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Copycat Guthrie's Dipping Sauce

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  • #2800

Famous for chicken fingers and their signature dipping sauce. This creamy sauce has a kick to it from lots of added black pepper. Use with chicken fingers or nuggets, or as a spread on sandwiches.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  2-5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

7 reviews
3 comments

ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
freshly ground black pepper

directions

Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.

Generously season with black pepper (use more than you think you should) and mix in. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dipping sauce for 2 hours for the flavors to develop.

recipe tips


For a healthier version, opt for low-fat mayonnaise or a mayonnaise alternative like avocado mayonnaise.

Adding a small amount of honey or sugar can balance the flavors with a slight sweetness.

Try adding other spices like smoked paprika or onion powder for a different flavor profile.

This sauce can also be used as a dressing for salads or slaw, adding a creamy, tangy flavor.

For a more complex flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.

Store the sauce in a glass jar or an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.

Shake or stir the sauce before each use, as separation may occur during storage.

Customize the sauce by adding finely chopped pickles or capers for an extra tang and texture.

common recipe questions


Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version, though the flavor and texture will slightly change.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Making the sauce ahead of time not only allows the flavors to develop more fully but also makes it more convenient for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How can I adjust the sauce to make it spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.

Is there an alternative for ketchup in the recipe?

If you prefer not to use ketchup, you can try using tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar and sugar. This will give a similar tangy and sweet flavor.

What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little vinegar as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can this sauce be frozen for later use?

It's not recommended to freeze this sauce because the mayonnaise can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

While primarily a dipping sauce, its ingredients make it suitable for a marinade as well, especially for chicken. However, the texture and flavor might be more subtle than traditional marinades.

How can I thin out the sauce if it's too thick?

If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can thin it by whisking in a small amount of water, milk, or even a little lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.


nutrition data

71 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Cookinmomma

    I used to work at Guthrie’s and made this stuff by the bucketfuls and we didn’t use paprika, but added Accent which is pure MSG. That’s what makes it so addictive. They add it to the breading AND brine for the chicken fingers. It’s everywhere except your soda, toast and slaw.

  2. LFTU2 REVIEW:

    I tried the recipe this weekend. I can't believe how much it tastes like all the others from the Auburn area. This is dead on as long as it sets at least overnight for best results.

  3. wormvine

    My roommate worked at a Guthrie's in college. It was one bucket of Ketchup. One bucket of Mayo. One (20oz)? soda cup of Worcestershire sauce. One soda cup of Pepper One soda cup of (Mystery salt). I believe it is Accent. Pure MSG. They used the same on the chicken strips for a brine. And now you kow why its SOOOOOOOO good.

  4. impressed REVIEW:

    Served this with fries and it was heavenly!

  5. Evan REVIEW:

    I added a little lemon juice to it and it was right on.

  6. carbonm3girl REVIEW:

    My husband and I have eaten Guthrie's for years and the local one in Huntsville, Alabama just closed it's doors. My husband has been eating it since he was at Auburn in college. He made this sauce and it is DEAD ON! So yummy and tastes just like the real thing! When the recipes calls for "lots of black pepper" it means LOTS! We kept adding more and more! Now it's perfect! Great recipe!

  7. Bob REVIEW:

    I live in the town where Guthries started and have eaten gallons of the sauce over my life and this is dead on in taste and in looks thanks Bob

  8. chickohead REVIEW:

    That is the recipe---spot on...no additional ingredients. Trust me. some call for paprika in some of the copy cats but there is nothing else. Again, trust me. 'Nuff said! :)

  9. Collin

    I don't know. I haven't tried making it yet...but based on the recipe...I don't think it's quite right. I'm sitting here looking at a cup of sauce from Guthries...and there looks to be a few other seasonings in here. I was thinking it tastes like there may be some seasoned salt in there... Anyway...just my 2 cents.

  10. CrAzYbRoS REVIEW:

    This was great! I tastes just like Guthrie's! Now I don't have to go and buy extra sauces!!! Awesooommmmme.

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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