Comeback Sauce Recipe (Mississippi-Style)

Looking for your new favorite creamy, spicy sauce for sandwiches or for dipping? Look no further than Mississippi Comeback Sauce, my friends! This sauce will definitely keep you coming back for more.

Try it as a dip for fries, fried chicken wings, or fried green tomatoes - anything crispy and salty loves comeback sauce.

What is Comeback Sauce?

Comeback sauce is a creamy southern style mayonnaise-based sauce. It originated in Jackson, Mississippi, in a Greek restaurant in the 1930s and has captured the hearts, and taste buds, of many.

It is comparable to a Cajun remoulade sauce or a fry sauce, made primarily with mayonnaise and a few other readily available condiments and seasonings.

It's very easy to make from pantry ingredients, and also easy to adjust the levels of heat and spice in order to make it your own. It's perfect for the spicy food lover looking for a simple way to add some zing to sandwiches or fried foods, or just about anything else.

You'll find variations from cook to cook, of course. Some like to add fresh ingredients, like celery, onion or peppers to the mix, though you can easily make it with condiments and powdered seasonings.

This is a very easy version.

Let's talk about how to make comeback sauce, shall we?

Comeback Sauce Ingredients

The full list of ingredients with measurements is listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Mayonnaise
• Chili sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard - I prefer a spicy mustard, though you can use Dijon mustard or Creole mustard. Dry mustard is good, too.
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce (or to taste)
• Paprika (use smoked paprika for extra zip)
• Garlic powder (or use fresh minced)
• Onion powder (or use fresh minced)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

What Kind of Chili Sauce Should I Use?

A lot of comeback sauce recipes call for “chili sauce,” but that can mean different things.

For this recipe, I’m talking about ketchup-style chili sauce (like Heinz), or my homemade chili sauce recipe. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and it gives comeback sauce that classic Mississippi flavor.

Not the same thing: Thai sweet chili sauce (too sweet) or chili garlic sauce (a different flavor profile). No chili sauce? Use a bit more ketchup, then add an extra dash of Worcestershire for tang + hot sauce.

How to Make Comeback Sauce

1. Add the ingredients to a medium bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Chill (recommended): Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) so the flavors meld.
4. Serve as a dip or spread.

Optional: Food processor method

If you’re using fresh garlic and onion, pulse everything in a food processor (or blender) until smooth.

Boom! Done! Your comeback sauce is ready to go. Give it a quick taste and adjust - more hot sauce for heat, lemon for tang, or paprika for smoky depth. How are you going to use yours? Curious minds want to know.

Variations (Make It Your Own)

• More traditional (blended): Use fresh minced garlic and grated onion (with its juice) instead of the powders, then blend until smooth. For a looser, restaurant-style sauce, blend in a small splash of neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado oil).
• Smokier: Add in smoked paprika or chipotle powder (my favorite move).
• Spicier: Add more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
• Tangier: Add a little extra lemon juice (or a tiny splash of vinegar).

Comeback Sauce Serving Suggestions

Comeback sauce is typically used as a condiment for sandwiches, but also as a dipping sauce for French fries, chicken tenders, fried pickles or other dippers. Try it as a salad dressing for a salad that isn't boring!

It's great on all sorts of fried foods. Add a 1/4 cup or so to a small bowl and serve it up. Get ready for dipping! Serve it with:

• Fries and tots
• Chicken tenders, fried chicken, wings
• Fried pickles, onion rings
• Burgers and sandwiches (especially fried chicken sandwiches)
• Seafood: shrimp, fish sandwiches, crab cakes
• Veggie dip: carrots, celery, bell pepper strips
• So much more!

Storage Information

Comeback sauce will last 1-2 weeks or longer in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It's primarily a condiment-based sauce, so should last quite awhile.

I do not recommend freezing comeback sauce.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this comeback sauce recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you. Keep it spicy!

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

• Tartar Sauce
• Sriracha Aioli
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Creamy Sriracha Mayo
• Chipotle Sauce
• Chipotle Mayo
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Aji Amarillo Sauce
• Creamy Fish Taco Sauce

Comeback Sauce FAQ

What does comeback sauce taste like?

Creamy and tangy, a little sweet, and lightly spicy, like a Southern cousin of remoulade and fry sauce.

Is comeback sauce the same as remoulade?

Not exactly. Remoulade usually leans heavier on pickles/capers/herbs. Comeback sauce is often simpler and more ketchup/chili sauce-forward.

How spicy is it?

Usually mild to medium, and it depends on your hot sauce choice and how much you use.

How long does comeback sauce last?

Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will typically keep 1-2 weeks (often longer), especially if you used dried spices instead of fresh onion/garlic. Always use your best judgment if anything smells “off.”

What do you serve it with?

Fries, chicken tenders, fried pickles, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, anything that wants a creamy, zesty dip.