Franks Seasoning Blend Recipe: spicy buffalo seasoning blend
Homemade Buffalo Seasoning Blend (Copycat Frank’s Seasoning): A Spicy, Vegan-Friendly Recipe
If you love the bold, zesty heat of Buffalo-style flavors, this homemade spicy Buffalo seasoning blend is a must-have in your spice collection! Inspired by Frank’s RedHot Seasoning, this DIY spice mix brings together smoky paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and a touch of sweetness to create the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Get ready for real Franks Seasoning flavors!
This Buffalo spice mix is completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent way to season plant-based wings, roasted veggies, fries, popcorn, or even nuts. Best of all, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and stores well for months!
My favorite DIY Buffalo Seasoning recipe
I’ll never forget the first time I discovered Frank’s Buffalo seasoning – it was a total game-changer for my plant-based cooking adventures. As someone who loves turning ordinary veggies into extraordinary dishes, that iconic spice blend quickly became my secret weapon. Whether I was transforming cauliflower into crispy “wings” or jazzing up roasted Brussels sprouts, that perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and spice made everything taste incredible.
But here’s the thing: I found myself going through those little shakers faster than I could buy them, and sometimes they’d be out of stock right when I needed them most. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create something even better. After countless experiments in my kitchen, tweaking proportions, and taste-testing on every vegetable imaginable, I finally cracked the code to crafting the perfect homemade buffalo seasoning.
My family favorite DIY Buffalo Seasoning Mix
This blend has become my pride and joy – a magical mixture that captures everything I loved about the original but with the freedom to adjust the heat level exactly how I want it. The best part? It’s made with simple pantry staples, so I can whip up a fresh batch whenever I’m running low. Whether you’re coating a whole head of cauliflower for your next game day gathering or sprinkling it on some air-fried potato wedges, this seasoning brings that beloved buffalo kick to everything it touches.
Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly satisfying about opening your spice cabinet and finding a jar of your own carefully crafted buffalo seasoning blend. It’s become such a staple in my kitchen that friends now come over with empty jars, hoping I’ll fill them up with what they’ve dubbed “that amazing spice mix.” And honestly? Making it from scratch just feels right – no preservatives, no fillers, just pure, bold buffalo flavor that makes every vegetable sing.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Buffalo Seasoning
- Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly: No animal-based ingredients, making it perfect for plant-based recipes.
- Easy to Make: Just mix and store—ready in minutes!
- Versatile Uses: Ideal for cauliflower wings, roasted veggies, fries, popcorn, and more.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper for mild to extra-spicy flavor.
- No Artificial Additives: Made with pure spices, free from preservatives.
What is Buffalo Seasoning?
Buffalo seasoning is a bold, smoky, and slightly tangy spice mix that mimics the flavors of Buffalo sauce without the need for a liquid hot sauce. Traditionally, Buffalo wings are coated in a mix of cayenne pepper sauce, butter, and seasonings, but this dry rub version captures the same spicy-sweet balance in an easy-to-use powdered form.
This homemade Buffalo spice blend is perfect for dry-rubbed wings, roasted vegetables, or sprinkled over snacks like popcorn and fries. Plus, it’s a great alternative to store-bought seasonings, giving you full control over the ingredients and heat level.
Buffalo spice Blend Key Ingredients
1. Kosher Salt (2 tablespoons / 24 g):
Enhances and balances all the flavors in the blend. Salt is a flavor amplifier—it brings out the natural tastes of the other spices while adding a savory depth. Kosher salt, with its coarse texture, dissolves evenly and provides a clean, salty finish.
2. Black Pepper (2 teaspoons / 6 g):
Adds a mild, earthy heat and subtle complexity. Black pepper provides a gentle warmth and a slightly pungent note that complements the smokiness and spiciness of the other ingredients. It’s a classic pairing with salt that rounds out the base of the blend.
3. Garlic Granules or Powder (2 tablespoons / 16 g):
Brings a robust, savory umami flavor. Garlic adds a rich, aromatic depth to the seasoning. Its slightly sweet and pungent notes are essential for creating that bold, savory backbone that makes this blend so irresistible.
4. Onion Granules or Powder (2 tablespoons / 16 g):
Contributes a sweet, slightly tangy undertone. Onion powder balances the sharpness of the garlic with its natural sweetness, adding another layer of savory complexity. It helps create a well-rounded flavor profile.
5. Paprika (4 tablespoons / 28 g):
Provides a smoky, slightly sweet base. Paprika is the heart of this blend, offering a rich, earthy smokiness and vibrant red color. It ties all the other spices together and gives the seasoning its signature warmth.
6. Cayenne Pepper (1 tablespoon / 8 g):
Delivers a fiery, spicy kick. Cayenne pepper is where the heat comes from! It adds a bold, lingering spiciness that can be adjusted to suit your taste. It’s the key ingredient for that classic buffalo-style heat.
7. Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon / 12 g):
Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness that mellows out the spiciness and smokiness. It also helps create a slightly caramelized crust when used on grilled or roasted dishes.
