Boom Boom Sauce Recipe

I first started making homemade boom boom sauce because I was tired of buying overpriced bottles that disappeared too quickly in my house.

This particular boom boom sauce recipe is a significant upgrade from the standard version, featuring smoky roasted garlic. The subtle sweetness and deep flavor of the roasted garlic, combined with the classic sweet chili and sriracha blend, create a complex flavor profile that simple store-bought versions can’t match. While this recipe takes a few extra minutes for the roasting step, the flavor payoff transforms everyday meals, from family-friendly dinners to simple appetizers. This easy boom boom sauce recipe is perfect for making ahead and serving all week long, ensuring you have a flavorful dipping sauce ready for anything.

Ingredients

• 1 whole head garlic, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, Pinch of sea salt
  Roasting the garlic creates a depth of flavor that’s mild and sweet, not sharp. Use a large, firm head of garlic for maximum yield. The olive oil helps the cloves caramelize during roasting.
• 240 ml (1 cup) mayonnaise
  This forms the creamy base for the boom boom sauce; ensure it’s vegetable-oil based for a neutral flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the best texture, but you can use light mayo for fewer calories. Avoid using Miracle Whip or similar dressings, as they contain added sugar and vinegar that will disrupt the intended flavor balance.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) sriracha sauce, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) sweet chili sauce
  Sriracha adds the heat and signature spice, while the sweet chili sauce adds a crucial layer of sweetness and complexity. Adjust the ratio of these two sauces based on your family’s preferred heat level. For a milder sauce, use less sriracha and more sweet chili sauce.
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice, 10 ml (2 teaspoons) honey, 7.5 ml (1 1/2 teaspoons) smoked paprika
  Fresh lime juice balances the rich flavors and cuts through the creaminess. Smoked paprika adds the essential smoky depth to complement the roasted garlic (do not use regular paprika here). The honey adds a small amount of sweetness to round out the flavor profile; you can use maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand.
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) sea salt, or to taste, Finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish
  The initial pinch of salt for roasting is separate from the final seasoning of the sauce. Chives add a fresh, vibrant contrast in color and flavor. Adjust salt at the end after all flavors have melded during chilling.

Instructions

1. Prep the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice off the very top of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic head on a small piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Wrap the foil loosely around the garlic head to create a packet, ensuring a good seal so the steam stays inside.

2. Roast the Garlic: Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and caramelized. The garlic cloves should turn a deep golden brown and feel soft to the touch when gently squeezed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the foil packet, about 15-20 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

3. Mash the Garlic: Once cool, gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash the cloves with a fork until a relatively smooth paste forms. For a perfectly smooth texture, you can briefly blend the cloves with a stick blender.

4. Combine the Sauce Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mashed roasted garlic with the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, and 7.5 ml (1 1/2 teaspoons) smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the boom boom sauce is smooth and uniformly colored. If you find the sauce ingredients are separating or resisting combining, add a small splash of cold water and keep whisking vigorously.

5. Season and Chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or sriracha to suit your preference. If the sauce is too thick, you may add 5-10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) of cold water until the desired consistency is achieved. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the boom boom sauce for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.

6. Garnish and Serve: To serve, spoon the chilled sauce into a small dipping bowl. Lightly dust the top of the sauce with a tiny amount of extra smoked paprika for visual depth and a finishing aromatic touch. Sprinkle a small amount of finely chopped fresh chives in one corner of the bowl for a pop of contrasting green.

