Southern Comeback Sauce
You've probably heard the phrase, “Y’all come back now, ya hear?” That’s not just Southern hospitality talking—it’s also where Comeback Sauce gets its name. This iconic dipping sauce was born in Jackson, Mississippi, back in the 1930s or '40s, where it first showed up on the tables at Greek-owned diners like The Mayflower Café and The Rotisserie. It's got that magic combination of creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy that makes folks ask for more.
Think of it like a Southern cousin to remoulade or spicy mayo—but with its own personality. Every cook puts their spin on it, and this version right here is mine. It’s perfect for fries, hush puppies, chicken tenders, fried squash, or even spread on a sandwich. Once you taste it, you'll understand why we call it comeback sauce—because you’ll keep coming back for more.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Photo: Grilling 24×7
Ingredients:
¾ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s if you know what’s good for you 😉)
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp chili sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1–2 tsp hot sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp paprika
Juice of ½ a lemon (or 1 tbsp bottled lemon juice)
Salt and black pepper to taste
You will also need:
Medium bowl
Whisk
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili sauce until smooth.
Add mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined.
Taste and adjust—add more hot sauce if you like heat, or a pinch of sugar if you want to mellow it out.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
👉 Pro Tips:
It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
It thickens as it sits, and the flavor gets better overnight.
