Learn how to make the BEST Fry Sauce that’s creamy, smooth, and super flavorful. This 5-ingredient recipe is the perfect dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, chicken, and veggies, and it is crazy delicious slathered on sandwiches and burgers.
What You’ll Find In This Post
- Where Did Fry Sauce Come From?
- Is Fry Sauce The Same As Thousand Island Dressing?
- Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
- How To Make Fry Sauce
- Variations On This Recipe
- Tips For Making The Best Fry Sauce
- What To Serve With This Amazing Homemade Condiment
- Often Asked Questions With Answers
- More Easy To Make Sauce Recipes
Being the Mom of two boys, I make a lot of sandwiches and cook loads of fries. Of course, I’ve got to serve them with something that can make them extra yummy. My choice? Homemade fry sauce, or as I sometimes call it, sandwich sauce.
My easy recipe for this somewhat famous sauce is made with 5 pantry and fridge staples and comes together in 5 minutes. I make my version with ketchup and mayonnaise, with just the right amount of tangy yellow mustard and a couple of spices. It’s smooth, creamy, has a little kick of heat, and is everything a dipping sauce should be!
Where Did Fry Sauce Come From?
The history of fry sauce dates back several decades. Originally known as “pink sauce,” it was in invented in the 1940s by Utah restaurant owner Don Carlos Edwards.
Fry sauce is a simple condiment that strikes an ideal balance between savory with a touch of sweetness. It’s no surprise that this dip-loving girl has a hard time resisting anything served with this crazy good sauce.
Is Fry Sauce The Same As Thousand Island Dressing?
Even though they look similar, this fry sauce recipe is not the same as classic Thousand Island Dressing. Fry Sauce is thicker, whereas the dressing has a more liquid consistency. Thousand Island dressing also contains sweet pickle relish, pickle juice, onion, and lemon juice.
Ingredients Needed For This Recipe
- Good-quality Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Yellow Mustard
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
How To Make Fry Sauce
This recipe is super quick and easy. To make it, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended. Cover the bowl or place the sauce in a container with a lid and store it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry.
Variations On This Recipe
- Make It Sweet – stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Make It Spicy – add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Tips For Making The Best Fry Sauce
- Because this recipe uses simple ingredients, make sure you use high-quality ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard for the best flavor and texture.
- After combining the ingredients, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to come together for outstanding taste.
What To Serve With This Amazing Homemade Condiment
Whether you call this creamy concoction fry sauce, sandwich sauce, french fry sauce, or make up your own name for it, I can guarantee that you’ll look for ways to serve it! It’s an excellent addition to easy meals with family and friends.
- As A Dip – it’s perfect with anything fried! Air fryer sweet potato fries, air fryer potato wedges, crispy carrots and green beans, Cajun shrimp, and chicken tenders are a few of my favorites.
- As A Spread – it’s so good slathered on ham jam sandwiches, roast beef and cheese sandwiches, air fryer hot dogs, or Mississippi chicken sandwich sliders.
- As A Dressing – add in a splash of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce, whisk, then drizzle on fresh greens and veggies.
Often Asked Questions With Answers
Fry sauce will last for about a week stored in the refrigerator.
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Make sure to stir it well before using it again to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
More Easy To Make Sauce Recipes
- Best Spicy Mayo Sauce
- Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce
- Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Cover the bowl or place the sauce in a container with a lid and store it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry.
- Transfer to an airtight container for storage. Will keep in fridge for 1 week.
Video
Notes
- Make It Sweet – stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Make It Spicy – add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in January 2014, and updated in May, 2023.
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Hi, I’m 69 yrs, originally from the south, and have eaten this al long as I can remember. My mom made it adding chopped onion and we ate it as a tartar sauce on fresh caught fried fish. It’s the best for sure. Jerris
I love your story, Jerris! Thank you for sharing.
XO,
~Donya
Hi Donya- I’m curious why it only keeps for a week? I would think those ingredients would last longer. Connor would LOVE this sauce
Hey, friend! It probably will last longer, I just always like to play on the conservative side of food storage when sharing a recipe. Connor can whip this up himself it’s so easy! Tell him I miss him and let me know how he likes it.
Love you, my friend,
XO,
~Donya
I've heard of fry sauce but never tried it. Pinned so I don't forger.
Thanks Lea Ann! This version is great on fries and sandwiches. Glad you are gonna give it a try.
XO,
~Donya