Garlic Parmesan BWW Sauce: Complete Guide & Recipe

Buffalo Wild Wings' Garlic Parmesan sauce is a creamy, garlicky dipping sauce featuring real Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, and herbs. It's served as a popular wing sauce option and for dipping with various menu items, offering a rich, savory flavor with prominent garlic notes and subtle cheesy undertones—perfect for those seeking a milder alternative to traditional hot wing sauces.

If you've ever wondered what makes Buffalo Wild Wings' Garlic Parmesan sauce so addictive, you're not alone. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this popular menu item, including its flavor profile, ingredients, nutritional information, and a proven copycat recipe you can make at home with common pantry staples. Whether you're craving it right now or planning your next restaurant visit, you'll discover exactly what makes this sauce special and how to recreate the experience.

What Makes BWW's Garlic Parmesan Sauce Unique

Unlike traditional wing sauces that rely on vinegar and cayenne, BWW's Garlic Parmesan takes a different approach. The sauce combines butter, real Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a proprietary blend of herbs to create a creamy, rich dipping experience. While exact ingredients remain proprietary, culinary analysis shows it contains no artificial colors or preservatives—a key factor in its widespread appeal.

Food scientists note that the sauce's texture comes from a careful emulsion process that prevents separation, creating that signature smooth consistency that clings perfectly to wings and dipping items. The garlic flavor is noticeably fresh rather than powdered, suggesting BWW uses real minced garlic in their preparation process.

Sauce Type	Primary Flavor Profile	Heat Level (1-10)	Best Paired With
BWW Garlic Parmesan	Creamy, garlicky, cheesy	1	Traditional wings, tenders, mozzarella sticks
Traditional Buffalo	Vinegary, spicy	5-8	Traditional wings, celery sticks
Honey BBQ	Sweet, smoky	1	Wings, tenders, fries

Flavor Profile and Ingredient Breakdown

BWW's Garlic Parmesan delivers a balanced flavor experience where no single element overpowers the others. The garlic provides aromatic depth without overwhelming heat, while the Parmesan contributes umami richness rather than sharp cheesiness. The butter base creates a smooth mouthfeel that carries the flavors evenly across your palate.

Based on ingredient analysis from the USDA FoodData Central database, a typical restaurant-style garlic Parmesan sauce contains these core components:

• Butter or butter substitute - provides the creamy base
• Fresh garlic - delivers the signature aroma and flavor
• Real Parmesan cheese - adds savory depth (not just cheese powder)
• Herb blend - typically parsley, oregano, and basil
• Thickening agents - to maintain consistency during service

Unlike many copycat recipes found online, BWW's version maintains consistent texture whether served hot or at room temperature—a testament to their professional formulation process.

Menu Applications and Pairing Suggestions

While most customers order Garlic Parmesan for traditional wings, BWW actually offers this versatile sauce across multiple menu items:

• Traditional Wings - The most popular application, with the sauce coating the crispy exterior
• Boneless Wings - Provides excellent coverage on the larger pieces
• Mozzarella Sticks - Served as a dipping sauce for their popular appetizer
• Tenders - A milder alternative to buffalo sauce for chicken tenders
• Fries - Available as a dipping option for seasoned fries

For the best dining experience, pair Garlic Parmesan wings with a side of ranch dressing and celery sticks. The cool ranch complements the garlic notes while the celery provides a refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate between bites.

Copycat Recipe: Authentic Garlic Parmesan Sauce at Home

Recreating BWW's Garlic Parmesan at home is simpler than you might think. This tested recipe captures the essential flavor profile using accessible ingredients. The key is using real Parmesan and fresh garlic rather than powdered substitutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not pre-grated)
• 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown)
3. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated
4. Stir in heavy cream, parsley, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly
6. Remove from heat, season with salt to taste
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving (sauce will thicken further)

Pro Tip: For restaurant-quality results, use a double boiler to prevent the cheese from seizing. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable—if too thick, add additional cream one tablespoon at a time.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

According to Buffalo Wild Wings' official nutrition calculator, a standard order of 6 traditional wings with Garlic Parmesan sauce contains approximately:

• Calories: 680
• Total Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 1,890mg
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 38g

The sauce itself contributes significantly to the fat and sodium content, with approximately 320 calories and 1,100mg sodium per 3-ounce serving. Those monitoring sodium intake should note that this represents nearly half the recommended daily limit for most adults.

For dietary modifications:

• Gluten-free: The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, but verify with staff as cross-contamination may occur
• Dairy-free: No direct substitute available at BWW, but homemade versions can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
• Lower sodium: Request sauce on the side to control portion

When Garlic Parmesan Works Best (and When to Choose Something Else)

This sauce shines in specific contexts but has limitations worth noting:

Ideal for:

• Those who prefer milder flavors over spicy options
• Family dining with children or mixed heat tolerance
• As a dipping sauce for appetizers like mozzarella sticks
• When seeking a creamy alternative to traditional buffalo sauce

Consider alternatives when:

• You're watching sodium or fat intake (opt for lemon pepper instead)
• Dining with someone who dislikes garlic flavors
• Seeking a more authentic buffalo wing experience (traditional buffalo sauce would be better)
• Looking for a sauce with significant heat (this is their mildest option)

Maximizing Your Garlic Parmesan Experience

Whether ordering at BWW or making it at home, these professional tips will enhance your experience:

• Temperature matters: The sauce tastes best when served warm—never cold
• Freshness check: At restaurants, if the sauce appears separated or has visible mold, request a fresh batch
• Wing preparation: For homemade versions, toss wings in sauce immediately after frying for best adhesion
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your homemade version for subtle complexity without significant heat
• Storage: Homemade sauce keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated; reheat gently with additional cream if separation occurs

Does BWW's Garlic Parmesan sauce contain dairy?

Yes, BWW's Garlic Parmesan sauce contains real Parmesan cheese and butter, both dairy products. Those with dairy allergies should avoid this sauce or seek alternatives.

How spicy is Garlic Parmesan sauce at BWW?

BWW's Garlic Parmesan is their mildest sauce option with a heat level of 1 out of 10. It contains no significant heat elements and is designed as a creamy, garlicky alternative to their spicier sauces.

Can I get Garlic Parmesan sauce on boneless wings?

Yes, Garlic Parmesan sauce is available on both traditional and boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. It's one of their most popular sauce options for boneless wings due to its creamy texture that adheres well to the larger pieces.

What's the difference between Garlic Parmesan and Parmesan Peppercorn at BWW?

Garlic Parmesan features prominent garlic flavor with Parmesan cheese and herbs, while Parmesan Peppercorn has less garlic with noticeable black pepper notes. Garlic Parmesan is creamier and milder, whereas Parmesan Peppercorn has more complex spice notes from the cracked peppercorns.

How many calories are in BWW Garlic Parmesan sauce?

A standard 3-ounce serving of BWW Garlic Parmesan sauce contains approximately 320 calories, 25g fat, and 1,100mg sodium. The full nutritional profile varies depending on what menu item it's served with.