Description
This easy buffalo sauce recipe crafts a creamy, smoky experience with a unique Gouda Cream Swirl, perfect for adding a zesty kick to any dish. It combines classic cayenne pepper hot sauce with rich butter and a tangy vinegar base, elevated by smoked Gouda and heavy cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 120 g (0.5 cup) unsalted butter
- 180 mL (0.75 cup) original cayenne pepper hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 15 mL (1 tablespoon) white vinegar
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 60 g (2 oz) microbial rennet smoked Gouda cheese, finely grated
- 60 mL (0.25 cup) heavy cream
- 1 g (0.25 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 5 g (1 tablespoon) fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (optional, for swirl)
Instructions
- Melt Base Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 90 g (6 tablespoons) of the unsalted butter over medium-low heat until just liquid (about 2-3 minutes), avoiding any browning.
- Whisk Base Sauce: Remove from heat. Whisk in 150 mL (5/8 cup) of the hot sauce, the white vinegar, and the garlic powder until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Prepare Gouda Swirl Base: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 30 g (2 tablespoons) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until liquid (about 1 minute).
- Create Gouda Cream Swirl: Add the finely grated smoked Gouda cheese, heavy cream, the remaining 30 mL (1/8 cup) hot sauce, and smoked paprika to the second saucepan. Stir constantly with a whisk for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. (If the mixture seems too thick, a tiny splash of milk (1-2 teaspoons) can help achieve creaminess.)
- Combine Sauces: Pour the base buffalo sauce into a rustic serving bowl. Gently drizzle the Smoky Gouda Cream Swirl over the top of the hot sauce.
- Swirl for Visual Appeal: Using a skewer or a small spoon tip, gently swirl the Gouda cream into the red buffalo sauce a few times. Avoid overmixing to maintain visual separation.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Garnish by sprinkling the finely chopped fresh chives evenly over the swirled sauce.
Notes
To avoid separation, do not boil the sauce; keep heat low and stir continuously, especially for the Gouda swirl. For a milder sauce, use less hot sauce or add honey or brown sugar. For extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be added at the end. Dairy-free options include plant-based butter and cream. Parsley or green onions can substitute chives for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 mL)
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: easy buffalo sauce, creamy, smoky, Gouda, homemade, quick, sauce, condiment, American