If you’ve ever dined at Red Robin, you know that their Campfire Sauce is a fan favorite. This smoky, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce perfectly complements burgers, fries, onion rings, and more. The good news is, you don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this delicious condiment. Making Red Robin’s Campfire Sauce at home is easy, quick, and requires just a handful of ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this iconic sauce in your own kitchen!
What Is Red Robin Campfire Sauce?
Red Robin Campfire Sauce is a creamy mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce with a smoky, spicy kick. It’s known for its rich flavor that combines the sweetness and tang of barbecue sauce with the smoothness of mayo and the smoky heat of chipotle. This versatile sauce is perfect as a dip, spread, or topping for a variety of dishes, especially classic American comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own Red Robin Campfire Sauce, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
– Mayonnaise – The creamy base that balances the bold flavors. Full-fat mayo like Best Foods or Hellmann’s works best for that rich texture.
– Barbecue Sauce – Choose a smoky variety for authenticity, such as hickory-smoked BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar or Bull’s Eye Original are great options.
– Chipotle Powder or Chipotle Peppers – Adds the signature smoky heat. You can use dried chipotle powder or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
– Optional Add-ins: Mustard (spicy brown or Dijon), honey for a touch of sweetness, smoked paprika for extra smokiness, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Campfire Sauce
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by adding about ½ cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of your favorite smoky barbecue sauce into a mixing bowl.
2. Add the Smoky Heat
Stir in ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder or finely chopped chipotle pepper. For a deeper smoky flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
3. Enhance the Flavor
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of spicy brown mustard and a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat with a little sweetness. You can also add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for more depth.
4. Season and Mix
Add a pinch of kosher salt and, if you like, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
5. Chill for Best Flavor
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best taste.
Tips for Perfecting Your Campfire Sauce
– Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor depends heavily on the quality of your mayo and barbecue sauce.
– Adjust the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want it spicier.
– Customize Sweetness: More honey or a bit of brown sugar can make it sweeter.
– Make It Vegan: Substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
– Try Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with smoky, sweet, or tangy barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
How to Enjoy Your Campfire Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
– As a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, or nuggets.
– Spread it on burgers or sandwiches for an extra smoky flavor.
– Use it as a dip for veggies or chips.
– Drizzle over grilled meats or roasted potatoes.
– Mix it into coleslaw for a smoky twist.
Storing Your Campfire Sauce
Store your homemade Campfire Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before each use, especially if it has been sitting for a while.
Making Red Robin’s Campfire Sauce at home is a breeze and lets you enjoy that smoky, creamy goodness anytime you want. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling. Try it out and watch your favorite meals come alive with flavor!