The original post published in May 2011. I’ve updated the photos to spare myself some embarrassment from the total lack of photography skills in the early days of blogging.
Ask anyone from Mississippi if they know about Comeback Sauce and they will look at you shocked for even asking the question. Of course, everyone in Mississippi knows about Comeback Sauce. Even if you’ve never heard the name, you probably know it, too. The sauce that’s served by the steak house chain made famous by the onions that bloom, is reminiscent of Comeback Sauce. Chances are you’ve had it on a burger or sandwich at a new age sandwich shop. It’s a versatile sauce that also makes a great salad dressing. The origins are debated, but most attribute the sauce to a Greek immigrant who settled in Mississippi after WWII.
Most recipes agree on the proportions of mayonnaise to ketchup to chili sauce and heavy on the black pepper. After that, the amounts of all the other ingredients are up for grabs.
Del Monte Chili Sauce. Look for it on your condiment aisle. If you can’t find Del Monte, Heinz is a suitable substitute.
Chili Sauce is a condiment that is usually found on the same aisle as ketchup, mayo and mustard. Look for it on the top shelve. The bottle contains 12 ounces. I’ve always preferred Heinz, but, my store was recently out of Heinz and I bought Del Monte which I’ve found is just as good. It’s always nice to have an option. Chili Sauce and chili pepper are not the same.
I formulated this recipe to give it as much shelf life as possible. Since I opted for garlic powder and onion powder over fresh garlic and onion, the sauce will keep in your refrigerator for as long as you would keep mayonnaise and ketchup. But, don’t worry. It will be eaten long before you have to worry about it spoiling.
It’s uses are many. It’s a dip for vegetables and chips, a salad dressing, a sauce for seafood or a sandwich spread. I will be serving mine tonight with Salmon Patties. It is good on EVERYTHING, except Cheerios.
Comeback Sauce
Mix all ingredients well and store in refrigerator overnight. It needs to sit to let the flavors become “acquainted”. They shouldn’t rush into marriage.
yield: one pint
1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise (one of my Favorites)
1/4 cup Heinz ketchup
1/4 cup chili sauce ( I prefer Heinz or DelMonte. DO NOT substitute Thai Chili Sauce)
1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup light olive oil
juice of one lemon
Mix all ingredients well and store in refrigerator overnight.
Comeback Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise one of my Favorites
- 1/4 cup Heinz ketchup
- 1/4 cup chili sauce I prefer Heinz or DelMonte. DO NOT substitute Thai Chili Sauce
- 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- juice of one lemon
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well and store in refrigerator overnight. It needs to sit to let the flavors become “acquainted”. They shouldn’t rush into marriage.
- Comeback Sauce goes with EVERYTHING.....except Cheerios.
beth says
Check out Sweet Potato Queens. Jill conner Browne is the Boss Queen. Only other place I heard about Comeback Sauce before you all. Hoot to read her books. Hope you get this message.
Jackie Garvin says
Beth,
I’ve read several of the Sweet Potato Queens’ books. Jill Connor Browne is a riot! My friends and I talk about planning a trip to Jackson, MS for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Kristi Peña says
If you love the sweet potato queens then you should totally be in Jackson for the Zippety Do Dah parade.. The SPQ and all sister groups gather and march through fondren. It’s quite the sight!
Jackie Garvin says
Kristi,
Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to me. I do love the SPQs and have several of her books. Watching the parade is on my bucket list. Send me photos if you go!
Kathy says
I can’t wait to make a batch of this. How long does it keep in the fridge after you make a batch? I would think quite a while if it’s kept real cold. Anyone care to advise me on this? Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. Awaiting your reply.
Jackie Garvin says
Kathy,
I developed this recipe to include garlic powder and onion powder instead of fresh to increase the shelf life. It will keep in your refrigerator for as long as you’d keep mayonnaise and ketchup.
jai says
Im allergic to olive oil can i omit or use canola.
Jackie Garvin says
Yes, use your favorite cooking oil.
Kristi Peña says
Yours is the best recipe I’ve come across and I recommend it to everyone! Thanks!
Azlin Bloor says
My goodness Jackie, I just LOVE the sound of this recipe! I’d never heard of the name but I can think of so many things to do with it, can’t wait to give it a try!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Azlin. Once you make Comeback Sauce,you’ll always want some in your refrigerator. I hope you give it a try.
Ali says
Yummy! I saw the comment about remoulade and immediately thought about how good this would be with some fried green tomatoes. Or a Po Boy. Or even just on a salad.
Jackie Garvin says
Ali, I’ve got some in my frig right now that I’m using as salad dressing. It’s perfect for fried green tomatoes!
Nicole Shillings says
I love Comeback Sauce! This is great! I’ve never thought to make it at home. I’ll be trying this out.
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Nicole. Let me know how it turns out for you. Hope you enjoy.
Fred says
Comeback sauce wow! So rich and I’m sure so tasty and I would love to try it soon. And I’ll look out for it when I come to Mississippi. Thanks for sharing!
Jackie Garvin says
I hope you give it a try, Fred. Thanks for stopping by.
Jack Rokon says
Hi,Jackie Garvin
This looks AMAZING! Thank you,Worked out beautifully mad with veganaise and vegan Worcestershire sauce. I’m a newbie vegan and this sauce tastes great on my gardein seven grains crispy tenders.
Jackie Garvin says
I’m glad you could work it out to suit your dietary requirements.