If you’re anything like me, nothing quite beats sinking your teeth into a crispy, saucy buffalo wing paired with a creamy, tangy blue cheese dip. This Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe is one of my go-to game day or casual dinner treats because it’s just so dependable — the wings come out perfectly crispy, the sauce hits that iconic balance of heat and sweetness, and that blue cheese dip? Pure magic.
What makes this recipe really special is how it comes together with simple ingredients you probably have on hand, yet it tastes restaurant-quality every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a hearty snack, this Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe will quickly become a crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat. Trust me, once you nail these wings and dip, you’ll be making them all the time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The spicy, sweet buffalo sauce paired with the cooling, tangy blue cheese dip is a classic combo that never disappoints.
- Crispy Wings Every Time: Whether you fry or bake them, these wings come out crispy and juicy, thanks to the seasoning and cooking tips I’m sharing.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep the blue cheese dip and buffalo sauce in advance, which means less stress on game day or party night.
- Customizable & Versatile: Breaded or naked, fried or baked, you can tweak this recipe to fit your mood or dietary preferences seamlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe lies in using fresh, well-seasoned wings paired with a bold, flavorful sauce and a creamy dip that complements the heat. I always recommend fresh garlic and quality blue cheese—they really make all the difference.
- Chicken wings (drumettes and flappers separated): Fresh wings give the best texture and flavor—take time to separate them yourself for even cooking.
- Kosher salt: Seasoning is everything here, and kosher salt provides a clean, balanced saltiness.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Granulated garlic: Infuses the wings with rich garlicky goodness without overpowering.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Use Greek yogurt for extra tang and a bit less fat if you like.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor to the dip and a nice pop of color.
- Lemon juice: Brightens both the dip and buffalo sauce for balance and freshness.
- Garlic clove: Freshly grated garlic elevates every element in this recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the blue cheese dip.
- Granulated onion powder: A subtle savoriness that pairs beautifully with garlic and chives.
- Blue cheese (crumbled): I suggest a good-quality, creamy blue cheese for max flavor without overpowering the dip.
- Buttermilk: Thins the dip to your perfect spoonable consistency with a touch of tang.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the buffalo sauce and helps balance the heat.
- Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce: The classic buffalo wing sauce staple, I always keep this on hand.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to tame the heat and add complexity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For that extra kick and a touch of crunch in the sauce.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: For frying—choose a high smoke point oil to get crispy wings every time.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch (optional): For breaded wings that add extra crunch and texture.
- Carrot and celery sticks (optional): Classic sides that add crunch and freshness to the platter.
Variations
I love how versatile this Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried a few different versions depending on mood and occasion, and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own.
- Air-Fryer Version: I switched to my air fryer one season, and it was a game changer for crispy wings without the extra oil—plus, they cook quickly.
- Breaded Wings: Adding a flour and cornstarch coating turns the wings extra crunchy, perfect if you want a little more texture contrast with the saucy coating.
- Baked Buffalo Wings: For a lighter option, bake the wings tossed in buffalo sauce—still super tasty and great for meal prep.
- Dairy-Free Blue Cheese Dip: I’ve swapped sour cream for dairy-free yogurt and used a sharp vegan blue cheese alternative—surprisingly satisfying and creamy.
How to Make Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate Your Wings
Start by separating your chicken wings into drumettes and flappers, if they’re not already prepped. Toss them in a large bowl, then sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. Give everything a good toss so every wing is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour—this step really boosts flavor and helps the wings crisp up beautifully when cooked.
Step 2: Whip Up the Blue Cheese Dip
While the wings are marinating, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with minced chives, lemon juice, freshly grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, then thin it out with buttermilk until it’s the consistency you like. Cover and let it chill for at least 30 minutes—this resting time helps those flavors meld, creating a dip that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with blue cheese goodness.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then add fresh grated garlic and cook just until fragrant—a minute or so is perfect. Whisk in the lemon juice, Franks RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, dark brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens slightly to a syrupy consistency. Keep it warm—this sauce is the soul of the recipe, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Fry or Cook Your Wings
Heat vegetable or peanut oil to 375°F (190°C) in a large pot or Dutch oven. For extra crunch, you can lightly coat the wings in a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch before frying. Fry the wings in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot—to get them crispy and cooked through, about 8-9 minutes for naked wings or 9-10 minutes for breaded. Drain them on a cooling rack set over a sheet pan, then keep warm in a low oven.
Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce and Serve
Once all wings are cooked, toss them in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce. I like to do this in batches to make sure every wing gets an even, glossy coating. If you want, pop them back in the oven briefly to crisp up the sauce glaze. Serve on a big platter with crunchy carrot and celery sticks alongside a generous bowl of your chilled blue cheese dip. A few extra cups of buffalo sauce on the side make this platter irresistible for wing lovers.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
- Marinate Time Makes a Difference: I’ve found that letting the wings marinate at least an hour up to overnight amps the flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Rack: Draining fried wings on a rack keeps them crunchy; paper towels trap steam and can make wings soggy.
- Warm Sauce, Warm Wings: Toss wings in warm buffalo sauce to get that perfect sticky coating without cooling the wings down.
