What’s the most perfect dipping sauce ever invented? Without a doubt, it’s Comeback Sauce! We use it for everything from chicken fingers to onion rings and fries to sandwiches. Once you try it, you’ll use this stuff on everything, too!
If I had to choose one dipping sauce to use for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be Comeback Sauce. This easy comfort food combination of pantry staple ingredients is perfect for my chicken fingers, onion rings, steamed veggies, fries, fried fish, and even to drizzle on meal-sized sandwiches like po’ boys, steak sandwiches, and roasted tomato.
You’re probably already wondering how it got the name “Comeback,” right? Well, it’s said that the sauce was originally created as the house dressing in a restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi, and just spread like wildfire across the south. As for “comeback,” it’s probably from the southern expression used when saying goodbye to loved ones – “y’all come back now.”
It’s very similar to Louisiana’s Remoulade, Utah’s fry sauce, and somewhat reminiscent of Thousand Island Dressing. It’s basically a spiced mayonnaise.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 10
Primary Ingredient(s): Mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder
Skill Level: Easy
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Versatility. This is one of the most versatile recipes I know. It serves as everything from a salad dressing to a dipping sauce to a sandwich spread.
- Make it Your Own. Spice it up or down to suit your own tastes.
Ingredient Notes
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- Mayonnaise – Use the “good stuff” – in other words, not low fat – for this recipe. I recommend Duke’s mayonnaise. Always.
- Chili Sauce – Think of chili sauce as catsup with a kick. I recommend you use Heinz Chili Sauce for this recipe.
- Dry Mustard – Colman’s mustard is my favorite.
- Hot Sauce – Any hot pepper sauce you like. I like Tabasco. You may prefer Texas Pete or Sriracha.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Comeback Sauce
It really could not be any easier. One step. Stir all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
👉 PRO TIP: The sauce is best if made in advance (overnight at least) to allow flavors to blend.
Questions About Comeback Sauce
Comeback Sauce will keep for a long time in the refrigerator. There’s no dairy in it and there is a good amount of acid from the lemon juice, ketchup, and mayonnaise. I often keep this sauce refrigerated for two weeks. Sometimes longer.
Yes! Comeback sauce is best if made and allowed to sit overnight in the fridge to enhance the flavors.
Recipe
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Comeback Sauce
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chili sauce (recommend Heinz brand)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (recommend Colman's brand)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (recommend Tabasco brand)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients in a small mixing bowluntil thoroughly blended and smooth.¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup chili sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika
Notes
- Best if made in advance (overnight is best) to allow flavors to blend.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
I made this the other night and it’s very good. I let it sit over night before using as you suggested. I used it on my hashbrowns for breakfast. I will be using this on just about every thing. Thanks for a great tasting recipe Lana.
Mary Ann
My pleasure, Mary Ann!
Sounds and looks like Yum Yum sauce I get in Chinese restaurants.
It’s somewhat similar. Yum Yum sauce is quite a bit sweeter.