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There’s nothing quite like the crispy crunch of freshly fried onion rings—but let’s be honest, what really takes them over the top is the sauce. This creamy, smoky Onion Ring Sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just a little bit spicy. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with all kinds of appetizers and fried favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. The combination of mayonnaise and ketchup gives it that familiar creamy-tangy base, while smoked paprika and cumin add depth and warmth. A touch of garlic and oregano rounds it out, creating a sauce that’s far more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth and well combined.
- Add the granulated garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve chilled and enjoy with onion rings, fries, or your favorite appetizers.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Sweet and Tangy: Stir in a teaspoon of honey or pickle juice for a touch of sweetness.
- Smoky BBQ Twist: Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in a pinch of dried parsley or fresh chives for a bright, herbal note.
What to Serve It With
While this sauce was made with onion rings in mind, it’s incredibly versatile. Try serving it with:
- Onion Rings – The creamy texture balances the crispy, spicy coating perfectly.
- French fries or sweet potato fries – A great alternative to ketchup or ranch.
- Chicken tenders or nuggets – Adds a smoky, savory dip that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Fried pickles or mozzarella sticks – The tangy sauce complements the salty crunch.
- Burgers and sandwiches – Use it as a spread for an extra burst of flavor.
Onion Ring Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.
- Add granulated garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled with onion rings, fries, or your favorite appetizers.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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