Sometimes, it all comes down to what you’ve got in the pantry. When you’re searching for a new menu item or a seasonal special that’s sure to sell out fast, a fresh new sauce or dressing—made with ingredients you already have on hand—can make all the difference. Even just a few stirred-in ingredients and a clever name can transform your everyday ranch or blue cheese dressing into something that everyone wants to try. Don’t forget—aioli is just mayo dressed up with garlic and given a fancy French name. You can do the same thing with ingredients that are in your pantry right now.
Your simple back-of-house hacks can be as easy as taking a base sauce and adding some intensity, spice or sweetness. Stir in fresh herbs, pureed chipotle, garlic, sriracha, teriyaki, honey, mango puree and more. The name, of course, is half the battle. Ask Guy Fieri about his signature Donkey Sauce. It’s famous as all get out, but it’s really just a blend of garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, salt and pepper.
One sauce, many uses
Now that you’ve created some house-made(ish) sauce options, you’ll be surprised how easily that new creation can find a starring role in many different menu items. Here’s an example: While mayo- or dressing-slathered bread is common for cold sandwiches, you can also use it for grilled sandwiches. too. Martha Stewart says the secret of a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to put a blend of butter and mayonnaise on both sides of the bread to get an even crisp all around. Try that idea with your new sauce for grilled sandwich specials.
While creamy sauces take well to this concept, so do barbeque-sauces, which can extend over a number of entrees. Denny’s does that with its Bourbon Bacon Burger, which is a beef burger topped with sweet bourbon sauce and served on a cheddar bun. They use that same sauce as a bourbon glaze on their Bourbon Chicken Sizzlin’s Skillet. Marzetti’s Bold Blends™ portfolio includes several options that can be used across the menu. Try them as a toss for chicken wings, mixed with ranch for a wrap dressing, or warmed and drizzle across a protein entrée.
More about Bold Blends™
Bold Blends Sweet & Bold BBQ Sauce proves that top-quality BBQ sauce doesn’t have to command a top price. These sauces deliver the tangy, sweet flavor of a leading national brand, Sweet Baby Ray’s, at $10 less per case. The sauce is available in 4/1 gallons and 72/2 oz. cups. If you’re looking for simple, delicious flavors at a reasonable price, it’s time to consider Bold Blends.
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