Copycat In-N-Out sauce is creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and good enough to make you forget about the ketchup! Made with simple refrigerator and pantry staples, this easy burger sauce comes together in about five minutes. Spread it on a juicy cheeseburger, drizzle it over loaded fries, or keep a little bowl nearby for dipping. Burger night just got a whole lot better!

If you are looking for more tasty fast food inspired recipes, then you need to try my Mexican Pizza and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders next!

in and out copycat sauce in a bowl surrounded by French fries

The first time I tried in n out burger sauce, I knew I needed to find a way to have it whenever the craving hit. This mayo and ketchup based sauce is zesty with a perfect balance between salty and sweet.

Homemade in and out sauce recipe

While the fast food spot has chains across Texas, California and most of the west coast, the rest of America is not able to enjoy it as frequently… until now!

Put the sauce packets down because I am going to show how to enjoy copycat In-N-Out sauce right from home! With little to no prep time, you are just minutes away from an endless supply of your favorite sauce.

Is In-N-Out Sauce just Thousand Island Dressing?

A common misconception is that In n Out spread is just Thousand Island dressing. While both have a similar, tangy flavor, they are not the same recipe.

Thousand Island is thicker than the In-n-Out sauce recipe. In fact, the popular salad dressing originally contained boiled eggs to give it that consistency. The dressing is usually on the spicy side with inclusions like tabasco, paprika or Worcestershire.

So while you may be able to use Thousand Island when you are in a pinch, the dressing is not a duplicate of the famous sauce.

dipping a French fry into copycat in n out sauce

In n Out Spread Ingredients

If you have been wondering, “What is the sauce at In-N-Out made of?” I have an answer! That secret sauce contains simple ingredients that you more than likely already have in your kitchen.

  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • Yellow mustard
  • White vinegar
  • Sugar, white
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Want to Make it Vegan?

Use vegan mayo to make this a vegan In-N-Out sauce!

mayo, mustard, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and salt and pepper in bowls on a cutting board

How to Make The Best Copycat In n Out Sauce

It could not be easier to make this DIY In-N-Out Sauce. You are just a few quick and easy steps from enjoying your own homemade sauce.

Firstly, use a medium to large bowl that has a lid, and add all of the ingredients into the bowl.

Then add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.

Use a spoon or a whisk and stir the sauce until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

Place the lid on the bowl, or wrap with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before using. Finally, enjoy!

in and out dip next to a plate of quesadillas

What to serve in n out burger sauce with

You could take a cue from the restaurant, and use this irresistible Copycat In-n-Out Sauce recipe to spread on homemade hamburgers, cheeseburgers or animal style fries. But I have a few more ideas that you may not have considered. Add this special sauce to anything and it will definitely elevate the flavor!

a bowl of in and out sauce next to slices of a burger quesadilla

Pro Tips for In and Out Sauce Recipe

  • Give it time to chill. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 20 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to come together. If you are planning ahead, make it the night before burger night.
  • Use a mayonnaise you enjoy. Mayo makes up the base of this sauce, so its flavor matters! Full-fat mayonnaise gives you a rich, creamy texture.
  • Reach for sweet pickle relish. It adds sweetness, tang, and those little bites of pickle. Dill relish works as a substitute, but it will give you a less sweet sauce.
  • Watch the extra relish liquid. Scoop up mostly relish instead of pouring in the liquid from the jar. Too much liquid can make the sauce runny.
  • Taste before adjusting. Ketchup and relish vary in sweetness depending on the brand. Mix the recipe as written, let it chill, and then decide whether it needs another splash of vinegar or a little more sweetness.
  • Make a little extra for serving. Between spreading it on the burgers and dipping the fries, this sauce can disappear fast! Double the batch if you are feeding a crowd.

Yes! Dill relish gives the sauce a sharper pickle flavor and less sweetness. Start with the same amount, then taste the finished sauce before deciding whether to adjust the sugar.

Absolutely! Make it the day before, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Give it a quick stir before adding it to your burgers or setting it out for dipping.

Top hot fries with melted American cheese, cooked chopped onions, and a generous drizzle of sauce. Add the sauce right before serving so the fries do not sit and get soggy.

How Long Does Copycat In-n-Out spread Last?

In-N-Out sauce can last in the fridge for up to two weeks when properly stored in an airtight container. It will last even longer in the freezer. Just make sure you leave some room at the top because sauces expand when frozen.

in and out copycat sauce in a bowl surrounded by French fries
4.69 stars (41 reviews)

The Best Copycat In-n-Out Sauce

Here is the best copycat In-N-Out sauce recipe from the popular fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger; the perfect topping for burgers and fries. With a few simple ingredients, you will have a dipping sauce and spread that tastes almost identical to the real thing!

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon White vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar, white
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions
 

  1. Use a medium to large bowl with that has a lid, and add all of the ingredients into the bowl.
  2. mayo, mustard, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and salt and pepper in bowls on a cutting board
    Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper.
  3. Use a spoon or a whisk and mix the sauce until all of the ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Place the lid on the bowl, or wrap with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before using.
Serving: 1, Calories: 209kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 311mg, Sugar: 5g
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