Comeback Sauce

Comeback Sauce is a creamy, savory, a little sweet & tangy Southern-style sauce that’s great for dipping and spreading onto just about any food. There’s a reason they call it comeback sauce; you’ll keep coming back for more!

I first shared this recipe in 2012 when I served this sauce with Tuna Cakes. I decided it need a space of its own, so I’ve updated the pictures, information, and recipe for a better user experience.

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What’s this sauce like?

If you aren’t familiar with Comeback Sauce, it’s similar to so many different sauces, in that it adds a nice moist creaminess without overpowering the food itself.

I think of it like “special sauce” or “secret sauce” that you get from burger joints. It’s like tartar sauce in that it adds flavor and creaminess.

To me, it’s most similar in flavor to thousand island dressing.

Some other sauces that I’ve heard it compared to are big mac sauce, fry sauce (which is simply ketchup and mayo mixed together), yum yum sauce (which is mayonnaise, sugar, butter, ketchup, vinegar, and spices), or Louisiana remoulade.

And, I’d say that you just need to try it! It’s great on just about anything.

History

It hails from the Southern parts of the United States, and is said to have originated in a Greek restaurant in Mississippi.

What Do You Serve it With?

It’s a fantastic all-purpose dip or spread for fried foods like French fries, onion rings, and chicken nuggets.

Dip roasted veggies like this roasted broccoli into it.

It’s great smeared onto a burger, or top any kind of sandwich. I even poured some on my sloppy Joe’s the other day and it was delicious!

It’s wonderful with seafood, and like I said, it doesn’t overpower the seafood. Try it on those tuna cakes, or salmon burgers, or give it a try on shrimp tacos.

It makes a fun and different salad dressing. If you like your dressings a little thinner, simply thin with some milk or water.

What is Comeback sauce made of?

There are many versions of this sauce, with each person putting their own spin on the original, but the original recipe was made with a mayonnaise, Heinz Chili Sauce, and seasonings.

What are these ingredients?

Note: this section contains affiliate links

it’s so easy to make. Start with a generous helping of mayonnaise and combine with dashes of pantry staples like ketchup, chili sauce (more commonly known as Siracha), lemon juice, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (choose your favorite!), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and dry mustard. Once everything is well blended, chill it in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to a week!

• mayonnaise: I like a traditional real mayo like Best Foods or Hellman’s, but you could also use vegenaise
• ketchup: again, just a classic plain ketchup is great here. This sauce is also fantastic with my homemade ketchup, but store-bought would work just as well.
• chili sauce(like Heinz): The chili sauce in the recipe is the kind found in the condiment section of the grocery store, near the ketchup. Heinz, Del Monte, and other brands all make some.
• olive oil: this adds richness and smooths out the sauce. Really, any oil like grapeseed or canola will also work here.
• Worcestershire sauce: if you want the sauce to be vegetarian or vegan you can sub soy sauce or liquid aminos in here
• hot sauce: use your favorite like Tabasco, Sriracha, or Frank’s RedHot
• spices: ground black pepper will give a nice overall color and flavor, or course ground pepper will also work

Why is it called comeback sauce?

The name comes from the traditional goodbye in the south. “Y’all come back now, ya hear.”

Meaning that sometime in the future, you should comeback and visit. And, that you should (or will) come back to this delicious sauce!

How long will it last?

This Sauce can be made ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator for about 1 week. I like to store it in mason jars, and remember to write on the lid of the jar what’s inside.

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Comeback Sauce Recipe