If you love buffalo sauce but need a lower-sodium option, this Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce is a game-changer! Many of my clients and readers are shocked when they realize how much sodium is hiding in everyday condiments—buffalo sauce included!
It’s easy to overlook, but those numbers add up fast, making it tough for anyone on a low sodium diet. For example, Traditional buffalo sauce can contain 300-500 mg per tablespoon.
That's why I developed this low sodium homemade version of buffalo sauce to keep all the bold, spicy flavor you love—while cutting the sodium way down to just 49 mg per tablespoon!
Even better? It’s made with only four simple ingredients and comes together effortlessly in the microwave. No complicated steps, no lengthy prep—just a quick mix and you're ready to add some spice to your meals.
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Why Choose our Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce?
As mentioned, regular buffalo sauce is packed with sodium! For anyone following a kidney-friendly diet, reducing sodium intake is crucial. In addition, many have to be mindful of potassium and phosphorus intake as well.
Sodium Intake and Kidney-Health
High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, which can be tough on your heart and kidneys and can lead to other complications. By making small swaps—like our Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce—you can still enjoy all your favorite flavors while keeping your health in check.
Low Potassium and Phosphorus
In addition to being low sodium, one serving of our Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce contains minimal phosphorus and potassium as well! So, no matter what your individual needs with CKD or even end-stage kidney disease are, this sauce will work for you! One tablespoon of our sauce contains:
- Phosphorus: 8 mg
- Potassium: 16 mg
Simple, 4-Ingredient Recipe
This creamy buffalo sauce is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Here’s all you need:
- Cream cheese – Adds a smooth, rich texture
- Unsalted butter – Adds depth and creaminess
- Garlic powder – One of my favorite ways to boost flavor without added salt!
- Tabasco®️ Original Pepper Sauce – Brings the heat without excess sodium! At 35 mg per teaspoon, Tobasco®️ sauce is much lower in sodium than the typical hot sauce. (For example, Frank’s Red Hot ®️ has a whopping 190 mg of sodium per teaspoon!). *See note below
*NOTE: Feel free to sub with your favorite hot sauce containing 35 mg or less per teaspoon. You can find an extensive list of low sodium hot sauce options in this article by Plant Powered Kidneys. (Choose from the Very Low Sodium list!)
How to Make our Creamy Buffalo Sauce (in the Microwave!)
Don’t feel like slaving over a hot stove? No problem! Follow these super simple steps:
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave.
- Melt the butter in a separate dish in the microwave.
- Mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, Tabasco & garlic powder well with a whisk.
- Adjust the heat, adding extra Tobasco®️, if desired.
And that’s it—you’ve got a low-sodium buffalo sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and ready to use.
How to Use Your Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce
This versatile sauce is perfect for so many dishes! Try it with:
- Chicken – Drizzle over chicken wings or baked or grilled chicken for a spicy kick.
- Vegetables – Toss roasted veggies with a spoonful of sauce for bold flavor.
- Eggs – Add a swirl to scrambled eggs or omelets for a smoky heat.
- Dips – Mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy buffalo dip.
- Sandwiches & Wraps – Spread onto turkey or veggie wraps for extra zing.
- Pizza – Use it as a sauce base for a spicy, low-sodium pizza twist. You can add chicken, too, for Buffalo Chicken Pizza!
- Buffalo Mac and Cheese!—Add ½ pound of cooked chicken to our Low Sodium Macaroni and Cheese (Dump & Bake) before baking and prepare per recipe instructions. Then, drizzle our Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce over top before serving!
- Meatballs—Use as a dipping sauce for our Low Sodium Meatballs (Beef or Turkey) for a tasty appetizer!
For additional ways to add flavor without all the salt, check out our other low sodium sauces and seasonings here!
A Low Sodium Swap with Big Flavor
This Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce is proof that eating low sodium doesn’t have to be boring! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and works in all your favorite dishes—without worrying about excess salt.
Give it a try and add a little spice to your low sodium, kidney-friendly meals. You won’t miss the sodium!
What do you think—ready to whip up a batch?
Creamy Low Sodium Buffalo Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Cream cheese (Use the soft variety in a tub--not whipped)
- 6 Tbsp. Tobasco®️Original hot sauce (may sub with any hot sauce containing 35 mg sodium or less per teaspoon--options can be found in this article ) *See note below regarding adjustments in hot sauce for a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
- 1 stick Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Place cream cheese in a microwave-safe dish, cover & microwave for about 15 seconds, just until it’s softened and easy to stir. Stir until smooth.
- In a separate dish, microwave the butter for approximately 30-45 seconds or just until melted. Be careful it doesn't get too hot, or it will curdle the cream cheese when mixed with it.
- Add the Tobasco®️ sauce into the cream cheese and mix well. Then add the melted butter and garlic powder and mix well with a whisk until smooth.
- If you love extra spice, add a little more Tabasco®️!
- ENJOY!
Andrea
We spread it on a veggie sandwich, and it took it to the next level—just the right amount of creamy heat without all the salt.
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
Oooohh...that sounds yummy! Thanks for the new idea on how to use this sauce! I appreciate the comment!
Sonja Goeden
I never had creamy buffalo sauce and this was a winner! Incredible with grilled chicken. I loved all the flavor without the sodium and it came together so quickly. I'll definitely make it again.
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
Wonderful! Thanks for the comment!
Swathi
Creamy low sodium buffalo sauce is so yummy and delicious I am going to make it more often from now on.
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Greta
I used this recipe on my chicken and it came out delicious! My family loved it! Thanks a lot!
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
So glad you liked it!
Nora
This Creamy Low-Sodium Buffalo Sauce is a total flavor win! It’s rich, tangy, and has just the right kick—it's hard to believe it’s so low in sodium. I love how simple it is to whip up, and it’s amazing on everything from chicken to veggies. It's definitely a new staple in my kitchen!
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
Wonderful! So glad you are enjoying this recipe! Thanks for the comment!
Nicole Kendrick
This has the perfect flavor, and I love that I can get it all with a lot less salt.
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
So glad you enjoyed it, Nicole! Thanks for commenting!
Andrea
I tried this sauce on roasted veggies, and I loved how it added the perfect flavor without being too salty!
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
Wonderful!
Claudia
Whipped up this creamy low sodium buffalo sauce and it’s a winner! Just the right amount of heat, super smooth, and perfect for wings or dipping.
Claudia
Whipped up this creamy low sodium buffalo sauce and it’s a game changer! Just the right heat with that creamy texture—perfect for wings, veggies, or even a dip!
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!
Tisha
A great recipe for chicken and love that it is low in sodium! Thanks for sharing!
Beverly Garden - Registered Dietitian
So glad you like it! Thank you!