Delicious In-N-Out sauce is perfect for burgers, Animal Style fries, or as a dipping sauce. This iconic restaurant spread is quick and easy to make at home and tastes fantastic.
Easy In-N-Out Sauce Recipe
We don’t have a nearby In-N-Out—our closest location is a 6–7 hour drive—so I learned to recreate the sauce at home. When we travel and find an In-N-Out, I bring home packets to compare as I refine the recipe. With a few pantry staples you can make a spread that closely matches the original used on burgers and Animal Style fries.
Although it resembles Thousand Island dressing, In-N-Out sauce has a slightly different balance of flavors. Thousand Island often contains paprika and Tabasco, which give it more heat, while In-N-Out’s spread leans on a sweet-tangy profile from relish, sugar, and vinegar.
Ingredients
These are simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise – the base of the sauce
- Ketchup – adds sweetness and color
- Sweet pickle relish – the ingredient that brings texture and bright flavor
- Sugar – adjust for desired sweetness
- White vinegar – provides tang to balance the sweetness
- Salt and pepper (optional, to taste)
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowl, measuring spoons, whisk, and a covered container for chilling and storage.
How to make In-N-Out Sauce
This sauce comes together in minutes. For best flavor, refrigerate before serving.
Quick steps:
- Gather all ingredients.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sugar, and white vinegar in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, preferably a couple of hours, so the flavors meld.
Preparation and Storage
Make ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Label with the preparation date.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; the texture changes. Since the recipe is quick to make, refrigeration is the best option.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan: Substitute vegan mayonnaise.
- Less sweet: Reduce the sugar.
- Lower fat: Use reduced-fat mayo and reduced-sugar ketchup.
- Different flavor: Add a teaspoon of yellow mustard for a tangy variation.
Recipe Tips
Let the sauce rest in the fridge at least an hour for best flavor. Taste and adjust sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.
What to serve with In-N-Out Sauce
This versatile spread works anywhere you’d use mayo or ketchup. Popular options:
- As a dip: French fries, onion rings, tater tots, potato wedges, chicken fingers, jalapeño poppers, or veggie sticks.
- As a spread: Chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, meatloaf, hot dogs, baked potatoes, fish sandwiches, or on a BLT/BLAT.
How to assemble an In-N-Out Double-Double
Layer the ingredients in this order:
- Bun
- In-N-Out sauce
- Tomato
- Lettuce
- Beef patty
- American cheese slice
- Second beef patty
- Second cheese slice
- Top bun
Optional: grilled or caramelized onions, dill pickles.
Printable recipe card
IN N OUT Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 3 teaspoons Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1.5 teaspoons White Sugar
- ⅕ teaspoon White Vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let flavors meld before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk