If you are looking for a sauce that can be served with a variety of foods as well as used as a tasty dip then this easy Southern styled Comeback Sauce Recipe is one you will make again and again!
You’ll find lots of stories online explaining the origins of this sauce. Many of them tell the tale of this sauce, or some version of this sauce, being served at a restaurant in the 1930’s and 1940’s. The sauce was said to have earned it’s name because those who ate it wanted to come back for more.
It’s said the original sauce was a combination of mayonnaise and Heinz chili sauce. Over the years people have added their own unique twists to the sauce based on their own personal tastes and perhaps the ingredients they had on hand.
I don’t know how the sauce got started but it’s certainly earned its reputation for making you want more. It’s so easy to make and you probably already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen. Don’t have one of the ingredients on hand? No worries. This sauce still stays flavorful even with ingredient swaps.
Classic Southern Comeback Sauce Recipe
The beauty of Southern Comeback Sauce is its simplicity. Ingredients are often staples that are readily available in most homes.
The following list includes the essential pantry ingredients needed for this flavorful sauce.
Ingredients for Southern Comeback Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that provides a luscious texture and richness. Use your favorite brand.
- Ketchup: Adds a slightly tangy and sweet element to the sauce, balancing out the creaminess.
- Dijon mustard: Imparts a subtle sharpness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the sauce with a delicious savory flavor.
- Hot sauce: Provides a little kick of heat to this sauce. You can easily adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat.
- Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika and black pepper. Smoked paprika also tastes delicious in this recipe. Use what ever type of paprika you have on hand.
- Optional: add a bit of salt to taste (kosher salt, sea salt or your favorite type). Personally I don’t add any since some of the other ingredients already contain salt.
How to make Comeback Sauce:
Making Southern Comeback Sauce is a breeze, and the entire process should take no more than 10 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting this delectable condiment:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the bowl, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the spices.
Season the sauce with salt if desired.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container with a lid. Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to blend.
Comeback Sauce Variations:
Remember you can always adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Want it it a bit spicier? Add some extra hot sauce to taste to boost the spicy flavor of this homemade Comeback Sauce.
Want this sauce a bit sweeter? Try adding a little honey to this sauce. A teaspoon will add a touch of sweetness that goes well with the spicy heat of the hot sauce.
How to store this sauce:
Place any leftover sauce in an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate for up to a week. This sauce can easily last longer in the refrigerator as many of the ingredients are often stored in the same place for longer periods of time.
But, this sauce has so many uses, that you probably won’t end up with your leftovers lasting that long.
What to serve with Comeback Sauce:
Southern Comeback Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways. Its creamy tanginess and hint of spice makes it a good dipping sauce for various finger or fried foods. It tastes so good with fried foods that you might also have seen this called Fry Sauce. Try this sauce with:
- Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Fingers
- French Fries and Potato Wedges
- Onion Rings
- Fried Shrimp
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Fried Pickle Chips
- Baked Zucchini Fries
Not only does this make a delicious dipping sauce but it makes an amazing sandwich spread. Use it as a burger spread or to top your favorite wraps. It’s a delicious topping for fish tacos!
We love to use this to dip air fryer roasted broccoli in this sauce.
Try using it as a salad dressing. Comeback sauce has a similar profile to Thousand Island Dressing. It tastes delicious on your salad. Give it a try. I love to use it on easy to make Wedge or Cobb salads.
This Southern Comeback Sauce is a delightful fusion of flavors that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a fan of tangy flavor, a lover of spice, or simply want to try something new you will love this sauce. Why not whip up a batch of this tasty sauce, add to your favorite dishes and it will have everyone coming back for more.
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Easy Southern Comeback Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended and the sauce has a smooth consistency.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the bowl, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the spices.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container with a lid. Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to blend.
Nutrition
If you enjoy this easy sauce you might also like these recipes:
Big Mac Special Sauce and Dressing
Keto BBQ Sauce (Low Sugar/Low Carb)
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