Buffalo Wild Wings’ Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a fan favorite known for its rich, creamy texture and savory, tangy flavor profile. Combining the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese with the bold aroma of garlic, this sauce is a versatile and delicious choice for wings, sandwiches, dips, and more. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes this sauce unique, its core ingredients, flavor profile, nutritional facts, and creative ways to use it beyond just wings.
If you’re looking to make a similar sauce at home, you might also enjoy Garlic Parmesan Sauce – The Ultimate Guide to Making, Using, and Customizing This Delicious Sauce, which provides tips on creating and modifying Garlic Parmesan sauces.
Key Ingredients in Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
The Parmesan Garlic Sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings contains a blend of ingredients that contribute to its smooth texture, balanced flavor, and creamy consistency. Let’s break down some of the main ingredients and discuss how they shape the sauce.
1. Parmesan Cheese
The star of the sauce, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, umami-rich flavor that defines the sauce’s character. Parmesan is an aged cheese known for its strong, distinctive taste, with a crumbly texture that melts into the sauce. Made from milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, Parmesan contributes both flavor and thickness.
2. Garlic
Garlic gives the sauce its unmistakable, savory aroma and depth. The sharp, pungent taste of garlic pairs perfectly with Parmesan, creating a robust, balanced flavor that enhances the sauce’s savory profile.
3. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is used as the base for the sauce, providing a smooth and consistent texture. Its neutral flavor allows the Parmesan and garlic to shine without overpowering other flavors. Soybean oil also helps the sauce cling to wings and other foods.
4. Distilled Vinegar
A touch of distilled vinegar provides mild acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and oil. The vinegar adds a subtle tang that brings out the flavors of the Parmesan and garlic while preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.
5. Egg Yolk
Egg yolk acts as an emulsifier, giving the sauce a thicker, creamier consistency. This ingredient helps blend the oil with the other ingredients, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth texture.
6. Italian Seasoning
The Italian seasoning adds a hint of spice and herbaceousness, with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme bringing additional depth to the sauce. This seasoning elevates the flavor profile and pairs well with the garlic and Parmesan.
7. Corn Syrup
A small amount of corn syrup adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory notes and preventing the sauce from tasting overly salty or sharp. The sweetness enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering the main flavors.
For those who want more insight into adjusting flavors and adding other ingredients, check out Ultimate Guide to Making Hot Honey – A Sweet and Spicy Delight. It offers creative ideas on incorporating unique flavors into your sauces.
Flavor Profile of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
The flavor of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce can be best described as rich, tangy, and savory. The Parmesan cheese gives it a robust, umami flavor, complemented by the boldness of garlic. The sauce has a creamy, buttery texture that pairs well with wings, and the addition of vinegar and Italian herbs adds complexity and brightness.
- Creamy and Buttery: The soybean oil and egg yolk give it a smooth consistency that clings well to food.
- Savory and Umami: Parmesan cheese provides depth, while garlic brings an aromatic sharpness.
- Tangy and Balanced: The distilled vinegar cuts through the richness, and a touch of corn syrup adds balance, making the sauce both savory and slightly sweet.
This sauce has a universal appeal, making it a versatile addition to wings, sandwiches, vegetables, and even pasta dishes.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Understanding the nutritional profile of this sauce can help those mindful of their diet make informed choices. A standard serving of Parmesan Garlic Sauce (about 2 tablespoons) contains approximately:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 13g (2g saturated fat)
- Sodium: Around 270mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g (primarily from corn syrup)
- Protein: 1g
This sauce is high in fat due to its oil and cheese base, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The sodium content is also significant, which is typical for a sauce designed to enhance flavors. The sauce contains both dairy (from Parmesan cheese) and eggs, making it unsuitable for vegans and those with egg or dairy allergies. However, lacto-ovo vegetarians can still enjoy it since it doesn’t contain meat products.
For those interested in healthier alternatives or ways to adjust the texture, How to Thicken Up a Dipping Sauce – The Complete Guide offers tips on achieving the ideal consistency for your sauce.
Creative Ways to Use Parmesan Garlic Sauce
While Buffalo Wild Wings’ Parmesan Garlic Sauce is delicious on wings, there are countless other ways to enjoy it. Here are some creative ideas to make the most of this versatile sauce:
1. Marinade for Meats and Vegetables
Use Parmesan Garlic Sauce as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. The creamy, tangy flavors infuse the food, adding depth and flavor. Simply coat your choice of protein or vegetables with the sauce, let it marinate for an hour, and then grill, bake, or sauté.
2. Sandwich Spread
Add it to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for a flavorful, creamy spread. It works especially well with grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie wraps, and turkey burgers. Just spread a thin layer on the bread or bun for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Pasta Sauce
The richness of this sauce makes it a perfect pasta sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta, and add grilled chicken or shrimp for a quick, satisfying meal. The Parmesan and garlic flavors create a creamy, Alfredo-like base that’s easy to customize with additional herbs or spices.
4. Dip for Vegetables and Appetizers
Serve it as a dip for fresh vegetables, breadsticks, or even pizza crust. It’s a great alternative to ranch or blue cheese dressing, providing a tangy, creamy option for dipping. The bold garlic and Parmesan flavors complement a variety of foods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
1. What are the main ingredients in Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
This sauce contains Parmesan cheese, garlic, soybean oil, distilled vinegar, egg yolk, and Italian seasoning. Each ingredient plays a role in giving the sauce its distinctive creamy, savory flavor.
2. Can I make a homemade version of Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade version typically includes Parmesan, garlic, butter, and a blend of seasonings. Check out Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe for an easy-to-follow DIY recipe that mimics the flavors of the original.
3. How many calories are in a serving of Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
Each 2-tablespoon serving has about 130 calories, with most of the calories coming from fats due to the butter and oil.
4. Is Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians since it contains Parmesan and eggs but no meat ingredients. However, it’s not vegan-friendly due to the dairy and egg content.
5. What can I use as a substitute if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
You can make a homemade blend using Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning, or try other creamy garlic sauces available in stores.
Conclusion: The Versatility of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce is more than just a wing sauce. Its rich, creamy, and tangy flavor profile, made from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, makes it a perfect addition to various dishes. Whether used as a marinade, pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or veggie dip, this sauce brings depth and bold flavors to any meal.
For those interested in learning more about sauce customization, Garlic Parmesan Sauce – The Ultimate Guide to Making, Using, and Customizing This Delicious Sauce offers tips and recipes to try at home.
With this guide, you now have the information to enjoy Buffalo Wild Wings’ Parmesan Garlic Sauce to the fullest—experiment with new dishes, and bring its rich flavors into your kitchen!