If you’re a fan of bold flavors with a creamy, zesty punch, this Buffalo Ranch Sauce is about to become your new best friend. It’s got that perfect balance of tangy, creamy ranch, spicy Buffalo heat, and a hint of smokiness—all in one ridiculously easy-to-make sauce.
Whether you’re using it as a dip, a drizzle, or even a marinade, this sauce works its magic in so many ways. And the best part? You can totally tweak it to match your spice tolerance because not everyone wants their face melted off, and that’s okay!

Homemade Buffalo Ranch Sauce
If you know me, you know I lurve my wings! My favorite flavors are my Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Wings, and in the summer, I love to BBQ my Sweet and Sticky Grilled Wings on Skewers. They’re so fun to make (and absolutely delish!).
So because I’m a wimp and can’t take the heat of full-on hot sauce (Franks Red Hot being my favorite), I like to always dilute it down a bit so I still get a creamy, tangy spicy flavor but don’t cry my eyes out because my lips are falling off.
⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ranch sauce – I prefer Hidden Valley of course, but there are plenty of great-tasting ranch sauces out there. Please use your favorite kind, whether that is store-bought or homemade.
- Frank’s Red Hot – As I said earlier, Franks is my fave so that’s why I listed it specifically, but, if you prefer a hotter cayenne sauce or a different brand, please go for that!
- Smoked paprika – Now this is optional, but not really (haha). I really like smoked paprika but I find a little goes a really long way so please test as you add it. It adds a nice subtle smoky depth of flavor to the sauce. You can also consider using one drop of liquid smoke if you have it on hand.

🔥 Making It Your Own – Adjusting the Heat
Not everyone’s spice tolerance is the same, and there’s no shame in being a wimpy dimpy like myself when it comes to heat tolerance. It just makes sense that I’d make a sauce that is super easy to customize, right?
- For extra heat: Add more Frank’s Red Hot or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you really want to bring the fire, a couple of dashes of hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha will do the trick.
- For a milder kick: Stir in more ranch to tone down the spice, or add a teaspoon of melted butter to smooth out the heat. By the way, I’ll also sometimes make a wing sauce that I dip crispy wings into or make crispy buttery buffalo baked chicken pieces that is just a combination of melted butter and franks. No one said these were calorie-friendly, ha!
- For a little sweet contrast: Try a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to drizzle over top the wings after sauced and finished being cooked. This not only cuts the heat but also adds a delicious depth to the flavor.


❄️ Serving & Storage
- Chill before serving (only if used for dipping) – Let the flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The cool, creamy texture makes it even better! I love the contrast of a hot wing with a cool dipping sauce. It’s a great idea to use this dip chilled even when serving it for dipping with other things.
- Store it right – Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. Stir before using, as the ingredients might separate a little.

🎯 How to Use Buffalo Ranch Sauce Beyond Just Dipping!
Oh, sure, you can dunk wings, veggies, and fries in this sauce—but why stop there? Here are some unexpected (and delicious) ways to use it:
- Buffalo Ranch Wings – Obviously, this is the sauce for them!
- Pizza sauce alternative – Swap out regular tomato sauce for Buffalo Ranch and top it with grilled chicken, cheese, and red onions.
- Burger or sandwich spread – Smear it on a bun before stacking up your burger or crispy chicken sandwich.
- Mac & cheese mix-in – Stir some into a bowl of creamy mac & cheese for a spicy, tangy kick.
- Marinade for chicken or fish – Let the flavors soak in before grilling or baking for a flavorful twist.
- Drizzle over nachos – Instead of sour cream, try this over a big plate of loaded nachos.

This Buffalo Ranch Sauce is easy, versatile, and totally addicting. Whether you’re a spice lover or need a milder version, you can tweak it to perfection. Go ahead—make a batch, drizzle it on everything, and thank me later.
What’s your favorite way to use Buffalo Ranch Sauce? Let me know in the comments and thank you so much for stopping by The Salty Pot today!

Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe
This Buffalo Ranch Sauce is the ultimate creamy, spicy, and tangy combo! Made with ranch, Frank’s Red Hot, and smoked paprika, it’s perfect for dipping wings, drizzling over pizza, or using as a marinade. Quick to make, customizable to your spice preference, and totally addictive!
Ingredients
- ½ cup ranch sauce
- ¼ cup Franks Red Hot.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Place the ranch, the hot sauce, and smoked paprika in
a mixing bowl. - Stir all ingredients together with a whisk. Taste to adjust. If the sauce is not spicy enough, add more hot sauce. Or conversely, reduce the spiciness with ranch sauce.
- Transfer the sauce to a container and refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option – Need a non-dairy version? Swap the ranch for a vegan ranch or use coconut-based sour cream with herbs for a plant-based alternative.
- Thicker or Thinner? – If you want a thicker sauce for spreading, mix in a bit of sour cream or mayo. For a thinner drizzle, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
- Balancing Flavors – If the sauce tastes too sharp, a tiny pinch of sugar or honey can help round out the tangy heat without making it overly sweet.
- Kid-Friendly Version – Making it for little ones or spice-sensitive eaters? Cut the Buffalo sauce down to 2 tablespoons and add an extra ¼ cup of ranch to mellow it out.
- Serving Temperature Matters – This sauce is best served chilled if using as a dip, but if you’re drizzling it on hot dishes like wings or pizza, letting it come to room temp first makes for a smoother consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 tablespoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 50Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 264mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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