Comeback Sauce Recipe

Name: Comeback Sauce Recipe
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise ((I use Dukes)); 1/3 cup chili sauce ((I used Heinz) Sold next to ketchup); 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon spicy brown or Dijon mustard ((or Creole mustard))

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This easy homemade Comeback Sauce recipe is a creamy Southern sauce made with 5 pantry ingredients in 3 minutes! It's the best dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes, onion rings, fries, seafood and chicken fingers.

Metal spoon with comeback sauce dripping into white bowl with chicken nuggets on surface.

This tangy, sometimes spicy dipping sauce, is mayonnaise based with the addition of chili sauce (or ketchup), Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

There are loads of variations to this easy dipping sauce.

My version is a shortcut version combining ingredients that already have multiple ingredients in them. For example, Creole seasoning contains chili pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, onion and salt.

Make it a sweet and savory dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes or even my Southern Fried Yellow Squash by adding little honey or sugar.

I give you more ingredient suggestions below in my Variations and Substitutions section so you can use what you have.

Hand dipping chicken nugget in comeback dipping sauce.

What is Comeback Sauce?

The history of comeback sauce started in Mississippi as the house dressing at a Greek restaurant called The Rotisserie.

Many people say it's named after a Southern phrase when someone leaves, "Y'all come back, ya hear!"

Today, several Southern fast food restaurants have their own version of a similar dipping sauce such as Jack's Family Restaurant's Comeback sauce and Zaxby's Zax sauce.

Southern comeback sauce is sort of a cross between a remoulade sauce and Yum Yum sauce and Thousand Island dressing. It is a tangy, mayonnaise-based dipping sauce made with chili sauce (not hot chili garlic sauce), ketchup, spices and sometimes Worcestershire sauce.

Although it is well known as a Southern dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes, it's also a good seafood dipping sauce for shrimp and Pan Fried Crab Cakes.

Comeback dipping sauce on chicken nugget pooling onto brown paper.

You can also buy comeback sauce. Dukes Mississippi comeback sauce is sold in a convenient squeeze bottle at most grocery stores and online.

Shortcuts

Several ingredients in this comeback sauce contain other ingredients, saving you time and money.

Using store-bought mayonnaise is much faster than emulsifying your own oil, egg, and vinegar mixture.
Creole seasoning contains various combinations of chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt and sometimes rosemary, thyme and oregano.
Chili sauce combines tomato puree, vinegar, sweetener, onions and garlic.

Comeback sauce ingredients

What you will need to make this recipe for comeback sauce:

Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.

Mayonnaise (I use Dukes)
Chili sauce (not hot chili garlic sauce)- It's sold close to ketchup and cocktail sauce. Ketchup and minced onion or dehydrated minced onion can be substituted.
Creole seasoning - Cajun seasoning can be used but add a little paprika. Reduced salt seasonings are available. If you can, buy local seasoning mixes!
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard (Spicy brown, Dijon, Creole mustard)

Pro Tip: No two Cajun and Creole seasonings are alike. Be sure to read the ingredients on the package. Ingredients are listed in order of amount. Salt is often listed first.

How to make Comeback Sauce

There are many different comeback sauce recipes (also misspelled kumback sauce) on the internet and in cookbooks. This is my easy shortcut version.

Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.

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This is a short list of instructions.

Comeback dipping sauce in glass bowl next to chicken nuggets.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

The little red flecks you see in this sauce are the pureed tomato in chili sauce.

Tip: This is a great make ahead recipe because the flavors blend together if refrigerated for an hour or more, but not necessary.

Substitutions & Variations

Trade "this" for "that" in this comeback dressing (sauce) recipe.

Chili sauce - Make your own chili sauce with ¼ cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons grated onion (OR ¼ teaspoon minced dried onion OR ⅛ teaspoon onion powder), ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper (OR 1 teaspoon hot sauce).
Mustard- Use what you have. I wouldn't run out and buy a whole bottle of mustard. If you have any of these it will still be good: Dijon, stone ground Dijon, Creole mustard (contains horseradish), stone ground mustard. Yellow mustard will work just change the color more orange.
Spicy Comeback Sauce - There are several ways to add additional "kick" to Southern Comeback Sauce. The simplest way is to just add extra Creole or Cajun seasoning to your taste. You can also substitute hot sauce, Sriracha sauce or chili garlic paste for the chili sauce. Be careful it can get hot quick!
White Comeback Sauce - Chili sauce, ketchup, and paprika are the main ingredients that turn homemade Comeback Sauce pink. Mustard can give it a tan or orange tint. To make more of an Alabama White BBQ Sauce, omit these ingredients and add black and white peppers, a little bit of Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the mayonnaise base.

Have you tried my Fried Green Cherry Tomatoes?

Rectangle brown wicker basket of fried green cherry tomatoes on a wooden tray and sauce next to it.

Helpful Information

What is the difference in chili sauce and ketchup

Chili sauce (not chili garlic paste) has onion and cayenne pepper in it. Ketchup is a milder, thinner sauce. Both are slightly sweet and tangy.

Why is it called Comeback Sauce?

Apparently it started as the house dressing at The Rotisserie, a Greek restaurant in Mississippi.

What's the difference in Cajun and Creole seasoning?

While Cajun and Creole seasoning are similar, there are a couple of differences. Cajun seasoning will contain a mixture of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic and sometimes chili pepper. Creole seasoning is a mixture of those ingredients but also includes paprika, onion powder and often rosemary and thyme.

What to serve with this Southern-style dipping sauce

Dip more than just fried foods! Try roasted or fresh vegetables, shrimp, seafood and grilled chicken tenders. Drizzle it on salad and breakfast sandwiches, too!

Oven-Fried Okra (with air fryer option)
Air Fryer Roasted Purple Cauliflower (or white cauliflower)
Grilled Chicken Tenders
Pan Fried Crab Cakes

Storage Tips

To Store in refrigerator. Keep this mayo-based sauce stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered or in an air tight container.

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If you make this recipe I'd love to see it! Tag me on social media with #gritsandgouda or @gritsandgouda. Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to rate it 5 stars if you love it!