How They Work Together:
This blend is all about balance. The smokiness of paprika and the savory depth of garlic and onion create a rich base, while the heat from cayenne and the warmth of black pepper add a fiery kick. The brown sugar softens the spice with its sweetness, and the kosher salt ties everything together, enhancing the flavors and making them pop. Together, these ingredients create a versatile, bold, and addictive seasoning that’s perfect for adding a buffalo-style kick to any dish!
Homemade Buffalo Seasoning Recipe
Elevate your dishes with this bold and versatile Spicy Buffalo Seasoning Blend! Perfect for adding a fiery kick to wings, fries, or even roasted nuts, this mix combines smoky paprika, zesty garlic, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. With a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, it’s a balanced blend that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. Whip it up in minutes and keep it on hand for whenever you need a flavor boost!
Homemade Buffalo Seasoning Ingredients:
To make this DIY Buffalo seasoning, you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 tsp black pepper: Adds warmth and slight heat.
- 2 tbsp garlic granules or powder: Essential for a savory, rich depth.
- 2 tbsp onion granules or powder: Complements the garlic and adds mild sweetness.
- 4 tbsp paprika: Provides a smoky, earthy base.
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper: Brings the signature spicy Buffalo heat (adjust to taste).
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the spice with a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Seasoning
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, add all the spices.
Second step: Blend Thoroughly
- Whisk or stir until evenly combined to distribute the flavors properly.
Step 3: Store Properly
- Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container and store in a cool, dry place.
Step 4: Use & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle over your favorite vegetarian and vegan dishes like roasted veggies, fries, popcorn, or cauliflower wings.
Pro Tip: Shake the jar before each use to keep the flavors well mixed!
How to Use Buffalo Seasoning (Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Ideas)
This homemade spicy Buffalo spice blend is incredibly versatile! Try it in:
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Coat roasted cauliflower florets with this seasoning for a crispy, spicy kick.
- Buffalo Chickpeas: Roast chickpeas with olive oil and this spice mix for a crunchy snack.
- Buffalo-Spiced Popcorn: Sprinkle over warm popcorn for a bold, smoky snack.
- Buffalo Sweet Potato Fries: Toss with roasted sweet potato fries for a sweet and spicy balance.
- Buffalo Jackfruit Tacos: Season shredded jackfruit for a vegan-friendly Buffalo taco filling.
- Buffalo Roasted Nuts: Toss almonds or cashews with this mix for spicy roasted nuts.
Expert Tips for the Best Buffalo Seasoning
Control the Heat — Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
Make it Tangier — Add a small amount of citric acid powder or dried vinegar powder for a tangy Buffalo-style kick.
Create a Wet Marinade — Mix with olive oil and a splash of vinegar for a quick Buffalo sauce substitute.
Use Smoked Paprika — For a deeper smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
No Sugar? No Problem! — Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or omit it for a spicier blend.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Stored in an airtight container, this seasoning stays fresh for up to 6 months.
- Keep in a cool, dry place to preserve flavor and prevent clumping.
What I’ve been making lately
- Thai Pawpaw salad recipe: Easy Green Papaya Salad
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- Vegetable Escabeche Recipe: Mexican Pickled Vegetables (Easy & Authentic)
- Avocado dessert (Filipino avocado Con Yelo recipe)
- Hidden valley buttermilk ranch recipe: best dressing
Extra Tips and info
Spice level
Pretty spicy. It gets its heat from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spice level by using more or less.
Make it without salt
If you are on a low-sodium diet or just want to eat less salt, you can Simply omit the kosher salt and season your food separately as needed.
Vegan note
This homemade Buffalo spice blend contains no animal products and is 100% vegan-friendly.
Can I use this seasoning instead of Buffalo sauce?
Yes! This dry rub version adds the same Buffalo-style flavor without the liquid sauce. You can also mix it with oil and vinegar for a wet marinade.
Best way to store homemade seasoning blends?
Keep them in an airtight spice jar in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you live in a humid area, adding a few grains of rice or a silica packet can help absorb moisture.
More homemade Spice Blends
- Original Cajun 2 step spice mix
- Seasoning for rice
- Seasoning for burgers
- Jambalaya Seasoning Recipe
- Easy Homemade Gyro Seasoning
More recipes you might enjoy
- Best vegetable Indian curry
- Easy Chili Mac Casserole
- Brinjal Curry recipe (vegan)
- Delicious Green Thai curry recipe
- Easy vegan chickpea curry
- Coconut chickpea lemon curry
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Buffalo Seasoning Blend is the perfect vegetarian-friendly spice mix for cauliflower wings, roasted vegetables, snacks, and plant-based dishes. With its smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet profile, it’s a fantastic way to boost flavor in minutes.
Make a batch today and enjoy the bold taste of Buffalo seasoning whenever you need a fiery kick!
Copycat Franks Seasoning Blend: Spicy Buffalo Seasoning Blend recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Buffalo Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (24g) kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons (6g) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (16g) garlic granules or powder
- 2 tablespoons (16g) onion granules or powder
- 4 tablespoons (28g) paprika
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
Instructions
How to make Spicy Buffalo seasoning Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients.
- Whisk or stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight jar or container for storage.
- Use it right away to spice up chicken wings, fries, or popcorn, or store it for later use.
