In-N-Out Sauce
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My savory In-N-Out sauce takes only 5 minutes and is just as good as the restaurant version! It’s made with a simple blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and relish and takes any homemade burger to the next level.
If you love this homemade sauce, give my sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce or my zesty buffalo sauce recipe a try next. These easy sauce recipes will add a delightful burst of flavor to wings, burgers, and more!
Why this copycat tastes just like In-N-Out
Anyone who’s ever had In-N-Out knows it’s that special sauce that makes the meal such a treat!
A lot of folks like to compare it to Thousand Island dressing and my Big Mac sauce recipe, as it’s made with similar ingredients, but I think it has a unique flavor and deserves its own credit.
My husband, Ben, loves In-N-Out sauce so much that he always asks for extra on the side in addition to getting it on his burger. Seeing just how much he loves it inspired me to make my own copycat version that he could enjoy at home whenever he was craving it.
This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce. Like my other sauces, it’s made with simple staple condiments, so it’s easy to whip up without much planning or effort. The key to this recipe is getting the perfect ratio with all the condiments, and I’m excited to share it with you because I’ve got it down to a T!
The best part about this sauce is that it takes only 5 minutes to make, and can even be made ahead of time!
It’s ready to use right away, though I think it’s even better after a little time in the fridge.
In-N-Out sauce recipe ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Smooth and rich, this condiment forms the creamy base of the spread.
- Ketchup – Adds sweet tomato flavor that cuts through the savory and acidic notes of the sauce mixture.
- Yellow mustard – I love the tangy, earthy taste that mustard adds. Yellow mustard is my go-to, but feel free to use Dijon if you prefer a deeper flavor.
- White vinegar – This ingredient adds the perfect amount of acidity and tanginess, rounding out the overall flavor of the In-N-Out burger sauce.
- Sweet pickle relish – Relish brings a bright and zippy flavor into the mix, plus a little bit of texture too.
- Salt & pepper – These simple seasonings balance out the overall flavor of the recipe and enhance the taste of the other ingredients.
How to make In-N-Out sauce
STEP ONE: Place all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, then use a spatula to stir until well combined.
STEP TWO: Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until it is ready to be used.
STEP THREE: Place your In-N-Out sauce on top of burgers, fries, chips, or anything you’d like, really. Enjoy!
Recipe tips
- Use real, full-fat mayonnaise. I don’t recommend using light mayo or Miracle Whip because these alternatives could change the texture or even the taste of the sauce.
- If your In-N-Out sauce is turning out too thick, try adding a small splash of vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. You can use as much or as little as you’d like, depending on personal preference.
- Chill it if you have time. I like to give it about 30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors come together, but it’s good to use right away too.
Variations
- Ground mustard can be used instead of yellow mustard if you’d like.
- For a spicy twist, I add a dash of sriracha, just like I do in my spicy mayo recipe. While this isn’t in the original In-N-Out sauce recipe, it adds a wonderful kick for anyone who loves the extra heat.
- If you don’t have white vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute as it has the same type of acidity.
- Dill relish works just fine if you prefer a sharper and tangier flavor to a sweeter one.
What to serve with copycat In-N-Out sauce
My version of this sauce tastes delicious with classic burgers like my air fryer hamburger patties or my oven baked burgers recipe. When I want to switch things up, I’ll serve this In-N-Out sauce with my bison burger recipe or burger bowl recipe. I also love adding this sauce to my air fryer french fries recipe, along with melted cheese and grilled onions, to make them just like In-N-Out’s animal style fries!
In-N-Out sauce FAQs
What is In-N-Out sauce made of?
Most homemade versions of In-N-Out sauce are made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and vinegar. Some people like to add sugar for extra sweetness, but I leave it out because I feel the ketchup and relish add plenty already.
Can I buy In-N-Out sauce at a store?
No, In-N-Out burger sauce is only available at the restaurant, but if you know how to make In-N-Out sauce at home, you can easily enjoy it any time!
What can I do if I want the sauce thicker?
Giving the spread some extra time to chill before serving will help with the consistency. Mayonnaise-based sauces like this one tend to thicken up a little bit when they sit in the refrigerator.
How should I store this In-N-Out sauce recipe?
I like to store my leftover sauce in an airtight container or mason jar. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
More sauce recipes
- Garlic parmesan sauce
- 3 ingredient stir fry sauce
- Honey buffalo sauce
- Honey sriracha sauce
- 2 ingredient BBQ sauce
Copycat In-N-Out Sauce (Easy!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the mayo, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, pickle relish, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Use a spatula to stir and combine all of the ingredients until they are fully incorporated.
- Use right away, or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the flavors come together.
Notes
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
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