Welcome friends! I’m so excited to share my family’s recipe for homemade comeback sauce. If you love flavorful Southern condiments, you’ll adore this versatile sauce.
What is comeback sauce? It’s a zesty, piquant blend that’s wildly popular in my home state of Mississippi. The name refers to the irresistible quality that makes you want to “come back” for more after the first taste.
This creamy, tangy sauce adds excitement to everything it touches. We love it on burgers, seafood, chicken fingers, fries, sandwiches, wraps – you name it! I’ll show you how easy it is to whip up a batch from scratch.
First, let’s go over some FAQs about comeback sauce:
What is comeback sauce?
Comeback sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment popular in Mississippi and across the South. It’s called “comeback” sauce because the irresistible flavor makes you want to come back for more! It’s made with a blend of mayonnaise, chili sauce, spices, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
What’s the difference between comeback sauce and other condiments?
Unlike ketchup or hot sauce alone, comeback sauce has a more complex, dynamic flavor profile. The combination of chili sauce, mayo, Worcestershire, spices, and lemon makes it tangy, savory, and just a little spicy. It’s creamier in texture than ketchup or hot sauce too.
What are some ways to use comeback sauce?
This versatile condiment can be used as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, and fried foods. It’s also excellent drizzled on burgers, chicken sandwiches and wraps, tacos, seafood baskets, or veggie dishes. Use it anytime you want to add zesty flavor!
How long does homemade comeback sauce last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for up to 1 week. The flavors may start to fade after that. For longer storage, freeze comeback sauce for up to 3 months.
How can I customize the flavor of comeback sauce?
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce. For smoother texture, blend the sauce in a food processor. You can also tweak the tanginess with more or less lemon juice. Some other tasty add-ins are honey, grated onion, garlic, or extra spices like cayenne.
Now let’s get cooking! Here’s what you’ll need:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup chili sauce
- 1⁄4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Instructions:
- Add the mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder to a mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in the lemon juice and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Add more hot sauce for extra heat or more lemon juice for tang.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers sealed in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Cooking Tips:
- For spicier sauce, use extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- For smoother texture, blend ingredients in food processor or blender.
- Customize flavors with additions like honey, grated onion, or hot chili oil.
- Thin with milk or hot sauce if sauce is too thick.
- Make it vegan by swapping vegan mayo for regular.
- Pair with crispy fried foods, grilled meats, seafood baskets, or sandwiches.
