Buffalo wings are a culinary icon, synonymous with game day, casual gatherings, and satisfying cravings. Their tangy, spicy, and irresistible flavor profile makes them a crowd-pleaser. But even the most devoted wing enthusiasts appreciate a well-chosen side dish to complement the experience. So, what truly makes the best accompaniments to this finger-licking favorite? Let’s dive deep into the world of buffalo wing side dishes.
The Classic Complements: Cooling the Flames
When dealing with the fiery kick of buffalo wings, having something to cool the palate is essential. The following options are classic for a reason.
Celery and Carrot Sticks with Blue Cheese or Ranch
This is perhaps the most quintessential pairing. The crisp, refreshing crunch of celery and carrots provides a welcome contrast to the richness and heat of the wings. More importantly, the creamy, tangy dip – whether blue cheese or ranch – works wonders to neutralize the spice and provide a soothing counterpoint. The cool creaminess of the dip combined with the fresh crunch of the vegetables is a textural and flavor symphony.
The cool and refreshing nature of these vegetables is also incredibly effective in mitigating the burn from the wings, allowing you to fully savor each bite without being overwhelmed. The choice between blue cheese and ranch often boils down to personal preference. Blue cheese offers a bolder, more pungent flavor that complements the wings’ tang, while ranch provides a milder, more universally appealing creamy experience.
Coleslaw: Creamy, Tangy, and Crunchy
Coleslaw, with its shredded cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing, offers a similar cooling and textural contrast to celery and carrots. The slight sweetness of the coleslaw also helps to balance the spiciness of the wings. A well-made coleslaw shouldn’t be overly sweet or mayonnaise-heavy; it should have a good balance of flavors and textures.
Experiment with different variations of coleslaw to find your perfect match. Some recipes include a touch of vinegar for extra tang, while others incorporate pineapple or other fruits for added sweetness. The key is to find a coleslaw that is both refreshing and flavorful, complementing the wings without overpowering them.
Macaroni Salad: A Creamy Classic
Macaroni salad provides a comforting and familiar counterpoint to the spiciness of buffalo wings. The creamy, often slightly sweet, dressing and the tender macaroni create a satisfying texture and flavor that complements the savory wings. Many variations exist, some including vegetables like celery, onion, and bell peppers, adding additional crunch and flavor dimensions.
The coolness of macaroni salad helps to tame the heat of the wings. Consider using a lighter mayonnaise-based dressing to avoid overwhelming the palate. This is especially useful when wings are exceptionally hot.
Hearty and Satisfying Sides: Making it a Meal
Sometimes, you want more than just a snack. These side dishes transform buffalo wings into a complete and satisfying meal.
French Fries: A Timeless Pairing
French fries are a universal comfort food, and they pair surprisingly well with buffalo wings. The salty, crispy fries provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender wings. The simple flavor of the fries allows the flavor of the wings to shine. Consider different fry variations like waffle fries, sweet potato fries, or seasoned fries to add variety.
Seasoning the fries with a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper can further enhance the pairing. Dipping the fries in the blue cheese or ranch dressing used for the wings is a must-try for a truly indulgent experience.
Onion Rings: Crispy and Flavorful
Similar to fries, onion rings offer a satisfyingly crispy and salty contrast to the wings. The slight sweetness of the onion also complements the savory flavors of the wings. Choose a batter that is light and crispy, not too heavy or greasy.
A good onion ring should have a satisfying crunch without being overly thick or oily. Consider serving them with a dipping sauce like a spicy mayo or a honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet and Juicy
Corn on the cob offers a burst of sweetness and juiciness that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy wings. The simple, natural flavor of the corn allows the wings to remain the star of the show while providing a refreshing counterpoint. Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the wings particularly well.
Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with a touch of salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious side dish. Alternatively, consider adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a drizzle of lime juice for a more flavorful twist.
