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Creamy homemade cookout sauce served in a bowl with fries and grilled chicken

Cookout Sauce Recipe

This creamy homemade cookout sauce is tangy, rich, and packed with flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for burgers, fries, grilled chicken, BBQ, and dipping snacks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl for combining all ingredients smoothly
  • Whisk to blend the sauce until creamy and lump-free
  • Measuring cups for accurate ingredient portions
  • Measuring spoons to measure spices and seasonings
  • Rubber Spatula for scraping the bowl clean
  • Airtight Container for storing the sauce in the refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Add mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl to create the creamy base.
    Cookout sauce ingredients including mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices arranged on a kitchen counter
  2. Stir in ketchup and yellow mustard until smooth and evenly combined.
    Mayonnaise being added to a mixing bowl to start making cookout sauce
  3. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and mix well to add savory depth.
    Ketchup and yellow mustard mixed with mayonnaise in a bowl for cookout sauce
  4. Add apple cider vinegar to balance the richness with tanginess.
    Worcestershire sauce being poured into creamy cookout sauce mixture
  5. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
    Apple cider vinegar and spices added to cookout sauce mixture in bowl
  6. Whisk the sauce until completely smooth and creamy.
    Cookout sauce being whisked until smooth and creamy texture
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Cookout sauce resting in the refrigerator before serving
  8. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
    Homemade cookout sauce served with burgers, fries, and grilled chicken

Video

Notes

Creamy homemade cookout sauce served in a bowl with fries and grilled chicken
Homemade cookout sauce ready to serve with burgers, fries, and BBQ favorites.
  • Flavor Balance Matters:
    Cookout sauce is all about balance. The mayonnaise provides creaminess, ketchup adds mild sweetness, mustard brings sharpness, and vinegar cuts through the richness. Taste and adjust until it matches your preference.
  • Chill for Best Taste:
    While the sauce can be used immediately, chilling it for 15–30 minutes allows the flavors to blend together, creating a smoother and more developed taste.
  • Make It Sweeter or Tangier:
    For a sweeter cookout sauce, add ½–1 teaspoon of sugar or honey.
    For more tang, add a few extra drops of apple cider vinegar.
  • Adjust the Heat Level:
    This recipe is mild by default. If you like spice, add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce a little at a time.
  • Texture Tip:
    Whisking thoroughly is key. A smooth texture helps the sauce coat fries, burgers, and grilled meats evenly.
  • Serving Ideas:
    Use cookout sauce as a dip for fries and chicken tenders, a spread for burgers and sandwiches, or a drizzle over grilled vegetables and BBQ chicken.
  • Storage Instructions:
    Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 5–7 days. Stir before using if it thickens.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly:
    This sauce is perfect for parties and cookouts. You can make it a day in advance, and it actually tastes better the next day.
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