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

Description

This Buffalo Wild Wings Copycat Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe features tender baked chicken wings tossed in a creamy, zesty, garlicky parmesan sauce. Using roasted garlic, real parmesan, and herby flavors, it’s perfect tossed over wings or served as a delicious dip. Ideal for parties and game-day snacks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Wings

1 pound chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Garlic

6 cloves roasted garlic, peeled and crushed (use air fryer or oven roasted garlic)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar or corn syrup
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Prepared roasted garlic (from above)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare and Bake Wings – Place chicken wings in a resealable bag. Add enough olive oil to coat evenly, then arrange wings on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 60 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Roast the Garlic – While the wings are baking, roast a bulb of garlic in your air fryer or oven until soft and aromatic, following your preferred roasted garlic method.
Prepare Sauce Base – While garlic is roasting, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar (or syrup), grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, thyme, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
Add Roasted Garlic – Once garlic is cool and soft (about 5 minutes after roasting), squeeze the roasted cloves from the bulb. Crush with a fork and add to the sauce. Whisk until the garlic is thoroughly incorporated.
Chill the Sauce – Cover and refrigerate the sauce for several hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Toss Wings with Sauce – Once the wings are cooked and the sauce is chilled and thickened, toss the hot wings with the sauce in a heat-safe bowl until fully coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side as a dip.

Notes

For best flavor, use air fryer roasted garlic if available.
Whisk the sauce vigorously to achieve a creamy, fully blended texture.
Chilling the sauce overnight gives the best result, letting the flavors fully meld.
This sauce also makes a delicious dip for veggies, fries, or chips.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 batch (about 1 pound wings and sauce)
Calories: 1686 kcal
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 2234mg
Fat: 154g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Unsaturated Fat: 117g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 51g
Cholesterol: 242mg