Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe (Copycat Ingredients)

Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe (Copycat Ingredients)

Do you love the taste of Chicago-style Mild sauce? This recipe is perfect for recreating that iconic and delicious flavor at home! The ingredients are simple and easy to find, so you can enjoy your favorite sauce anytime.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Chicago-style mild sauce recipe. Look no further!

This recipe is perfect for serving with hot dogs, Italian beef, or anything else you might like.

Plus, it only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. So give it a try today!

What is the Chicago Mild Sauce?

Chicago Mild Sauce

The Chicago Mild Sauce is a popular condiment in the city of Chicago. The sauce is made from a blend of spices and is often used as a dipping sauce or a spread.

The exact recipe for the sauce is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to include red and green peppers, garlic, onion, and cumin.

The sauce has a mild flavor with a slight kick and pairs well with many different foods.

In addition to being a popular condiment, the Chicago Mild Sauce is also used in many recipes, including chili and pasta dishes.

So whether you’re looking for a new dipping sauce or an ingredient for your favorite recipe, the Chicago Mild Sauce is sure to please.

Can I replicate this recipe at home?

Yes, absolutely! This is a great sauce to make ahead of time and keep on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious meal.

How long does it take to make this sauce?

This sauce only takes about 15 minutes to make.

However, it needs to simmer for a bit to thicken up properly. So, while it’s a relatively quick sauce to make, you’ll want to plan if you’re using it for dinner.

What ingredients do I need to start?

Ketchup

To make this Chicago Mild Sauce recipe, you’ll need:

Ketchup: It’s hard to make a good sauce without ketchup. Ketchup is the base of this recipe, so make sure you use good quality ketchup. We like Heinz or Hunt’s.

Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. You could also use white sugar, but we prefer brown sugar for its flavor.

Apple cider vinegar:  This is our secret ingredient! It adds a little bit of tanginess and brightens up the flavor of the sauce.

Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper: These spices make this sauce special. They give it a nice kick of heat and flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

What else do I need?

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you’ll need:

  • A medium saucepan: This is for simmering the sauce.
  • A covered container: This is for storing the sauce in the refrigerator. We like to use a Mason jar or a similar type of jar.
Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe (Copycat Ingredients)

Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe

This Chicago Mild Sauce recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good, all-purpose sauce. It's great on all kinds of meats and has just the right amount of spice. So if you're looking for a sauce that will elevate your cooking, this is it!
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Dose

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
  • Store the sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword Chicago Mild Sauce Copycat Recipe

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

Yes, feel free to experiment with this recipe.

Depending on your preferences, you can add more or less of any of the spices.

You can also replace apple cider vinegar with another type of vinegar, such as white or red wine. If you want a sweeter sauce, you can add more brown sugar.

You can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want a spicier sauce. Get creative and make the sauce your own!

Tips and tricks for a better sauce

Sauce with nuggets

First of all, use fresh garlic and onion instead of powder for a more intense flavor.

  • Add some heat by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • Balance out the sweetness by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Make it thicker by simmering for a longer period.
  • Give it some depth of flavor by roasting the garlic and onion before adding them to the saucepan.
  • Use tomato paste instead of some of the ketchup for a richer flavor.
  • Stir in some chopped fresh herbs at the end for a bit of color and flavor.
  • Make it smoky by adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture.
  • Create a spicy version by substituting hot chili powder for the regular variety.
  • Make it creamier by adding a half cup of heavy cream to the mixture.
  • To make a lower-calorie version, substitute ketchup with no-sugar-added tomato sauce.
  • Use honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Finally, for an extra kick, stir in a teaspoon of horseradish at the end.

Dishes to serve with homemade Chicago Mild Sauce recipe

Burgers and nuggets

Chicago Mild Sauce is a great way to add flavor to any dish. Here are twelve recipes that are perfect for pairing with this versatile sauce:

  • Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza: This classic dish is not complete without the generous help of Chicago Mild Sauce.
  • Italian Beef Sandwiches: Slather your beef sandwiches in Chicago Mild Sauce to taste the Windy City.
  • Hot Dogs: Top your hot dogs with this flavorful sauce for a delicious summertime treat.
  • Potato Wedges: Give your potato wedges a zesty boost with Chicago Mild Sauce.
  • Chicken Wings: Whether you’re grilling or frying, chicken wings are always better with some sauce.
  • Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is taken to the next level with Chicago Mild Sauce.
  • Corn on the Cob: This delicious sauce adds some sweetness to your corn on the cob.
  • Fried chicken: Give your fried chicken a zesty kick with Chicago Mild Sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables: Add flavor to your roasted vegetables with this sauce.
  • Baked potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with Chicago Mild Sauce for a hearty meal.
  • Hamburgers: This zesty sauce gives your burgers a flavorful boost.
  • Ice Cream: Give your ice cream a flavorful twist by topping it with Chicago Mild Sauce.

The above dishes are some of our favorites to pair with Chicago Mild Sauce. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Final Words

The Chico mild sauce recipe is a fantastic option for those looking for a ketchup alternative that is not as sweet.

This particular recipe has a nice balance of flavors and is not overly spicy. If you are looking for a bit more of a kick, you can always adjust the amount of cayenne pepper you use. 

There are endless ways to customize this Chicago mild sauce recipe to suit your taste. So experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors for your family. And don’t forget to share your favorite tips in the comments below!

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.