Best Cookout Sauce Recipe

Brimming with flavor, this Cookout Sauce has been my trusty wingman at every family barbecue and friend gathering for many years. It’s my secret weapon that turns simple grilled meals into epic gastronomic adventures. Like an invisible thread, it weaves through the shared laughter, the clinking of glasses, the aroma of the grill – tying all the beautiful nuances of a warm summer night together.

This sauce is more than a complement for your grills; it’s a snippet of my cherished memories, the essence of my epic host reputation, the secret ingredient that garnishes friendship, family, and fun times.

What is the cookout sauce?

Cookout sauce is a popular condiment known for its tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor. It’s commonly used as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings and as a topping for burgers and hot dogs

Cookout sauce ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix them thoroughly until well combined.

2. Add the Sweeteners and Spices:

• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke (if using) to the bowl with the wet ingredients.

3. Mix and Season:

• Stir all the ingredients together until the sugars are fully dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt to your preference. Keep in mind that you can always add more cayenne pepper for additional heat if desired.

4. Refrigerate and Rest:

• Cover the sauce with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before using. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.

Tips

1. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or additional apple cider vinegar. Add small amounts at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Customize the Heat: The cayenne pepper is responsible for the sauce’s spiciness. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other hot sauces or chili powders for different levels of heat.
3. Enhance the Smokiness: Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor to the sauce but is optional. Feel free to increase the amount if you love a pronounced smoky taste.
4. Make it Ahead: Cookout sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, it often tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld.
5. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your mayonnaise, ketchup, and other condiments can significantly impact the final flavor of the sauce. Using high-quality brands can make a difference.

What to serve with

1. Burgers: Perhaps the most classic pairing, cookout sauce is a fantastic burger topping. Slather it on your beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie burgers for a tangy and savory kick.
2. Hot Dogs: Elevate your hot dog game by adding a generous drizzle of this sauce. It complements the smokiness of the hot dog and adds a burst of flavor.
3. French Fries: This sauce is a fantastic dip for french fries. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of fries.
4. Onion Rings: Dunking onion rings in the sauce is a match made in heaven. The sauce’s sweetness and tanginess contrast beautifully with the savory crunch of the onions.
5. Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: Whether homemade or store-bought, chicken tenders and nuggets are delightful with this sauce. The creamy sauce adds a zesty twist to the chicken’s mild flavor.
6. Grilled Chicken: If you’re serving grilled chicken breasts, thighs, or wings, a side of this sauce can elevate the dish. It complements the charred and smoky flavors of the chicken.
7. Grilled Pork: This sauce pairs well with grilled pork chops, tenderloin, or ribs. The sauce’s sweetness enhances the pork’s natural sweetness while the tanginess balances it out.
8. Fish Sandwich: Try using the sauce on a fish sandwich for a unique twist. It adds a different dimension to the seafood, especially when served on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato.
9. Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms can benefit from a drizzle of cookout sauce. It adds depth of flavor and a touch of smokiness.
10. Tater Tots: Like fries, tater tots are fantastic when served with this sauce. The contrast between the crispy tots and the creamy sauce is delicious.
11. Salads: Use the sauce as a dressing for coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad. It adds a unique twist to traditional salad dressings and complements the freshness of the vegetables.
12. Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread the sauce on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs well with deli meats, grilled chicken, or even as a condiment in a club sandwich.
13. Grilled Pizza: When making homemade grilled pizza, consider using the sauce as the base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Top with your favorite ingredients and cheese for a delightful twist.
14. Dipping Sauce: Beyond the classic choices, use cookout sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or even as a dipping sauce for a charcuterie board.
15. Stir-Fries: Add a bit of cookout sauce to your stir-fry dishes for a unique flavor profile. It can work particularly well with chicken, beef, or tofu stir-fries.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

This cookout sauce is the perfect epitome of embracing the joy of simple things in life. It’s not just about the magic you mix up in your kitchen but the joy you share at the dining table, the stories that you concoct over the barbecue grill, and the smiles you exchange between bites.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Crack Sauce Recipe
• Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch Recipe
• Mcdonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe

Cookout Sauce

Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute

Nutrition facts: 150 calories 8 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix them thoroughly until well combined.

2. Add the Sweeteners and Spices:

• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke (if using) to the bowl with the wet ingredients.

3. Mix and Season:

• Stir all the ingredients together until the sugars are fully dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt to your preference. Keep in mind that you can always add more cayenne pepper for additional heat if desired.

4. Refrigerate and Rest:

• Cover the sauce with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before using. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.