Comeback Sauce Recipe

This Mississippi Comeback Sauce Recipe is perfect for dipping, dressing, dunking, and smearing over all of your favorites, from crispy fries to roasted veggies. It’s tangy, creamy, sweet, and a little spicy and made with ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and simple seasonings.

Once you try it, you’ll keep comin’ back for more! At least that’s the whole idea of Mississippi’s famous “comeback sauce,” and after trying it myself several years ago, I happen to agree. Give me a plate of fried chicken and onion rings with a bowl of this kick-ass sauce, and even the worst day is guaranteed to be good.

Fortunately, comeback sauce is super easy to make—literally, all you need is about 5 minutes—so you can make it anytime the craving hits (or you run out). You can adjust the seasoning to taste. For more of a kick, I like to add more hot sauce or a little horseradish. It’s my go-to dip for fried finger foods, steak, and pizza.

Key Ingredients

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

• Mayonnaise: Mayo forms the base of comeback sauce and gives it its creamy texture. You can use regular or light mayo.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess.
• Hot sauce: For a little heat and tanginess. I like to use Tabasco sauce.
• Lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance the flavors. Vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar) may be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
• Worcestershire sauce: For greater umami flavor.
• Seasonings: This recipe calls for garlic powder, onion powder, and salt – that’s it! You may also wish to add a little bit of smoked paprika for flavor and color.

How to Make Mississippi Comeback Sauce

To make comeback sauce, simply add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well until combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Variations

• Extra spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha (or another hot sauce). You can also add cayenne pepper, start with approximately 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Smoky: Stir in about 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (note: chipotle peppers are very spicy).
• Herbed: You can include fresh or dry herbs or a combination of each. You’ll want to add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs and about 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Sweet: Stir in a little honey or brown sugar until the desired sweetness is reached.
• Vegan: Use plant-based mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce that is derived from mushrooms.

What Do You Serve with Comeback Sauce?

To be honest, you can serve this comeback sauce recipe with just about anything. It’s great on potatoes and roasted vegetables, chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, and crab cakes! It’s also great smeared onto burgers or drizzled over your favorite pizza!

Storage

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to one week. Mix well before serving. Freezing is not recommended.

More Delicious Dips and Sauces

• Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
• Hollandaise Sauce
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• Remoulade Sauce Recipe
• Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe