Simple and delicious fry sauce recipe that you can whip up in just 5 minutes! It’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. The perfect sauce to serve with fries, onion rings, burgers, and even wraps!
As much as I love eating out, I also really enjoy recreating my favorite foods and meals at home. I learned how to make perfectly crispy fries, and I shared my French fries recipe with you. I also make the best ever French fry seasoning that is so simple and you can make it in just 5 minutes.
And today I’m sharing with you my favorite fry sauce, because I love dipping and it’s much better than plain mayo or ketchup.
What is Fry Sauce?
Known as Utah’s favorite condiment, fry sauce is mostly well known in Utah and Idaho (since it’s the potato capital of America). No one really knows where it originated, some say it originated in Salt Lake City but you can read about all fry sauce history here. In Idaho, if you go to a fast food restaurant and order fries, you’ll most likely get asked if you want to add fry sauce to that. It’s also sold in bottles in the supermarkets.
While fry sauce is popular in the United States, it’s not just an American thing. In Puerto Rico, there’s a loved version called mayoketchup which is basically a combination of ketchup and mayo. In France, a similar sauce called sauce cocktail is served at Turkish kebab shops.
Fry sauce is a combination of creamy mayo mixed with ketchup and seasoned with other seasonings. It’s sweet, tangy, has a pink color and it’s absolutely amazing. It has the same complexion as yum yum sauce or thousand island dressing, but the ingredient list is simpler.
But the good news is that you don’t have to make it to Utah or Idaho to get the best fry sauce, because I have the perfect recipe for you!
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: This fry sauce recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re looking for a quick way to elevate your meals.
- Customizable: Not only does this sauce pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes, but it can also be easily adjusted according to personal preference. Whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or prefer a vegan version, this recipe can be tailored to fit your taste.
- Homemade and Fresh: There’s something so good about making your own condiments at home. You know exactly what’s going into your sauce, there are no preservatives, and you can appreciate the fresh, homemade flavor that outperforms any store-bought version!
Ingredients In Fry Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sauce:
- Mayonnaise – My favorite base for any creamy sauce. Try my 5-minute homemade mayonnaise, it’s so easy to make and tastes much better than the store-bought stuff!
- Ketchup – This is mainly where the pink color of the sauce comes from, it also adds sweetness and flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This savory sauce adds tons of flavor and a bit of tang to the mix.
- Vinegar – A little bit more tang is added with vinegar. You can use distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar here. If you have pickle brine or juice, then use that instead.
- Garlic Powder – Big, sweet, garlic flavor comes from this powdered garlic. Do not substitute with fresh garlic.
- Smoked paprika – This is probably my favorite spice, it’s totally optional but adds SO much flavor!
- Salt – To season the sauce. Add more or less to your own taste.
- Optional: To add more flavor to the sauce, you can mix in some chopped capers, a touch of honey, ground black pepper, or a little bit of mustard. If you love heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Tip!
For those who prefer a vegan option, you can substitute traditional mayo with a vegan mayo. And use a plant based worcestershire sauce.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make The Best Ever Fry Sauce
This fry dipping sauce is very simple as it really only has one step: Mix everything together until well combined!
- To make your sauce, whisk together mayo, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve with your favorite type of fries.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s not recommended to freeze the fry sauce as it may alter the texture and consistency when defrosted. The mayonnaise and ketchup can separate when frozen and thawed.
Tip!
If you have time, cover and chill the sauce in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, this will allow the flavors to set.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that the overall flavor will be a little different.
This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled. However, please note that the sauce’s shelf life remains the same, and it’s best used within a week of preparation.
Fry sauce is quite versatile and can be used with various dishes. Try it as a dip for chicken nuggets, grilled vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches. It’s also a tasty addition to fish and chips.
Yes, you can. Although Worcestershire sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce, if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with soy sauce or skip it altogether.
While fresh garlic can technically be used, the flavor will be significantly stronger and may overpower the other ingredients. Garlic powder is recommended because it provides a milder, more evenly distributed garlic flavor. If you choose to use fresh garlic, use a small amount and make sure it’s very finely minced or grated.
What To Serve With
This delicious sauce can be paired with pretty much everything but my favorite way is to serve it with fries! Pair it with classic deep fried French fries, oven baked fries, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, or rutabaga fries for a low-carb option.
Great on burgers. Try my Air Fryer hamburgers, Instant Pot hamburgers, or a delicious chicken burger.
Chicken, obviously! I love serving this fry sauce with buttermilk crispy tenders, or healthier oven baked chicken tenders.
More Homemade Sauces To Try
Whether you choose to dress up your plate of French fries with this delicious sauce, or serve it with fried chicken, I know you will love it! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Fry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 teaspon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk together mayo, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Serve with your favorite type of fries.
Notes:
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Jillian says
This is absolutely FANTASTIC. I chose it because I had all the ingredients—but am so happy I tried this recipe before all the others available online. I followed the recipe exactly & it tastes like the best restaurant fry sauce you can imagine. Everyone in the family LOVED it. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Jillian – thank you so much for the Amazing feedback! I’m so glad you found my recipe and had all the ingredients to make it!
Lovelyn says
Hello there Diana, thanks for sharing your recipe for the fry sauce. Just wondering how much garlic powder to use as it’s listed in the ingredients list in the notes above but not in the recipe itself. Planning to make it soon.
Diana says
Good catch! I just added it, thank you. You need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Enjoy!