Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting my own?

While you could use pre-minced garlic in a pinch, you'll miss out on the sweet, complex flavor that comes from roasting. The roasted garlic is really what makes this sauce special, transforming it from good to "can't stop eating this" amazing.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the parmesan cheese?

You can experiment with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. While not identical to parmesan, it provides a similar savory, cheesy note. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

How long will this sauce keep in the refrigerator?

The sauce will keep well for about 5 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after the first day or two.

Can I use this sauce for anything besides wings?

Absolutely! This versatile sauce makes a fantastic dip for vegetables, spread for sandwiches, or even a pasta sauce when thinned with a bit of pasta water. It's also great drizzled over roasted potatoes or as a topping for baked chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat Recipe

This irresistible Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect homemade version of Buffalo Wild Wings’ beloved flavor. Creamy, savory, and packed with roasted garlic goodness, this sauce transforms ordinary chicken wings into a restaurant-quality treat. The best part? You can whip it up with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: Create that signature Buffalo Wild Wings flavor right in your own kitchen, without the restaurant price tag.
Roasted Garlic Magic: The roasted garlic adds a deep, sweet complexity that makes this sauce absolutely addictive.
Versatile Deliciousness: While perfect for wings, this sauce works beautifully as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or even tossed with pasta.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce actually gets better overnight, making it perfect for planning ahead for game days or gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken wings: The perfect vehicle for this creamy, flavorful sauce. They crisp up nicely in the oven, creating the ideal texture contrast.
Roasted garlic: The star of the show! Roasting transforms harsh raw garlic into sweet, mellow, caramelized goodness that forms the foundation of the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps bind the sauce and adds a subtle richness.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our sauce, providing the perfect consistency.
Sugar or corn syrup: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds that unmistakable umami kick and savory depth that makes the sauce crave-worthy.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole sauce with a pop of acidity.
Apple cider vinegar: Works with the lemon juice to cut through the richness and add complexity.
Herbs (thyme, oregano, basil): This Italian-inspired blend complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
Red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat that builds rather than overwhelms.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything into perfect balance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your garlic parmesan experience? Try these tasty twists:

Extra Cheesy: Double the parmesan for an even more intense cheese flavor.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
Herby Version: Add fresh chopped parsley and chives just before serving for bright, fresh notes.
Lighter Option: Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place wings in a resealable bag, add enough oil to coat them well, then spread on a foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for about 60 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

While the wings are baking, roast a bulb of garlic in your air fryer or oven. This transforms raw garlic into sweet, mellow flavor bombs that will elevate your sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce Base

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar (or corn syrup), grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, thyme, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Add the Roasted Garlic

Once your garlic has cooled enough to handle (about 5 minutes), squeeze the soft cloves out of the bulb. Crush them with a fork and add to your sauce mixture. Whisk until completely incorporated.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Develop

Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and develop into something truly magical.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

When ready to serve, toss your hot wings in the sauce inside a heat-safe bowl, or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Either way, prepare for flavor bliss!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Patient Roasting: Don’t rush the garlic roasting process—those caramelized notes are what make this sauce special.
Vigorous Whisking: Really put some muscle into mixing the sauce. The more thoroughly incorporated, the more cohesive the flavors will be.
Overnight Magic: While the sauce is good after a few hours, it becomes truly exceptional when allowed to rest overnight.
Wing Technique: For extra crispy wings, pat them completely dry before coating with oil. The drier they are to start, the crispier they’ll get.

How to Serve

This versatile sauce shines in so many ways:

Main Event:

Toss with fresh-from-the-oven hot wings for a classic Buffalo Wild Wings experience at home.

Dipping Joy:

Serve as a dip for raw vegetables, french fries, or potato wedges.

Sandwich Upgrade:

Spread on sandwiches or wraps for an incredible flavor boost.

Pasta Partner:

Toss with hot pasta and add some extra parmesan for a quick dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, the first day or two after making it, the flavor will continue to improve!

Freezing

While technically freezable for up to 1 month, the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the mayonnaise base. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk vigorously before using.

Reheating

This sauce is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’re using it with wings, toss the hot wings with the cold sauce for that perfect temperature contrast.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting my own?

While you could use pre-minced garlic in a pinch, you’ll miss out on the sweet, complex flavor that comes from roasting. The roasted garlic is really what makes this sauce special, transforming it from good to “can’t stop eating this” amazing.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the parmesan cheese?

You can experiment with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. While not identical to parmesan, it provides a similar savory, cheesy note. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
How long will this sauce keep in the refrigerator?

The sauce will keep well for about 5 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after the first day or two.
Can I use this sauce for anything besides wings?

Absolutely! This versatile sauce makes a fantastic dip for vegetables, spread for sandwiches, or even a pasta sauce when thinned with a bit of pasta water. It’s also great drizzled over roasted potatoes or as a topping for baked chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet roasted garlic, savory parmesan, and aromatic herbs that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, this sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!