This Red Robin campfire sauce is smoky-sweet with a little tang and just enough heat to keep you dipping. It comes together in minutes, then a short chill in the fridge is what makes it taste like the real deal. It’s perfect with Red Robin fries, but it also works as a burger spread, sandwich sauce, and dipping sauce for chicken tenders.
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Why You'll Love This Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
If you’ve ever had the bottomless fries with campfire sauce at Red Robin, you already know how good the combo is, and this copycat version gets you insanely close without a long ingredient list. Mayo makes it creamy, BBQ sauce brings the smoky-sweet base, mustard adds that little tangy bite, and chipotle gives it the signature campfire warmth that’s bold but not overpowering.
It also gets better after chilling, which is exactly what you want in a sauce like this. Give it even 30 minutes, and the flavors settle into that smooth, restaurant-style taste. It’s perfect for parties, cookouts, game day, or meal prep because you can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge.
And it’s not a one-trick fry dip. Use it on burgers, wrap sandwiches, chicken tenders, grilled chicken, or anywhere you’d normally use BBQ sauce, ranch, or a creamy burger sauce. It’s the kind of sauce that instantly upgrades whatever it touches.
Red Robin Campfire Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup hickory BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar is perfect)
- 1 teaspoon brown mustard (add more if you like it tangier)
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient Notes That Make This Sauce Better
- Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base. Full-fat mayo gives the best texture and flavor.
- Hickory BBQ sauce: Hickory flavor is what makes it taste like classic campfire sauce. Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar is a great choice because it’s smoky and slightly sweet.
- Brown mustard: Adds tang and sharpness that cuts through the sweetness. Start with 1 teaspoon, then taste and adjust.
- Honey: Just a little boosts the sweetness and smooths out the smoky spice.
- Chipotle powder: Gives smoky heat. If yours is strong, start with a little less and add to taste.
- Smoked paprika: Adds that extra smoky depth that makes the sauce taste “grilled” even though it’s a cold sauce.
How to Make Campfire Sauce
Step 1: Mix
In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, brown mustard, honey, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
Step 2: Chill
Transfer to a jar or an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors have time to develop.
Step 3: Serve
Serve as a dip for fries or onion rings, or spread on burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and sandwiches.
Pro Tips To Make The Best Campfire Sauce Recipe
- Chill time actually matters. It tastes good right away, but it tastes like a true copycat after it sits. Give it at least 30 minutes, and if you can do 2 hours, even better. The spices mellow, the smoke settles in, and the whole sauce tastes smoother and more “restaurant.”
- Start mild, then build heat. Chipotle powder can vary a lot. If you want it milder, start with ¼ teaspoon, mix, then taste after chilling. If you want it spicier, add another pinch at a time until it’s perfect.
- Your BBQ sauce choice changes everything. A hickory-style BBQ sauce gets you closest to that classic campfire flavor. Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce works best here. If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, you might want a touch more mustard to balance it.
- Dial in the tang the easy way. If you want more bite, add brown mustard ½ teaspoon at a time. Mustard sharpens the sauce without making it taste “mustardy,” and it keeps the sweetness from taking over.
- Boost smoke without ruining the balance. If you want it smokier, add smoked paprika a pinch at a time or choose a smokier BBQ sauce. Go light. Too much smoked paprika can make it taste dusty instead of campfire-style.
- Taste after it rests, not immediately. This sauce changes as it sits. What tastes “fine” right after mixing usually tastes perfect after chilling, so hold off on big adjustments until it’s had time in the fridge.
What to Serve with Campfire Sauce
This campfire sauce is the kind of dip that instantly makes everything taste better. It’s smoky, creamy, and a little spicy, so it works with classic fried foods, burgers, and even roasted veggies.
- Fries (any kind):Regular fries, sweet potato fries, waffle fries, curly fries, you name it. This is the classic pairing for a reason.
- Onion rings:The sweet, crispy onion and smoky sauce combo is unreal. Try it with the onion rings from my boom boom sauce recipe.
- Chicken tenders or nuggets:This is one of the best chicken tender sauces because it’s creamy like ranch but has that BBQ-chipotle flavor that keeps you dipping.
- Burgers and hot dogs:Use it as a burger spread or hot dog sauce. It’s especially good with bacon and cheddar, and is delicious on this crack burger.
- Grilled chicken sandwiches:Spread it on buns or drizzle it on the chicken. It turns a simple grilled sandwich into something that tastes like a restaurant order.
- Wraps and sliders: Mix it into wraps, use it as the sauce for sliders, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Roasted potatoes: Drizzle it over roasted potatoes or use it as a dip. It’s a great way to make oven fries feel extra.
- Bonus ideas:It’s also really good with grilled veggies, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, or as a dip for anything crispy that needs a smoky, creamy kick.
Red Robin Campfire Sauce FAQS
What does campfire sauce taste like?
It’s creamy, smoky, sweet, and tangy with a little heat. Think BBQ sauce meets chipotle mayo with a hint of mustard, bold but still super balanced.
Can I make campfire sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s better that way. Make it at least 30 minutes ahead, but a few hours (or overnight) is when it really starts tasting like a true copycat because the flavors blend and mellow.
Is campfire sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. The heat comes from chipotle powder, so you can easily adjust it. Start with less for mild, add a pinch more if you want a stronger kick.
Can I use a different BBQ sauce?
Yes. Hickory-style BBQ sauce tastes closest to Red Robin’s, but any BBQ sauce you like will work. Just know the sauce will change based on how sweet, smoky, or tangy your BBQ sauce is.
What’s the best way to use campfire sauce?
It’s perfect as a dip for fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders. It’s also delicious as a burger spread, sandwich sauce, or drizzle for wraps and sliders.
How long does campfire sauce last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Give it a quick stir before using. Freezing isn’t recommended because mayo-based sauces can separate after thawing.
My Final Thoughts On This Campfire Sauce Recipe
This campfire sauce recipe makes a quick, bold, and dangerously dippable sauce. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy with just enough heat to keep it addictive. Mix it in minutes, chill it for the best flavor, and use it on everything from fries to burgers. Once it’s in your fridge, it won’t last long. Try out this copycat Red Robin sauce and let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment and review below.
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