- Blue Cheese Dip Patience: Let the dip chill to let flavors meld—if it thickens too much, thin with buttermilk a little at a time for perfect dipping consistency.
How to Serve Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I always stick to the classic carrot and celery sticks, not only for tradition but because their crunch and freshness complement the heat and richness perfectly. Sometimes I like to add a few chopped fresh chives on top of the dip for color and extra bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the wings brings a subtle smoky depth I’m obsessed with.
Side Dishes
To round out the platter, I often serve creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp iceberg wedge salad that cuts through the richness. Cornbread or soft dinner rolls also make great company for mopping up extra sauce. Some friends swear by sweet potato fries alongside, which adds a nice sweetness balance to the platter’s spicy profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the wings in concentric circles on a large platter with alternating colors of celery and carrot sticks. Lining individual ramekins of blue cheese dip and buffalo sauce around the edges makes it super easy for guests to help themselves. For game days, I’ve even served mini wings “flight” samples with different levels of heat—fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge and they’re best eaten within 2-3 days. The wings stay surprisingly good, especially if you keep the sauce separate and re-toss just before serving again to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This platter freezes really well! I separate the cooled wings into freezer bags, preferably in single serving sizes, keeping the sauce and dip separate if possible. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating—this makes for a great quick meal anytime.
Reheating
My preferred reheating method is in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep the wings crispy without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the skin less crunchy. Don’t forget to reheat the buffalo sauce separately and toss the wings again for maximum flavor!
FAQs
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Can I bake these buffalo wings instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, toss wings in your buffalo sauce, arrange on a greased sheet pan, and bake at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes until crispy and cooked through. This method still delivers great flavor with less mess.
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How far ahead can I make the blue cheese dip?
You can make the dip up to a week before your event. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and stir before serving. If it thickens too much, thin with a little buttermilk or milk to your desired consistency.
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Is it better to use fresh or bottled hot sauce for the buffalo sauce?
I recommend sticking with a classic bottled hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. It’s tried-and-true for authentic buffalo wings and gives a consistent tangy heat that fresh hot sauces may vary on.
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Can I use blue cheese crumbles in the sauce instead of just the dip?
While traditionally the sauce is smooth and the blue cheese is reserved for the dip, you can absolutely fold some crumbled blue cheese into the sauce if you love a punch of that creamy flavor everywhere. Just add it at the very end off heat to avoid separation.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a lively gathering or a cozy night, making these wings and dip always feels like a fun, delicious project — and the payoff is worth every step. I’m excited for you to try it and watch how everyone goes crazy over your homemade wings. Trust me, it’s going to become your next signature dish!
PrintBuffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Wing Platter with Blue Cheese Dip offers a classic and flavorful combination of crispy chicken wings tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, served alongside a creamy and sharp blue cheese dip. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, this recipe includes options for both traditional deep-fried wings or healthier baked and air-fried alternatives, ensuring there’s a method for everyone’s preference.
Ingredients
Wing Seasoning
- 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) chicken wings drumettes and flappers separated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
Blue Cheese Dip
- 1 cup (245 grams) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (7 grams) chives, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 a lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/4 pound (115 grams) blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) buttermilk
Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams or 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from the remaining 1/2 lemon)
- 1 12 oz bottle (354 milliliters) Franks RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
Optional Breading
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
Frying and Serving
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
- Carrot sticks (optional)
- Celery sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Wings: Place the separated chicken wing sections in a large bowl. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic in a small bowl, then sprinkle this seasoning over the wings. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to marinate.
- Prepare the Blue Cheese Dip: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, minced chives, lemon juice, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese. Thin with buttermilk to your preferred consistency. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning before serving.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add grated garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in lemon juice, hot sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, whisking often, until slightly thickened to syrup-like consistency. Keep warm.
- Deep-Fry the Wings: Preheat oven to warm for keeping wings hot. Set a cooling rack over a sheet pan. Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Fry wings in batches of 5 to 6 for 8-9 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on the rack and transfer to warm oven. Repeat until all wings are cooked.
- Optional Breaded Wings: Combine flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss wings in the mixture, shaking off excess. Fry in batches for 9-10 minutes, then drain and keep warm as above.
- Coat Wings in Buffalo Sauce: Place all fried wings in a large bowl. Pour about one cup of buffalo sauce over them and toss to coat evenly. Return to the oven briefly if desired for extra crispness or serve immediately.
- Serve: Arrange wings on a large platter with optional carrot and celery sticks. Stir the blue cheese dip and spoon into a serving bowl alongside the wings. Offer any remaining buffalo sauce in small cups for dipping.
- Air Fryer Alternative: Preheat air fryer to 375°F on the air fry setting. Arrange wings in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for 5 minutes on one side, flip, then cook 4 more minutes. Keep warm and toss in sauce as above.
- Baked Wings Option: Toss wings in buffalo sauce, place in a single layer on a lightly greased sheet pan, and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15-18 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or 300°F oven. Freeze cooled wings in freezer bags for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as preferred.
Notes
- The blue cheese dip can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Buffalo sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated in a jar for up to 1 week; warm it on the stove before tossing wings.
- Air fryer method uses no breading and requires flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese in the dip to taste.
- Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying due to their high smoke points.