How to Use Your Smoky Boom Boom Sauce

Once you have your homemade boom boom sauce recipe ready, its versatility will quickly make it a staple in your kitchen. This smoky, creamy, and spicy sauce is a delicious complement to nearly any family-friendly meal. From dipping high-protein snacks to adding flavor to easy weeknight dinners, here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

• Dipping Sauce: It’s the ultimate upgrade for classic side dishes like French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, or even tater tots.
• Family Burger Night: Spread generously on hamburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or veggie burgers to add a flavorful kick.
• Seafood Upgrade: Use it as a dipping sauce for breaded shrimp, air fryer cod sticks, or even as a simple dressing for fish tacos.
• Chicken Tenders and Wings: Drizzle over crispy chicken tenders, or use as a dipping sauce for grilled or fried chicken wings for a quick meal idea.
• Vegetable Side Dish: Add a dollop to roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or corn on the cob for a flavorful contrast that makes healthy eating more enjoyable.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

Making this sauce in advance not only saves time during busy weeknights but also actually improves the flavor. The longer the sauce chills, the more pronounced and complex the flavors become, making it perfect for meal prep recipes.

• Make-Ahead Recommendation: We highly recommend preparing this sauce at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the roasted garlic to fully infuse the mayonnaise base and lets the spice and sweetness balance out.
• Storage Instructions: Store the finished boom boom sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, stir it well before serving again.
• Freezing Advice: We do not recommend freezing this sauce. The mayonnaise base will separate and change texture upon thawing, resulting in a less creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh minced garlic instead of roasted garlic?

No, the flavor profile will be completely different. Fresh garlic is sharp and pungent, while roasted garlic is sweet, mild, and smoky. The roasting process is essential for this recipe’s flavor, creating a depth of flavor that complements the sweet chili sauce.

How long does homemade boom boom sauce last in the fridge?

When stored in a sealed container, this sauce is safe to consume for 3 to 5 days, just like most homemade mayonnaise-based sauces. It’s a great option for meal prep, allowing you to have a delicious sauce ready for quick lunches or high-protein snacks throughout the week.

Can I make this boom boom sauce without sriracha to reduce the heat?

Yes, for a milder version suitable for younger children, you can reduce the amount of sriracha to 1-2 tablespoons. You may need to increase the sweet chili sauce by 1 tablespoon to maintain the desired sweetness and consistency.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise as the base?

You can use full-fat plain Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute, or a vegan mayonnaise alternative if you need a non-dairy option. Keep in mind that a different base may slightly change the final texture and tanginess of your finished boom boom sauce recipe.

Why do you add sweet chili sauce and not just sriracha?

The sweet chili sauce provides a crucial balance of sweetness and viscosity that a sriracha-only sauce lacks. It mellows the heat and enhances the complexity of the sauce. I find that balancing the sweet chili and sriracha is what really perfects this boom boom sauce recipe for family dinners.

Conclusion

This easy, homemade boom boom sauce recipe with roasted garlic is a game-changer for family dinners, bringing a restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table. The extra step of roasting the garlic adds a layer of depth and comfort that simple sauces just can’t match. Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it next time you’re planning quick family meals!

boom boom sauce recipe

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 1.5 cups (12 servings) 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe features a smoky roasted garlic boom boom sauce that upgrades the classic sweet and spicy dip. The deep flavor profile from the roasted garlic makes it perfect for a wide variety of meals, from appetizers to family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• Fresh chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
2. Bake and Cool: Roast the garlic for 35-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool completely in the foil packet for 15-20 minutes.
3. Mash Cloves into Paste: Once cooled, squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork or use a stick blender until a smooth paste forms.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed roasted garlic with the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, honey, and smoked paprika until smooth. Add a small splash of cold water if the ingredients resist combining.
5. Season and Chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary with extra salt or lime juice. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before serving to allow the flavors to deepen.
6. Garnish for Serving: Spoon the chilled sauce into a small dipping bowl. Garnish with a light dusting of smoked paprika and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives.

Notes

Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. Adjust the ratio of sriracha and sweet chili sauce to control the level of heat and sweetness. Smoked paprika is essential for this recipe; do not substitute with regular paprika. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Sauce, Dip
• Method: Whisking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 150 calories
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: boom boom sauce, dipping sauce, roasted garlic, sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, easy sauce, appetizer dip, smoky flavor, condiment