Comeback Sauce

This weekend, whip up a big batch of comeback sauce for your party food spread. Spicier than ranch dressing, creamier than barbecue sauce, and more versatile than Buffalo sauce, every Southerner relies on the comeback sauce to keep guests returning to their buffet line and asking to be invited back.

But comeback sauce isn't just a party-only condiment: Try it as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, particularly fall's root vegetables. It's a savory way to incentivize children (and adults too!) to eat their veggies. A squeeze of comeback sauce can reinvent a tired turkey sandwich into an exciting new lunch. (If you're making it for kids, then turn down the heat in the sauce).

The best part about comeback sauce is that 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 sriracha), 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!

Why Is It Called Comeback Sauce?

A kissing cousin of rémoulade, this versatile sauce famously originated in a Greek restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi. Throughout the South, it is well known for starring as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers or fish sticks and for elevating po'boys or burgers with a generous drizzle of creamy spiciness, all but guaranteeing that you'll come back for seconds.

Whether used for dipping seafood, fried appetizers, or even as a salad dressing, the tangy-sweet flavor profile of this sauce makes it completely irresistible, and well-deserving of its name.

Ingredients for Comeback Sauce

Each ingredient plays a unique role in making comeback sauce the irresistible dipping sauce it is. Sweet, tangy, spicy, salty, and savory notes come together for a perfectly balanced result. To make comeback sauce, you'll need:

• Mayonnaise: For a creamy, rich base.
• Chili sauce: Such as Sriracha, for a spicy kick.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and color.
• Lemon juice: Acidity balances and brightens the sauce.
• Smoked paprika: For warmth and smokiness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami-rich flavor to the sauce.
• Hot sauce: For a touch of heat.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and black pepper: A classic blend of spices that adds a powerful base of flavor to the sauce.

How To Make Comeback Sauce

Ready in minutes, comeback sauce can be up to one week ahead, if it lasts that long. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy grabbing whenever the mood strikes.

To make it, simply stir all ingredients together to combine, then cover and chill before serving.

What To Pair With Comeback Sauce

This crowd-pleasing dipping sauce is often paired with fried foods, including fried shrimp, French fries, wings, and hush puppies, but can also be served as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers, roasted or steamed vegetables, or slathered onto a fish sandwich or burger.

Similar to a rémoulade, it's a creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce infused with a hint of chili sauce and hot sauce for a touch of heat. Translation? It works on just about anything.

More Dipping Sauce Recipes You'll Love

There's no need to run to the store when you can make these delicious dipping sauces at home in minutes:

• Ranch Dipping Sauce
• Dijon Dipping Sauce
• Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce
• Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Red Pepper Aioli
• Old Bay Remoulade
• Tartar Sauce

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.