Learn how to make the BEST Fry Sauce that’s creamy, smooth, and super flavorful. This 5-ingredient sauce is perfect for dipping fries, onion rings, chicken, and veggies, and it is crazy delicious slathered on sandwiches and burgers.
Serve this come-back condiment with Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Potato Wedges, and sandwiches like Roast Beef And Cheese or Mississippi Chicken Sliders.
In This Post
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. It’s smooth and 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 invented in the 1940s by Utah restaurant owner Don Carlos Edwards.
What Is Fry Sauce?
Fry sauce is a simple condiment that strikes an ideal balance between savory with a touch of sweetness. It’s a perfect party dip and is a delicious, versatile sandwich spread. So, it’s no surprise that this dip-loving girl can’t resist it!
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.
What Is In Fry Sauce?
- Good-quality Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base of the sauce. Look for mayonnaise with a rich, smooth texture and a balanced flavor.
- Ketchup: Ketchup adds a sweet and tangy tomato flavor to the sauce. Opt for a brand that offers a good depth of tomato flavor without being overly vinegary.
- Yellow Mustard: This brings a tangy and slightly spicy kick to your sauce. Yellow mustard is milder than other types, making it ideal for adding flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Dill Pickle Juice: Pickle juice adds a unique zesty and tangy flavor to the fry sauce, infusing it with a subtle hint of sourness.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder offers a concentrated burst of garlicky warmth, enhancing the overall taste profile of the sauce. It’s a great way to add a savory depth without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
- Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that lingers after each bite. It’s perfect for adding a bit of excitement to the sauce, making it moreish and adding a layer of complexity to its flavor.
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.
How To Make Fry Sauce
- 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.
Success Tip For Making The Best Fry Sauce
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, I can guarantee that you’ll look for ways to serve it!
- As A Dip – it’s perfect with anything fried, like Air fryer sweet potato fries, air fryer potato wedges, Cajun shrimp, and chicken tenders. It’s a yummy creamy dip for veggies like carrots, celery, and green beans.
- 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
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Stir it well before using it again to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Fry sauce will last for about a week stored in the refrigerator.
More Condiment Recipes From Scratch
If you tried this Fry Sauce Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 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.
Timeless Traditions: Southern Recipes to Make, Share, and Love
FREE EMAIL Bonus
Steal these tried-and-true recipes for comfort & flavor in every bite.
Jerris
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
Jan j
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
Lea Ann
I've heard of fry sauce but never tried it. Pinned so I don't forger.
Donya Mullins
Thanks Lea Ann! This version is great on fries and sandwiches. Glad you are gonna give it a try.XO,~Donya