Name: Ultimate Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe Tips for Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 cup (240 ml)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise — for silky creaminess; use full-fat mayo; for a lighter version, swap in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.; 2 tablespoons ketchup — adds color and a touch of sweetness; a smoky or tomato-flavored ketchup enhances depth.; 1 tablespoon pickle relish — brightens the sauce with a crisp tang; if you only have chopped pickles, mince finely.; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — tangy bite that cuts the richness; yellow mustard works too if you prefer milder heat.; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar — a kiss of brightness to mimic that campfire bite.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — savory backbone; if you love garlic, you can whisk in 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic instead.; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder — adds depth without moisture; skip if you only have fresh onion on hand (use 1 small minced shallot instead).; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — the smoky core; regular paprika works if you’re out of smoked.; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder — for gentle heat and a hint of smoke; start with 1/4 teaspoon if you’re heat-averse.; 1/4 teaspoon sugar — balances acidity and enhances the campfire roundness; adjust to taste.; Salt and black pepper to taste — seasoning that makes everything pop; taste and tweak after mixing.; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce — for an extra kick, especially on burgers or fries.; Make-ahead note: For vegan or dairy-free versions, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt substitute (see Tips & Variations).

Description

Red Robin Sauce Rec tips easy steps flavor boosts and substitutions to recreate the famous sauce at home with quick pantry swaps and easy pairings

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayonnaise — for silky creaminess; use full-fat mayo; for a lighter version, swap in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.

2 tablespoons ketchup — adds color and a touch of sweetness; a smoky or tomato-flavored ketchup enhances depth.

1 tablespoon pickle relish — brightens the sauce with a crisp tang; if you only have chopped pickles, mince finely.

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — tangy bite that cuts the richness; yellow mustard works too if you prefer milder heat.

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar — a kiss of brightness to mimic that campfire bite.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — savory backbone; if you love garlic, you can whisk in 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic instead.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder — adds depth without moisture; skip if you only have fresh onion on hand (use 1 small minced shallot instead).

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — the smoky core; regular paprika works if you’re out of smoked.

1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder — for gentle heat and a hint of smoke; start with 1/4 teaspoon if you’re heat-averse.

1/4 teaspoon sugar — balances acidity and enhances the campfire roundness; adjust to taste.

Salt and black pepper to taste — seasoning that makes everything pop; taste and tweak after mixing.

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce — for an extra kick, especially on burgers or fries.

Make-ahead note: For vegan or dairy-free versions, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt substitute (see Tips & Variations).

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and even in color.

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder. Whisk again until the spices are fully incorporated and the sauce takes on a hazy, copper-tinged look.

Taste and adjust. Add a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to balance the tang and heat. If you want more heat, whisk in the optional hot sauce in 1/4-teaspoon increments.

For the best texture, let it rest 10–15 minutes in the fridge. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.

If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a touch more mayo (or yogurt) to thicken.

Serve right away or cover and refrigerate up to 1 week. The color deepens and the flavors become even more bold as it sits.

Notes

Make-ahead note: For vegan or dairy-free versions, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt substitute (see Tips & Variations).

Prep Time: 0 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 hours 0 minutes
Category: Sauce
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
Calories: 170 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g

Keywords: Red Robin Campfire Sauce, campfire sauce, creamy sauce, burger sauce, pickle relish, smoky sauce, gluten-free, dairy-free options