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This simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few basic seasonings makes a tasty dip or spread for burgers and sandwiches. It’s also a great dressing for a tossed salad. Add a few tablespoons of chopped dill pickles or sweet relish to make a tasty “secret sauce” for your burgers.
This chipotle aioli is another excellent option, especially if you will be using it as a sandwich spread.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and easy. Just stir a few ingredients together—no cooking or blending required.
Multi-purpose sauce. Works as a dip, spread, or salad dressing.
Customizable flavor. Tweak the sweetness, tang, or heat to match your preference.
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the best texture and flavor—use your favorite brand.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang; adjust to taste for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Lemon juice: A small amount brightens and balances the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami notes and depth.
- Golden syrup: Softens acidity and balances flavor—optional if you prefer less sweetness.
- Hot sauce (optional): Just a few drops can give the sauce a subtle kick.
Steps to Make Tomato Mayo Dip and Spread
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and corn syrup.
- Add a few drops of hot sauce, if using.
- Stir or whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings, ketchup, or lemon juice as needed.
- Use immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Sauce
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth, emulsified texture.
- For a thicker consistency, reduce ketchup slightly or chill before using.
- Double the batch if using for a crowd—this recipe is easily scaled.
Recipe Variations
- Make it “secret sauce.” Add 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped dill pickles or relish, a dash of onion and garlic powder, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Go spicy. Mix in chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Add sweetness. Increase the ketchup or stir in a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Try different acids. Use apple cider vinegar or pickle juice instead of lemon juice.
- Make it smoky. Use smoked ketchup or add a pinch of liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
- As a dip: Serve with broccoli, carrots, chips, or sweet potato fries.
- On burgers: Use instead of mayo or mustard on grilled or pan-fried burgers.
- As a sandwich spread: Great on BLTs, turkey sandwiches, or grilled cheese.
- With seafood: A quick topping for fried fish, crab cakes, or shrimp po’ boys.
- As a dressing: Thin with a little milk or water for a creamy salad drizzle.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Not recommended—the texture of mayonnaise changes when frozen and thawed.
Before serving: Stir well if it has been refrigerated, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Tomato Mayo Dip and Spread
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup, or to taste
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Lyle's Golden Syrup, or honey
- Few drops hot sauce, (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and syrup or honey. Add a few drops of hot sauce, if using. Whisk or stir the sauce until smooth and well blended.
- Use as a dip for vegetables or a dressing, or try it as a sandwich spread.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
