
Hey, Welcome to the Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe. It’s a creamy, tangy, lightly smoky dipping sauce inspired by the famous Groucho’s Deli flavor.
If you’ve ever had this at a Caribbean family gathering or a festive dinner, you already know how irresistibly smooth and sweet it is.
Guess what happened when I tried to replicate that at home? I did it perfectly! I’m going to share the simplest method for preparing this delicious food in your own kitchen today.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (chill time)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 People
Cuisine: American
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
Groucho’s 45 Sauce comes from Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop founded in the 1940s.
Over time, this creamy, tangy, slightly smoky sauce became iconic, attracting fans who love dipping their sandwiches, fries, and wraps into its irresistible flavor blend.
What does Groucho’s 45 Sauce taste like?
Groucho’s 45 Sauce tastes creamy, tangy, and smoky with a mild sweetness. It has a smooth texture and a balanced mix of spices, making it perfect for sandwiches, fries, burgers, and salads. You’ll love the mellow heat and savory depth in every bite.
By the way, you can also try the Taro Burger Recipe.
Groucho’s 45 Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Airtight jar or container
- Refrigerator
How to Make Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the base
Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the seasonings
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for balanced flavor.
Step 3: Add tang and depth
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar, then whisk again until everything blends perfectly.
Step 4: Chill the sauce
Transfer your sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors can develop fully.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Pair it with sandwiches, wraps, fries, chicken tenders, and salads for that authentic Groucho’s Deli experience.
Recipe Card

Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard until smooth and creamy.

- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for balanced flavor.

- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar, then whisk again until everything blends perfectly.

- Transfer your sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors can develop fully.

- Pair it with sandwiches, wraps, fries, chicken tenders, and salads for that authentic Groucho’s Deli experience.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect for dipping fries, drizzling over sandwiches, mixing into wraps, or serving with grilled chicken.
You can even use it as a salad dressing or burger spread for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
Store Groucho’s 45 Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 7 days.
Chilling helps the flavors blend deeply, making the sauce creamier and even more delicious as it rests.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
You can easily switch up the flavor of this sauce by adding smoky chipotle, extra garlic, or a bit of honey for sweetness.
These small tweaks help you create a customized version that matches your taste and makes every dish feel fresher.
Why This Sauce Works With So Many Dishes
The creamy base, balanced spices, and tangy notes make this sauce incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re topping burgers, dipping fries, or drizzling it over wraps, the flavors blend beautifully with almost anything, giving your meals a delicious boost without overpowering them.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
If you want a smoother consistency, whisk the sauce longer to fully blend the seasonings. For a thicker finish, simply reduce the ketchup slightly.
Taking a minute to adjust the texture helps you achieve a restaurant-style creaminess every single time.
How to Adjust the Tanginess
If you prefer a brighter tang, increase the apple cider vinegar or mustard slightly. Want it milder? Reduce the vinegar by half.
These quick adjustments let you tailor the overall sharpness of the sauce exactly the way you like it.
Kid-Friendly Version
If you’re serving this sauce to kids, reduce the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a milder flavor profile.
It still tastes delicious, creamy, and fun to dip, making it great for family dinners, lunchbox sides, or weekend snack plates.
How to Make It Vegan-Friendly
To make this Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use vegan Worcestershire alternatives.
This keeps the flavor rich, creamy, and tangy while making it accessible for plant-based eaters who still want a bold, delicious dipping sauce.
Cost-Effective Homemade Alternative
Making this Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe at home is far cheaper than buying store-bought specialty sauces.
With basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up a large batch that tastes authentic, fresher, and more flavorful while saving money and avoiding unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Conclusion
This simple, creamy Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe brings a restaurant-style taste into your kitchen with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself pairing it with almost every meal you make.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does Groucho’s 45 Sauce stay fresh?
It stays fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, increase the cayenne pepper or add a little hot sauce for more heat.
Can I substitute mayo with yogurt?
You can, but the sauce will be tangier and slightly less creamy.
What foods pair best with this sauce?
It’s perfect with sandwiches, fries, wraps, burgers, wings, and chicken tenders.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to ensure no additives contain gluten.
You will also like the Publix Calypso Cookies Recipe.
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