Fry Sauce is a quick, smoky but not spicy sauce that goes far beyond the usual plate of fries. Make it ahead with a handful of simple ingredients, let it sit so the flavors can blend, and keep a batch ready in the fridge.
Serve it on hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or as a side for onion rings or French fries!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Fry Sauce
- Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a subtle smoky flavor from the paprika and just enough pickle juice to give it a bright, savory kick.
- Why Make It: A handful of everyday ingredients transforms simple mayo and ketchup into a creamy, tangy, restaurant-style dipping sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
- Skill Level: No cooking needed. Measure, stir, and chill.
Total Time: 35 Mins (5 Min Prep!) Servings: 6 Cooking Method: None
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the richest, smoothest texture. Light mayonnaise works for a lighter option, or try making this homemade mayonnaise.
- Ketchup: Adds tomato flavor, tang, sweetness, and the sauce’s classic pink-orange color. Since ketchup varies in sweetness from brand to brand, taste the sauce after mixing and adjust if needed.
- Dill Pickle Juice: Adds a salty, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. White vinegar works well as a substitute, but it has a sharper, less savory flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount balances the acidity without making the sauce taste noticeably sweet. You can reduce or omit it if your ketchup is already quite sweet.
Variations
- Spicy: For spicy fry sauce, add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- BBQ: For BBQ fry sauce, replace a little of the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky sweet variation.
- Garlic: For garlic fry sauce, add a small pinch of garlic powder.
How to Make Fry Sauce
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl (full recipe below).
- Whisk and chill.
Save It for Later
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze. Stir before serving.
Better than Takeout Burger Night
Did you enjoy this Fry Sauce? Leave a comment and rating below.
Fry Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle juice, sugar, paprika, and onion powder.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dip
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
