"Breakfast Sauce" Is So Magical, I'm Finding Excuses to Put It on Everything

Rachel Perlmutter
·3 min read
5
overhead shot of breakfast sauce in a small white bowl on a breakfast plate, with a potato being dipped into the sauce
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

During the week I’m all about a quick breakfast bar or grab-and-go pastry, but on the weekends I really like to relish breakfast time. I typically go with the classic bacon, egg, and cheese combo, whether it’s on a breakfast taco or sandwich, or stuffed between two diner pancakes (my signature move). If I’m not adding salsa (what can I say, I’m a Texas girl), I like to add my beloved breakfast sauce: a combination of a little ketchup for tang, maple syrup for breakfast-y sweetness, and hot sauce for a kick. The flavor profile is what I would describe as “barbecue sauce-adjacent” — not the same, but a lot of the same notes are there.

Breakfast sauce is barely a recipe — it’s just three pantry staple condiments mixed together. And yet, it’s quickly become the only sauce I want with my breakfast food. I’ll make it for homemade spreads or bagel sandwiches from my neighborhood spot. It’s perfect for dunking breakfast potatoes and hash browns, and it’s equally delicious swiped on an egg McMuffin. You can even use any leftover sauce for chicken nuggets or on a burger. 

So now, instead of grabbing a bunch of bottles to make a saucy concoction every Saturday morning, I grab one container out of the fridge and I have the perfect breakfast condiment every time.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s the best thing to happen to breakfast! While this “recipe” is just a blend of three pantry staples, it comes together to make the best spicy-tangy-sweet sauce for all your favorite breakfast foods, from egg sandwiches to hash browns.

  • It’s flexible. You can adjust the ratio and use your favorite hot sauce to make this the perfect sauce for you.

overhead shot of breakfast sauce in a small white bowl
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Rachel Perlmutter

Key Ingredients in Breakfast Sauce

  • Ketchup. The classic tangy condiment makes up the base of the sauce.

  • Maple syrup. Use real maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness and breakfast-y flavor.

  • Hot sauce. Any hot sauce you like will work — Sriracha, Cholula, Tabasco, Crystal hot sauce, or whatever you have on hand.

How to Make Breakfast Sauce

  1. Mix the ingredients. Stir together ketchup, maple syrup, and hot sauce in bowl.

  2. Taste and adjust. Taste and add more hot sauce and/or maple syrup to adjust the flavor as needed. Serve immediately or chill until ready to eat.

What to Serve with Breakfast Sauce

Breakfast Sauce Recipe

This “recipe” couldn’t be easier to make.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup, plus more as needed

  • 1 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce, plus more as needed

Instructions

  1. Place 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust with more maple syrup and/or hot sauce to taste. Serve at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to serve chilled.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.