Potato Salad: Creamy and Filling
Potato salad provides a creamy, filling, and satisfying side dish that can turn buffalo wings into a substantial meal. The cool temperature and mild flavor of potato salad help to balance the heat of the wings, and the variety of textures, from the soft potatoes to the crunchy celery and onions, adds interest to the meal.
Many potato salad variations exist. Some people prefer a classic mayonnaise-based dressing, while others prefer a vinegar-based dressing for a tangier flavor. Adding ingredients like bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or herbs can further enhance the flavor and texture of the potato salad.
Beyond the Usual: Unexpected Delights
These side dishes offer a more adventurous and unexpected pairing with buffalo wings.
Quesadillas: Cheesy Goodness
Quesadillas, with their warm tortillas and melted cheese, offer a comforting and satisfying contrast to the spicy wings. The cheese helps to coat the palate and neutralize the heat. Consider adding grilled chicken or vegetables to the quesadillas for added flavor and substance.
Serve the quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. A simple cheese quesadilla is a great option, or you can get more creative with fillings like black beans, corn, and peppers.
Fried Pickles: Tangy and Crunchy
Fried pickles offer a unique combination of tangy, salty, and crunchy that can be surprisingly addictive when paired with buffalo wings. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the wings, while the crispy coating adds a satisfying texture.
Serve the fried pickles with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a spicy mayo. The combination of the tart pickles and the creamy dipping sauce creates a delightful flavor contrast that complements the wings perfectly.
Jalapeno Poppers: Double the Heat
For those who love the spice, jalapeno poppers offer a fiery complement to buffalo wings. The combination of the creamy cheese filling and the spicy jalapeno pepper creates a flavor explosion that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
Be mindful of the heat level of the jalapenos when making poppers. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. Serve the poppers with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a cool sour cream to help tame the heat.
Pasta Salad: A Mediterranean Twist
Pasta salad, especially with a Mediterranean-inspired dressing and ingredients, offers a refreshing and flavorful counterpoint to the richness of buffalo wings. Ingredients like olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and cucumbers provide a variety of flavors and textures that complement the wings without being overpowering.
A light vinaigrette dressing will help to keep the pasta salad refreshing and prevent it from being too heavy. This is a great option for a lighter, more flavorful side dish.
Drinks to Pair with Buffalo Wings
No discussion of buffalo wings is complete without mentioning the perfect beverages to wash them down.
Beer: The Classic Choice
Beer and buffalo wings are a match made in heaven. The bitterness of the beer helps to cut through the richness of the wings, while the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate. Choose a beer that is not too hoppy or bitter, as this can clash with the spiciness of the wings.
Lagers, pilsners, and pale ales are all good choices. For those who prefer a darker beer, a brown ale or a porter can also be a good option.
Soda: A Sweet and Refreshing Option
Soda, especially cola or lemon-lime varieties, provides a sweet and refreshing counterpoint to the spicy wings. The sweetness helps to balance the heat, while the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate.
Avoid sodas that are too sugary, as this can overwhelm the flavor of the wings. Diet sodas can be a good option for those who are watching their sugar intake.
Lemonade: A Tart and Tangy Choice
Lemonade offers a tart and tangy alternative to soda. The acidity of the lemonade helps to cut through the richness of the wings, while the sweetness helps to balance the heat.
Homemade lemonade is always a great option, but store-bought lemonade can also work well. Consider adding a splash of ginger ale or club soda for added fizz.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Buffalo Wing Feast
Creating the perfect buffalo wing feast is about more than just choosing the right side dishes; it’s about creating a cohesive and enjoyable dining experience.
Consider the Heat Level
When choosing side dishes, consider the heat level of your buffalo wings. If you are serving very spicy wings, you will want to choose side dishes that are particularly cooling and refreshing. If you are serving milder wings, you can be more adventurous with your side dish choices.
Offer Variety
Offer a variety of side dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences. This will ensure that everyone at your gathering can find something they enjoy.
Presentation Matters
Presentation is important, even for casual meals. Arrange your wings and side dishes attractively on a platter or in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of spices to add visual appeal.
Don’t Forget the Napkins!
