Best Fry Sauce Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

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 co*cktail 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!

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.

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!

1. To make your sauce, whisk together mayo, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Serve with your favorite type of fries.
3. 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.

Can I use an alternative to mayo?

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.

Can I make a big batch of this fry sauce?

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.

What else can I pair this sauce with besides fries and burgers?

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.

I don’t have Worcestershire sauce. Can I still make this recipe?

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.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the recipe?

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

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!