American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip

American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip is a classic American dish that combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with the creamy, rich taste of bleu cheese dip. This recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The wings are baked to perfection and then broiled for a crispy finish, while the dip is a simple blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and crumbled bleu cheese. Together, they create a delicious combination that's sure to be a hit.

History

The origin of Buffalo Wings dates back to 1964 in Buffalo, New York, where they were first served at the Anchor Bar by Teressa Bellissimo. Initially created as a quick and easy dish to serve to her son and his friends, the combination of deep-fried chicken wings coated in a special hot sauce quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, Buffalo Wings have become a staple in American cuisine, with the addition of various dips, including the classic Bleu Cheese Dip, to complement the spicy wings.

Ingredients

24 chicken wings, disjointed
1 stick of butter, melted
6 tbsp of hot pepper sauce
0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper
4 tbsp of soy sauce
1 cup of brown sugar
6 cloves of garlic, minced
6 oz (170 g) of packaged cream cheese
0.5 cup of sour cream
2 tbsp of mayonnaise
salt, to taste
1 tsp of white pepper
4 oz (113 g) of crumbled blue cheese

How to prepare

Wings

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place the wings, discarding the tips, in a baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rest of the wing ingredients.
Coat the wings on both sides.
Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through, basting frequently.
Just before serving, pour the remaining sauce over the wings and broil for approximately 1 minute to crisp the skin.

Bleu cheese dip

In the bowl of a food processor, combine all ingredients except for the bleu cheese.
Process for about a minute or until creamy.
Add the bleu cheese.
Do not over process; the dip should remain chunky.
Spoon the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Variations

For a healthier version, grill the wings instead of baking.
Try different sauces like BBQ or honey mustard for a twist on the classic.
Use Greek yogurt in the dip for a lighter alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and baking.

- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and hot pepper sauce.

- Allow the wings to marinate in the sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

- Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.

- For the dip, use high-quality crumbled bleu cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the wings hot with a generous side of bleu cheese dip. Celery and carrot sticks are traditional accompaniments that provide a crunchy, fresh contrast to the spicy wings. A cold beer or a crisp white wine can complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Baking and broiling are the primary cooking techniques used in this recipe, providing a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still achieving crispy wings. The use of a food processor for the dip ensures a smooth, creamy texture with chunks of bleu cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the hot pepper sauce with a milder sauce for less heat.

- Use feta cheese instead of bleu cheese for a different flavor profile in the dip.

- Replace brown sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

The wings can be marinated in the sauce a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor. The bleu cheese dip can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the wings on a platter with the dip in the center for easy access. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve with small plates and plenty of napkins.

Pairing Recommendations

A light lager or pale ale pairs well with the spicy wings, as the carbonation and hops can help cut through the heat and richness. For wine lovers, a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover wings and dip in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through. The dip can be served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip contains approximately 400-450 calories. The exact number of calories may vary depending on the size of the wings and the amount of dip consumed.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the brown sugar used in the wing sauce and the small amount present in the bleu cheese dip from the sour cream and cream cheese. Each serving of wings and dip contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is relatively high in fats due to the chicken skin, butter, and the ingredients in the bleu cheese dip, including cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and bleu cheese. Each serving contains approximately 25-30 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Chicken wings are an excellent source of protein, with each serving of this recipe providing about 20-25 grams of protein. The bleu cheese dip also contributes a small amount of protein from the dairy ingredients.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the chicken, vitamin C from the hot pepper sauce, calcium from the bleu cheese, and iron from the soy sauce. However, the amounts are relatively small per serving.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, bleu cheese) and soy (soy sauce). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip is a high-protein, high-fat dish with moderate carbohydrates. It provides a range of vitamins and minerals but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and fat content.

Summary

American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip is a beloved dish that combines spicy, tangy wings with a rich, creamy dip. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures that are sure to delight any crowd. With tips for making ahead and variations to suit different tastes, it's a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip. It was during one of my many travels across the United States, when I stumbled upon a quaint little diner in Buffalo, New York. The savory aroma of fried chicken and tangy hot sauce wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

As I sat down at the counter, I struck up a conversation with the friendly chef behind the grill. He told me all about the history of Buffalo wings and how they were invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo back in 1964. I was fascinated by the story and begged him to share his famous recipe with me.

The chef chuckled and agreed to show me how to make the perfect American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip. He took me under his wing (no pun intended) and taught me all his secrets to creating the most delicious and crispy wings I had ever tasted.

The first step was to season the chicken wings with a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, he showed me how to fry the wings until they were golden brown and crispy. The key, he said, was to fry them twice to ensure they were extra crispy.

Next came the most important part - the hot sauce. The chef mixed together melted butter and hot sauce to create a spicy and tangy glaze that would coat the wings perfectly. He explained that the key to a good Buffalo wing is the perfect balance of heat and flavor.

As the wings finished cooking, the chef whipped up a creamy bleu cheese dip to accompany them. He mixed together crumbled bleu cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a splash of vinegar to create a tangy and rich dip that perfectly complemented the spicy wings.

Finally, it was time to plate up the wings and dip and dig in. The first bite was a revelation - the crispy wings coated in the tangy hot sauce were a symphony of flavors in my mouth. And the cool and creamy bleu cheese dip provided the perfect contrast to the spicy heat of the wings.

I knew right then and there that I had to bring this recipe back home with me and share it with my family and friends. And so, I carefully wrote down every step and ingredient, making sure not to miss a single detail.

Back home, I couldn't wait to recreate the magic of those Buffalo wings in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and got to work, following the chef's instructions to a tee.

As the wings fried and the hot sauce bubbled on the stove, the familiar scent of Buffalo wings filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that diner in Buffalo. And when I finally took that first bite of my homemade wings, I knew I had done it - I had successfully recreated that delicious recipe.

From that day on, American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip became a staple in my household. I would make them for family gatherings, parties, and even just for a cozy night in. And every time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

I owe a debt of gratitude to that kind chef in Buffalo who took the time to teach me his recipe. His generosity and passion for cooking inspired me to continue exploring new recipes and flavors, always seeking to recreate the magic of that first bite of Buffalo wings.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a spicy and crispy treat, give my recipe for American Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dip a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to someone else, just like I did.