Buffalo wings are notoriously messy, so be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Wet wipes are also a good idea for cleaning up sticky fingers.
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your buffalo wing experience from a simple snack to a complete and satisfying meal. By considering the flavors, textures, and temperatures of the various options, you can create a culinary symphony that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What’s the best way to balance the spiciness of buffalo wings with a side dish?
The key to balancing the heat of buffalo wings is to choose side dishes that offer a cooling contrast. Think creamy, starchy, or slightly sweet options. These flavors will help to neutralize the spiciness on your palate and provide a more enjoyable eating experience.
Consider items like coleslaw, blue cheese dressing with crudités (carrots and celery), or even a simple potato salad. The coolness and creaminess of these sides will act as a welcome respite from the fiery wings, allowing you to savor the flavors of both the wings and the accompaniments.
Why is coleslaw often paired with buffalo wings?
Coleslaw, particularly a creamy, slightly sweet version, complements buffalo wings exceptionally well due to its contrasting textures and flavors. The cool, crisp cabbage and carrots offer a refreshing counterpoint to the heat and richness of the wings. This contrast not only cools the palate but also adds a satisfying textural element to the meal.
Furthermore, the mayonnaise-based dressing in coleslaw provides a creamy element that helps to neutralize the capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in chili peppers used in many buffalo wing sauces. The sweetness, if present, further enhances this balancing effect, making coleslaw a classic and effective side dish choice.
What are some healthier side dish options for buffalo wings?
If you’re looking for healthier side dishes to accompany your buffalo wings, consider options that are lower in fat and calories while still providing a satisfying contrast to the richness of the wings. Focus on fresh vegetables and lighter dressings to create a more balanced meal.
Good choices include a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed broccoli or green beans, or sliced cucumbers and bell peppers with hummus. These options provide essential nutrients and fiber without adding excessive calories or unhealthy fats, allowing you to enjoy your wings without feeling too guilty.
Can I pair buffalo wings with something other than vegetables or salads?
Absolutely! While vegetables and salads are popular choices, other side dishes can complement buffalo wings beautifully. Consider options that offer different flavors and textures to create a well-rounded meal experience.
Macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or even french fries can be excellent pairings. Macaroni and cheese offers a comforting creaminess, while cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly texture. French fries, with their salty and crispy nature, can also be a satisfying complement to the spicy wings. Just be mindful of portion sizes and consider healthier preparation methods when possible.
What’s the best way to serve blue cheese or ranch dressing with buffalo wings as a side?
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are classic accompaniments to buffalo wings, but serving them effectively can enhance the overall experience. It’s not just about putting them on the plate; consider how they interact with the wings.
Offer the dressings as dips for the wings, rather than smothering the wings in them. This allows diners to control the amount of dressing they use and prevents the wings from becoming soggy. Additionally, provide crudités like celery and carrot sticks alongside the dressing for a refreshing and cooling element.
How does the buffalo wing sauce type impact the best side dish choice?
The type of buffalo wing sauce used significantly influences the ideal side dish pairings. A hotter, vinegar-based sauce might require different accompaniments compared to a milder, buttery sauce. Considering the sauce’s flavor profile ensures a harmonious and balanced meal.
For extremely spicy sauces, focus on cooling and creamy sides like coleslaw or blue cheese dressing. For milder, buttery sauces, you might opt for something slightly richer and more flavorful, such as macaroni and cheese or cornbread. Experimenting with different combinations based on the sauce’s heat and flavor intensity is key to finding your perfect pairing.
Are there any unexpected or unique side dish ideas that go well with buffalo wings?
While classic sides are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to get creative and explore some unexpected pairings for buffalo wings. Sometimes, the most surprising combinations can be the most delicious.
Consider serving buffalo wings with grilled pineapple skewers for a sweet and tangy contrast, or with a side of elote (Mexican street corn) for a creamy and flavorful complement. Even something as simple as a side of sweet potato fries can offer a unique and satisfying textural and flavor contrast. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!