Ever been mid-recipe, ready to coat those wings or drizzle some heat on your pizza, only to realize—you’re out of buffalo sauce? Ugh, the worst. I’ve been there too, frantically digging through my fridge like a raccoon in a dumpster.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need store-bought buffalo sauce to get that iconic tangy, spicy kick. There are plenty of easy swaps, whether you want something milder, smokier, or just a quick fix with what’s already in your kitchen.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite buffalo sauce substitutes, tested in everything from wings to dips. Some are spicier, some are sweeter, and a few might even become your new go-to. Let’s dive in!
Hot Sauce + Butter (The Classic DIY Buffalo Hack)
If you’ve got hot sauce and butter, you’re 90% of the way to homemade buffalo sauce. This is my emergency backup when I’m out of the real stuff.
Why It Works
- Butter mellows the heat and adds richness.
- Hot sauce provides the tangy, spicy base.
The Perfect Ratio
- 2 parts hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is best)
- 1 part melted butter
Pro Tips
✔ Add 1 tsp vinegar or Worcestershire for extra tang.
✔ Use unsalted butter to control saltiness.
✔ Simmer on low heat—boiling can make it separate.
Best For: Traditional buffalo wings, dips, or pizza drizzle.
BBQ Sauce + Hot Sauce (For a Smoky Twist)
If you like sweet heat, mixing BBQ sauce with hot sauce is a killer substitute.
Why It Works
- BBQ sauce adds sweetness and smokiness.
- Hot sauce brings the necessary spice.
The Golden Ratio
- 1:1 BBQ sauce to hot sauce (adjust for spice preference).
Pro Tips
✔ Use hickory or mesquite BBQ sauce for depth.
✔ Add a dash of cayenne if you need more kick.
Best For: Ribs, pulled pork, or glazed chicken.
Sriracha Mayo (Creamy & Spicy Alternative)
Not a perfect 1:1 swap, but Sriracha mayo works great for dips, wraps, or drizzle.
Why It Works
- Creamy texture balances the heat.
- Sriracha adds a garlicky kick.
The Magic Ratio
- 2 parts mayo
- 1 part Sriracha
Pro Tips
✔ Thin with lime juice or water if too thick.
✔ Avoid overheating—mayo can break.
Best For: Sandwiches, salads, or as a dipping sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing + Hot Sauce
If you’re making buffalo chicken dip or need a cooler, milder option, this works.
Why It Works
- Dairy in ranch/blue cheese neutralizes spice.
- Adds creaminess without butter.
Ratio
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
Best For: Dips, salads, or slaw.
Sweet Chili Sauce (For a Fruity, Less Spicy Option)
If you want heat without the vinegar punch, sweet chili sauce is a solid choice.
Why It Works
- Naturally thick and sticky.
- Mild heat with fruity sweetness.
Best Uses
✔ Glazed shrimp
✔ Stir-fry sauce
✔ Egg roll dip
Homemade Buffalo Sauce (From Scratch in 5 Mins)
If you’ve got 5 minutes and basic ingredients, make your own:
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Method
- Melt butter, whisk in other ingredients.
- Simmer 2 minutes. Done!
Best For: When you want authentic flavor fast.
Final Verdict: Which Substitute Should You Use?
| If You Need… | Best Substitute |
|---|---|
| Classic buffalo flavor | Hot sauce + butter |
| Smoky & sweet | BBQ + hot sauce |
| Creamy & cooling | Ranch/blue cheese + hot sauce |
| Thick & spicy | Sriracha mayo |
| Fruity & mild | Sweet chili sauce |
| From-scratch control | Homemade buffalo sauce |
Final Thought
Now you’ll never be stuck without buffalo sauce again. Which substitute will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
Hungry for more? Check out my [Ultimate Wing Sauce Guide] or [How to Fix Too-Spicy Disasters].