I’m sharing a creamy and savory garlic parmesan sauce that mimics Buffalo Wild Wings’ popular dip—perfect for wings, dipping vegetables, drizzling on pasta, or elevating sandwiches.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how just a few ingredients come together into a smooth, tangy, garlic‑forward sauce with cheesy richness and a hint of spice. It’s quick to make, versatile, and adds bold flavor whether I’m coating wings, tossing veggies, or stirring it into pasta.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Unsalted butter
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Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder
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Heavy cream or mayonnaise (or both)
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Italian seasoning
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
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Black pepper
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Kosher salt
directions
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I melt butter in a saucepan and sauté fresh garlic (or stir in garlic powder) until fragrant.
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I pour in heavy cream (and/or mayonnaise), whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
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I stir in grated Parmesan cheese off the heat so it melts into the sauce.
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I mix in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if I want gentle warmth, black pepper, and salt to taste.
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I taste and adjust seasoning—adding a touch more garlic or pepper if needed—then let the sauce rest briefly to thicken.
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I toss it with freshly cooked wings, drizzle over pasta, or serve it as a dip at room temperature or gently warmed.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes enough sauce for roughly 4–6 servings of wings or one batch of pasta. Prep and cook time combined is about 10–15 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes roast garlic instead of sautéing to mellow its flavor.
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I use all mayonnaise (without butter) when I want a cold, thick dip consistency.
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To amplify cheesy depth, I occasionally add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of sugar.
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For a spicier version, I stir in extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
I store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. I don’t recommend freezing—it may separate. To reheat, I gently warm it over low heat or microwave in short bursts, whisking occasionally to bring it back together.
FAQs
What if my sauce is too thin?
I let it cool briefly—it thickens as it chills, and stirring in more Parmesan or reducing on the heat helps thicken it.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes—I sometimes substitute garlic powder for ease; I whisk it in early so the flavor blends well.
Is this the exact sauce Buffalo Wild Wings uses?
No—it’s a homemade version inspired by their flavor profile. The chain’s actual recipe is proprietary. My version uses simple ingredients to recreate the cheesy, garlicky taste.
Can I skip mayonnaise?
Absolutely—I make it with butter, cream, and Parmesan if I want it warm. Mayonnaise gives an optional chilled dip texture and richness.
How do I coat wings so they stay crispy?
I toss hot wings in the room‑temperature or gently warmed sauce in a bowl right before serving. That helps the sauce cling without sogginess.
Conclusion
I find this garlic parmesan wing sauce rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With minimal ingredients and just ten minutes, I can recreate a fan‑favorite sauce for wings, veggies, pasta, or more. I hope I feel inspired to whip up a batch soon and enjoy it as much as I do!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce
- Total Time: about 10–15 minutes
- Yield: makes ~1 cup, enough to coat 8–10 servings wings
Description
Rich, savory garlic‑parmesan sauce with a creamy texture and a subtle kick—perfect for coating chicken wings, dipping veggies, or dressing pasta.
Ingredients
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced (or roasted for milder flavor)
½ cup heavy cream
~1 tablespoon mayonnaise
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: teaspoons sugar or lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute
Stir in the heavy cream and heat until warmed through (don’t boil)
Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth
Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. Some versions include a touch of sugar or lemon juice for balance
Fold in mayonnaise to achieve a creamy, emulsified consistency—smooth but pourable
Let sauce cool slightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Reheat gently before serving. Keeps up to 5 days in fridge
Toss hot cooked wings or drums in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–10 minutes
- Category: Main Course