Craving that smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce that makes Red Robin's Campfire Burger so irresistible? You don't need a campfire or a trip to your local restaurant to enjoy this deliciousness! This easy recipe lets you recreate the magic of that campfire sauce right in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for burgers, chicken, fries, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite veggies. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both quick and satisfying – a true gem for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken and Enhance: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until it's melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. This adds a beautiful richness and shine.
Tips for the Best Campfire Sauce:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup. For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. A pinch of chipotle powder can also add a delicious smoky heat.
- Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Homemade is Best: While you can use bottled Worcestershire sauce, making your own adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Variations:
- BBQ Campfire Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Spicy Campfire Sauce: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Sweet and Spicy Campfire Sauce: Combine the BBQ variation with the spicy variation for a complex flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 1-2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This homemade campfire sauce is a delicious and easy way to elevate your everyday meals. It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes achievable with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this taste of adventure!