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This recipe for Comeback Sauce is creamy, tangy, and just fiery enough to keep things interesting. It’s the Southern secret weapon condiment that turns plain fries, sandwiches, or seafood into something worth talking about—maybe even writing home about.
You will want to earmark my recipes for Buttermilk Onion Rings, Fried Chicken, and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches to pair with this Comeback Sauce recipe.
Table of Contents
The Saucy Backstory
Comeback Sauce first made its debut in Jackson, Mississippi in the late 1920s, back when mayonnaise was just beginning to realize its full potential. Its origins trace back to The Rotisserie Restaurant, where someone had the bright idea to mix a few pantry staples into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
What started as an in-house dipping sauce quietly became a Southern craze! In just five minutes, a quick whisk of pantry heroes—mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, and spices—turns into a creamy, tangy condiment that’s ready to rescue any snack. No culinary wizardry required: mix, give it a brief chill if you can hold out, and watch it disappear alongside fries, chicken tenders, or fish tacos.
What Sets This Sauce Apart
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili sauce creates a creamy base with a tangy kick.
- Versatility: Perfect as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fish sticks, or French fries, and equally delightful as a salad dressing or burger spread.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without a trip to the store.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 5 minutes, it’s a convenient addition to any meal.
Classic Southern Comeback Sauce Ingredients
When a recipe has just a handful of ingredients, every one of them pulls its weight—leave one out, and the whole thing can fall flat. Subbing in the wrong ingredient might work in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same harmony or flavor punch the original was built for.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy base that binds everything together and adds richness.
- Chili Sauce and ketchup – Sweet-tangy depth with tomato flavor for body.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
- Hot Sauce – Adds warmth and subtle heat without overpowering.
- Spice Blend (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, pepper, salt) – Delivers smoky, savory, spicy layers that make the flavor pop.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- A Little Sugar in the Mix: Incorporate a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayonnaise to make it plant-based.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium versions of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
Steps to Whip Up This Easy, 5‑Minute Comeback Sauce
In a recipe with bold, balanced flavor like this one, eyeballing won’t cut it—pre-measuring your ingredients ensures every spoonful hits that perfect creamy-spicy-tangy note just right.
1
Combine
Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chili sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard, and lastly, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir and cover—let it chill for 30 minutes so all those flavors can mingle.
2
Serve
Stir again before serving, and then go wild: dunk fries, spoon it on chicken tenders or wings, drizzle it over fried shrimp—whatever’s hot and crispy, this sauce is ready. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Recipe FAQs
Creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and just spicy enough. Like thousand island and spicy ranch had a Southern baby.
Remoulade is mustardy and sharp, often with capers or pickles. Comeback Sauce is creamier and tangier, with a mild kick—more mellow, less bite.
Yes, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though it’s at its flavor peak at 24 hours.
The premise is because once you try it, you’ll “keep coming back” for more. It got its name at The Rotisserie Restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi, where it started as a house dressing in the 1920s.
Modify the amount of hot sauce or add additional lemon juice to taste.
What to Pair It With
This comeback sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Use it as a dipping sauce for fried chicken, onion rings, or oven fries. It’s also KILLER as a dressing for my celery and apple salad, and a flavorful addition a crispy chicken sandwich.
For drink pairings, a light lager plays nicely with the sauce’s tang, keeping things refreshing. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness without overpowering the flavor. And if you’re feeling festive, a classic Bloody Mary mirrors the sauce’s subtle heat and spice like they were made for each other!
Expert Tips
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the sauce to rest enhances the flavor.
- Consistency Adjustment: For a thinner sauce or to use as a salad dressing, add a splash of lemon juice.
- Storage: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Comeback Sauce will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a stir before serving, as some separation is natural. (And if it mysteriously disappears before then… well, that’s just proof you made it right.)
Southern Condiments Worth Knowing
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Gratefully adapted from a recipe originally published by Southern Living Magazine.
A Recipe for Comeback Sauce
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chili sauce, I am using sriracha
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grab a bowl and stir together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and black pepper until smooth and sassy. Pop it in the fridge, covered, for about 30 minutes to let the flavors get to know each other.1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chili sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
