Searching for an exact copycat of Groucho’s 45 Sauce can feel like a culinary treasure hunt. I remember my first Reuben at a local deli, where that tangy, creamy sauce transformed the entire sandwich. After testing every version I found online, none matched the memory. This recipe is the result of my kitchen trials, and it brings that iconic flavor home.
How to Make Groucho’s 45 Sauce Recipe
This section provides the complete formula to recreate the condiment. Follow these steps carefully for authentic results.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: About 1.5 cups
- Course: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chili sauce (like Heinz)
- 4 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (like Lea & Perrins)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more pepper or vinegar if desired.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Values are per tablespoon and are approximate.
Cooking Method
This is a no-cook, emulsified dressing. The method relies on thorough whisking to combine the oils in mayo with the acidic components. You will see the color turn a consistent pale pink. The sound of the whisk against the bowl should be steady until the mixture is silky.
Tools Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight storage container
The Story Behind the Sauce
Groucho Miller opened his delicatessen in Columbia, South Carolina, in the early 1930s. His son later helped run the business, which became a local institution. The “Reuben Variation” debuted in 1945, served with a new dressing.
This new dressing was called 45 Sauce, trademarked as “Formula 45.” It immediately accompanied all sandwiches. The condiment became a popular and innovative staple for Groucho’s deli customers, distinguishing their Reuben from the classic version.
Groucho Miller’s Creation
Miller’s creation was a variation on Russian dressing, a common Reuben component. His version likely used local southern flavors, creating a unique profile. The sauce’s popularity grew over several years, becoming synonymous with their signature corned beef and kraut sandwich.
A Family Legacy
The recipe was a closely guarded secret, contributing to its allure. Community forums like Reddit have threads where people seek the exact formula. Posts with titles like “Groucho’s Sauce recipe?” often gather 22 votes and 23 comments, showing ongoing interest.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Each component plays a specific role in building the flavor and texture. Understanding them helps you make informed substitutions.
Mayonnaise: The Creamy Canvas
Use a full-fat, store-bought mayo for authenticity and stability. The egg yolks and oil create a rich, emulsified base that carries other flavors. A light mayo will make the sauce too thin and less luxurious.
Chili Sauce: The Flavor Anchor
Heinz chili sauce is the standard here. It is not hot chili sauce but a smooth, sweet-tangy tomato condiment. It provides body and a subtle spice note that ketchup cannot replicate. The tomato foundation is crucial for color and depth.
Relish and Vinegar: Acidity and Crunch
Dill pickle relish introduces a necessary acidic bite and small textural pieces. Apple cider vinegar adds a sharper tang without overwhelming. Together, they balance the sweetness from sugar and chili sauce, preventing the dressing from being cloying.
Sweeteners and Spices
Granulated sugar rounds out the sharp edges. Celery seed offers a faint, earthy aroma that is signature to this recipe. Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat, while Worcestershire sauce contributes umami depth.
Nutritional Perspective
As a dietician, I analyze condiments for their impact on overall dietary intake. This sauce is energy-dense due to its fat and sugar content. A typical serving of two tablespoons adds significant calories to a meal.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The primary concerns are sodium and added sugars. The Worcestershire sauce and relish contribute to the sodium level. For those monitoring intake, consider using low-sodium versions of these ingredients or reducing the sugar quantity slightly.
Health-Conscious Modifications
You can create a vegan version by using plant-based mayonnaise and a vegan Worcestershire alternative. For a lower-sugar option, replace granulated sugar with a monk fruit blend. The texture may change slightly, but the core flavor profile remains.
Mastering the Technique
Perfecting this condiment involves more than mixing. Pay attention to the integration process and storage conditions for best results.
Consistency is Key
Whisk until no streaks of mayo or chili sauce remain. The final product should coat the back of a spoon thickly. If your sauce seems too thin, chill it first; refrigeration thickens it as the fats firm up.
Flavor Development
The resting time in the refrigerator is non-negotiable. During this period, the celery seed and pepper infuse their flavors, and the sweetness mellows. Taste it after 2 hours and again after 24 to see the transformation.
Storage Guidelines
Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will maintain quality for up to 10 days. Do not freeze it, as freezing can break the emulsion and create a grainy texture upon thawing.
Serving and Application
This dressing is famously paired with a Reuben sandwich on rye bread with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. It is the defining element of Groucho’s version.
Classic Pairings
Beyond the Reuben, try it on any grilled sandwich, like a turkey club or a vegetarian melt with muenster cheese. It works as a dipping sauce for fried foods or a dressing for a robust potato salad.
Modern Culinary Uses
Experiment by using it as a base for a creamy coleslaw dressing or a topping for grilled fish. Its balanced profile makes it adaptable. Some local delicatessens have created their own variations, but this formula stays true to the original.
Community Variations and Insights
Online communities, particularly on platforms like Reddit, have numerous user attempts. A top post from February 2025 might discuss a “Reuben Variation” or share personal successes.
Common Adaptations
Some recipes suggest using 1 cup mayo and 1/2 cup chili sauce as the base, with slight spice adjustments. Others incorporate a touch of horseradish for extra heat. The “Russian Dressing variation” by Miller is often the starting point for these experiments.
Addressing Recipe Gaps
Many internet recipes feel “not quite right” because they omit celery seed or use sweet pickle relish. The dill relish and precise sugar measurement are critical. My testing confirms that these details bridge the gap between imitation and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Groucho’s 45 Sauce?
Groucho’s 45 Sauce is a proprietary condiment created by Groucho Miller for his delicatessen in 1945, featuring a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile used primarily on Reuben sandwiches.
Can I make a vegan version of this sauce?
Yes, you can make a vegan 45 Sauce by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and using a vegan Worcestershire sauce, which will replicate the flavor without animal products.
How long does homemade 45 Sauce last?
Homemade 45 Sauce lasts for up to 10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays fresh and safe for consumption.
Why is it called 45 Sauce?
It is called 45 Sauce because it was introduced in 1945 by Groucho Miller as a new dressing for his sandwiches, and it was trademarked as “Formula 45” to signify its year of creation.
What can I use if I don’t have chili sauce?
If you don’t have chili sauce, you can mix ketchup with a small amount of horseradish and a dash of hot sauce to approximate the sweet and tangy flavor, though the result will be slightly different.
Is this sauce similar to Russian dressing?
Yes, Groucho’s 45 Sauce is a variation of Russian dressing, but it has a distinct balance of sweetness and acidity from specific ingredients like celery seed and dill relish that set it apart.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar in this recipe by half or use a sugar substitute, but note that it will alter the traditional sweet-tangy balance that characterizes the original 45 Sauce.
What are the best sandwiches for this sauce?
The best sandwiches for this sauce are Reuben sandwiches with corned beef, but it also complements grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey clubs, and vegetarian melts with robust cheeses like muenster.