Copycat Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe

When you pair that tangy, spicy kick of Buffalo flavor with the silky, rich taste of buttery goodness? That’s a match made in foodie heaven. But here’s the thing—finding the perfect balance in a sauce isn’t always easy. Thankfully, Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce exists to make all of our lives (and meals!) better.

How to make Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce

Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce & Dip is a premium, slightly creamy take on classic buffalo sauce that blends heat and flavor in a versatile condiment.

Ingredients:

To recreate the flavor profile of Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce, use the following simple kitchen staples:

Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature for silky texture)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is close to Kinder’s flavor profile)

Spice Blend:

• 1 tsp garlic powder (adds depth and subtle warmth)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smoky notes)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, if you like extra heat)

Acid & Sweetness:

• 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar (balances the buttery richness)
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (mimics Kinder’s slightly sweet undertone)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Butter Base: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir gently to avoid separating its fats and liquids—you want the butter to stay silky and smooth.

2. Incorporate the Hot Sauce: Once the butter is fully melted, gradually whisk in your hot sauce. Keep stirring as you pour to create an emulsified base where the buttery richness fully incorporates into the tangy hot sauce.

3. Add Spice Blend: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (optional), and cayenne pepper into the mix. Blend thoroughly while keeping the sauce on low heat. Let the spices bloom for 1-2 minutes to deepen their flavors.

4. Balance the Flavor: Whisk in the vinegar to add the signature tanginess, then stir in honey (or brown sugar) for a delicate touch of sweetness. Taste the sauce and tweak these elements as necessary until it mirrors Kinder’s famous blend.

5. Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. If you’re using it to coat wings, toss the warm wings in the sauce until evenly covered. For dips or spreads, let the sauce cool completely before transferring to a dish.

Tips for Perfect Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce:

• Adjust Heat Levels: Prefer spicier wings? Increase the cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce. Want it milder? Reduce the cayenne or choose a hot sauce with a low heat index.
• Boost the Butter Flavor: Kinder’s has a rich buttery taste, so don’t skimp on the butter quality. Consider using European-style butter for extra creaminess.
• Consistency Matters: For a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or simply let it simmer longer to reduce.
• Storage: Pour leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Homemade Buffalo sauce will stay fresh for up to 1 week—Reheat gently before use.
• Creative Uses: Aside from wings, try this sauce as a burger topping, drizzle over roasted veggies, or mix with mayo for a spicy sandwich spread.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking for substitutes to make Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce at home, you can easily swap out various ingredients to fit dietary restrictions, availability, or taste preferences.

Butter Substitutes

Butter creates the smooth, creamy base of the sauce, but there are alternatives depending on dietary needs:

• Clarified Butter/Ghee: Provides a deeper, nutty butter flavor and works well in the recipe.
• Margarine: A dairy-free alternative that mimics the texture of butter, although it offers a slightly less rich flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Works for vegan versions but adds a faint coconut aroma. Use refined coconut oil if you prefer it to be neutral.
• Olive Oil: Though not as creamy as butter, olive oil adds richness. Combine with cornstarch to thicken the sauce slightly.

Hot Sauce Substitutes

Hot sauce is the key flavoring agent in a Buffalo wing sauce, but you can tweak it to match your spice preference or ingredients on hand:

• Frank’s RedHot Substitute: Use Tabasco or Sriracha for similar heat levels, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
• Homemade Hot Sauce: Combine equal parts vinegar, chili flakes (or fresh chilies), and salt for a DIY hot sauce.
• Chili Paste: If you have no bottled hot sauce handy, use chili paste (such as Sambal Oelek) mixed with extra vinegar for tang.
• Smoked or Roasted Hot Sauce: For a unique twist, use smoked hot sauces like Chipotle sauce for added depth.

Sweetener Substitutes

The honey or brown sugar balances the heat and tang with a hint of sweetness, but you can adjust depending on what’s in your pantry:

• Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness with a slight caramel flavor.
• Agave Syrup: Perfect for lighter, more neutral sweetness—and it works well in vegan recipes.
• Molasses: Adds richness but may darken the sauce and make it slightly thicker. Use sparingly.
• Granulated Sugar: A simple sugar will work if dissolved properly into the sauce.
• Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: For a sugar-free option, try liquid stevia or erythritol.

Vinegar Substitutes

Vinegar delivers tanginess and brings balance to the richness of butter. Several options can stand in for distilled vinegar:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A fruity, slightly milder substitute; it works well in recreating Kinder’s sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Less harsh and slightly sweet, this is perfect for those who prefer mellow flavors.
• White Wine Vinegar: A good option for keeping acidity while adding a touch of subtlety.
• Lemon Juice: Not vinegar, but fresh lemon juice works in place of distilled vinegar for a bright tang.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Use very sparingly; it adds a sweeter depth but can overpower the Buffalo flavor if overused.

Spice Substitutes

The spice blend in Kinder’s sauce is customizable, and you can swap spices if you’re out of the essentials:

• Garlic Powder: Replace with fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor or roasted garlic for a sweeter undertone.
• Onion Powder: Substitute with fresh minced onion sautéed in butter, or chives for a mild onion flavor.
• Paprika: Use regular paprika, smoked paprika, or chili powder depending on the level of heat and smokiness you want.
• Cayenne Pepper: Increase hot sauce to substitute for cayenne, or use red chili flakes for a milder alternative.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo Wing Sauce is more than just making a recipe—it’s about customizing your favorite flavors while enjoying the beauty of scratch cooking.

More Kinder’s Recipes:

• Copycat Kinder’s Cowboy Butter Seasoning Recipe
• Kinder’s Prime Steak with Black Garlic & Truffle Seasoning Recipe