Homemade Buffalo Sauce is rich, tangy, and spicy… and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients! A simple combination of hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices, it’s ready in minutes and even better than store bought!

Well, I can definitely say I never thought I’d be making homemade Buffalo Sauce. But as I’ve learned… things change!

Because recently, I found myself craving Buffalo Cauliflower. And I had a full head of cauliflower in the fridge… but no sauce. Which is clearly a key ingredient.

I remembered reading somewhere that you can make your own homemade Buffalo Sauce, and since I had a bottle of Frank’s Red Hot in my pantry? I knew I was in luck.

I grabbed the hot sauce, a stick of butter, and a couple other ingredients to give it extra flavor… and voila! The BEST Buffalo Sauce ever!

This sauce is rich and creamy and so flavorful… and I love the fact that you can control the ingredients you add to it. Because nobody wants an ingredient label you can barely read.

Another bonus? It’s a great way to elevate any buffalo recipe! From buffalo wings to Buffalo Chicken Dip to Buffalo Chicken Meatballs… everything is better homemade!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Hot sauce – This recipe starts with regular hot sauce (I used 2/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot) which is jazzed up with the addition of butter, vinegar and seasonings.

Butter – Melted butter combines with the hot sauce to make it extra rich and silky smooth. I used 1/2 cup unsalted butter, although salted butter would work just fine.

Vinegar – 1 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar gives this sauce an extra kick of vinegar flavor. I used regular white vinegar, but feel free to substitute apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or any of your favorites.

Worcestershire – 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce adds a touch more savory flavor to the already delicious flavors in Frank’s Red Hot. Add more or less to taste.

Cayenne pepper – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper kicks the heat up another level. This extra spice is completely optional!

Garlic powder – I added just a little bit of garlic powder (about 1/8 teaspoon) for even more delicious flavor.

how to make buffalo sauce

Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan. Combine all ingredients in a small to medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Whisk until smooth. Allow the butter to melt completely, whisking until smooth and creamy.

storage tips

Wondering how to store this recipe? Homemade Buffalo Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Since it contains butter, it will harden and separate when cold. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat before using.

Recipe Variations

Use any brand of hot sauce
Substitute apple cider, white wine, or white balsamic vinegar for regular white vinegar
Use less butter, to taste
Adjust the spice level by adding additional cayenne pepper
Add paprika or smoked paprika
Add extra savory flavor by adding more Worcestershire sauce

Our Favorite Ways to use Buffalo Sauce

The possibilities for Buffalo Sauce are absolutely endless! Use it anywhere you’d like to add a spicy kick… including these favorites!