I stopped buying bottled dips years ago because they never get the texture quite right. This Creamy Garlic Buffalo Sauce changes the game by combining the kick of hot sauce with the velvety richness of cream cheese. It takes five minutes to make, uses four ingredients you likely have right now, and tastes infinitely better than anything from the store.
Why You Will Crave This “Dip-Sauce” Hybrid
This recipe lives in the delicious middle ground between a spicy wing sauce and a rich dip.
- Texture Heaven: It coats the back of a spoon perfectly. Think of it as if an alfredo sauce recipe met a classic buffalo wing sauce.
- Four Ingredients: You only need hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, and cream cheese. No complicated thickeners required.
- Total Versatility: I use it as a dunking sauce for my Buffalo Chicken Sandwich just as often as I pour it over pasta.
Creamy Garlic Buffalo Sauce: The Ultimate 4-Ingredient Dip
- Total Time: 7
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 4-ingredient Creamy Garlic Buffalo Sauce comes together in 5 minutes. It combines the heat of wing sauce with the richness of cream cheese for the perfect dip, drizzle, or pasta sauce.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until combined.
3. Add the softened cream cheese cubes.
4. Whisk constantly over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately for dipping, or let cool slightly to thicken for spreading.
Notes
**Texture Tip:** If the sauce is too thick, whisk in 1 tablespoon of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
**Storage:** Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to melt the cream cheese again.
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
The 4-Ingredient Lineup
- Frank’s RedHot Original: This provides the classic cayenne flavor we all know and love.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds gloss and richness to cut through the vinegar.
- Cream Cheese: The secret weapon. It stabilizes the sauce and makes it thick enough to scoop.
- Garlic Powder: Use powder instead of fresh garlic to keep the texture perfectly smooth.
How to Make It (The Low-Heat Method)
The trick to a smooth sauce is patience with the heat.
1. Melt the Butter
Place your butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it melt completely without bubbling or browning.
2. Whisk the Base
Stir in the hot sauce and garlic powder. Whisk it until the butter and sauce combine into a uniform orange liquid.
3. Melt the Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese in small cubes. Whisk constantly as it melts. It might look lumpy for a minute, but keep whisking. It will smooth out into a glossy, creamy orange sauce.
4. Season and Serve
Taste it. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne. If you want it thinner for drizzling, add a splash of water or milk.
Variations & Serving Ideas
This sauce unlocks so many meal possibilities.
- The Ultimate Dip: Pour it into a bowl for chips or veggies. If you want a protein boost, try my Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip.
- Pasta Night: Stir this sauce into cooked macaroni for an instant Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. It also works as the liquid base for a hearty Buffalo Chicken Casserole.
- Crispy Favorites: Drizzle it over Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower for a vegetarian wing alternative that actually tastes indulgent.
- Party Snacks: Use it as the binder for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels or serve it alongside a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla for dipping.
- Soup Swirl: A spoonful of this creamy sauce adds incredible richness to a bowl of Buffalo Chicken Soup or Buffalo Chicken Chili.
- Classic Dip Tweaks: You can easily adapt this base into a heavier dip like my Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot version, or use Canned Chicken for a quick pantry meal. For a pure classic, check out my Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Buffalo Sauce proves that homemade is always better. It adds a luxurious finish to everything it touches. Keep a jar in the fridge, and you will never eat dry chicken again.
Related Recipes
Chopped Buffalo Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies & Blue Cheese
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