1,041,427.
It’s worth noting that the Scoville scale is subjective and can vary depending on individual tolerance and preparation methods. However, the Blazin’ Sauce is widely regarded as one of the hottest wing sauces available, and is not recommended for those who are sensitive to spicy foods.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings offer any non-spicy wing sauce options?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of non-spicy wing sauce options for those who prefer milder flavors. Some popular options include their Honey Mustard Sauce, Lemon Pepper Sauce, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce. These sauces are designed to add flavor to wings without the heat, and can be a good option for those who are sensitive to spicy foods.
In addition to their non-spicy sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a range of dry seasonings that can be used to add flavor to wings without sauce. These seasonings include options like Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, and Desert Heat, among others.
Can I customize my wing sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings allows customers to customize their wing sauce to suit their taste preferences. Customers can choose from a range of sauces and seasonings, and can also request modifications to the sauce, such as adding more or less heat or mixing different sauces together.
In addition to customizing their sauce, customers can also choose from a range of wing styles, including bone-in, boneless, and cauliflower wings. This allows customers to tailor their wing experience to their individual preferences and dietary needs.
Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing sauces gluten-free?
According to Buffalo Wild Wings’ website, many of their wing sauces are gluten-free. However, it’s always best to check with the restaurant or consult their website for the most up-to-date information on gluten-free options.
Some sauces that are reportedly gluten-free include their Blazin’ Sauce, Medium Sauce, and Honey Mustard Sauce. However, it’s worth noting that gluten-free options can vary by location and preparation method, so it’s always best to confirm with the restaurant if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.