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The In-N-Out Sauce Recipe (Easy Copycat!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

June 26, 2025

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5 from 5 votes

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In-n-out sauce pinterest image.
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This copycat In-N-Out Sauce recipe is easy to make with just 6-simple ingredients. It’s a sweet, briny, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for burgers, finger foods, and homemade Animal Fries.

Bowl of in-n-out sauce with spoon surrounded by fries.

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Table of Contents

  • What is In-N-Out’s secret sauce?
  • Ingredient notes
  • How to make In-n-Out Spread
  • Tips and tricks
  • Serving suggestions
  • How to make ahead and store
  • ​​Did you make this copycat in and out sauce recipe?
  • Full Recipe

If you’ve had the privilege of enjoying a meal at In-N-Out on the west coast of the USA, then you already know about their secret signature sauce. They serve it with practically everything! You’ll find burgers, animal-style fries (french fries topped with sauce, cheese, and onions), and more dressed in this delicious orange sauce.

Even if you don’t have an In-N-Out Burger location near you, you can still enjoy their famous sauce at home with this In-N-Out Sauce recipe. It’s easy to make with only 6 ingredients and lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge!

The sweet and tangy flavors complement all of your favorite fun foods, from air fryer french fries to chicken tenders to hamburgers.

What is In-N-Out’s secret sauce?

The sauce at In and Out is easy to mistake for thousand island dressing, but they aren’t quite the same. Thousand island has more of a kick, usually from Tabasco, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce. In-N-Out sauce, on the other hand, is sweeter and not spicy at all. 

The iconic sauce is made with a mixture of ketchup, mayo, and sweet pepper relish. It’s similar to Chick-Fil-A’s signature sauce or Boom Boom Sauce but tastes more sweet and briny. Once this trio gets together, they transform into the ultimate burger and fry sauce.

Ingredient notes

  • Mayonnaise – Real, full-fat mayonnaise is best for the real-deal flavor. You can use light mayo, but the sauce won’t be as thick and velvety.  
  • Ketchup – For a subtle sweetness and the signature orange color.
  • Sweet pickle relish – This will give you the most realistic flavor. If you don’t have relish at home, chop up sweet pickles instead.
  • White vinegar – For that signature tang.
  • Sugar
  • Salt and pepper

How to make In-n-Out Spread

Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar together in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then enjoy it with all of your favorite fried foods!

In N Out Sauce in measuring cup with small spatula.
cropped-in-n-out-sauce-recipe-6-scaled-1.jpg

Tips and tricks

  • Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give all of the flavors time to mingle and get to know each other.
  • To make vegan In-N-Out sauce, substitute mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayonnaise.

Serving suggestions

This tangy burger sauce is perfect for dipping, spreading, drizzling, and more. Here are the best ways to indulge:

  • Spread on a juicy cheeseburger or air fryer burgers.
  • Drizzled over french fries with melted American cheese and caramelized onions (AKA homemade Animal Fries).
  • As a dip for crispy chicken tenders, tater tots, onion rings, air fryer fries, green bean fries, zucchini fries, and fish and chips.
  • Brushed over grilled chicken or pork.
  • Spread on top of meatloaf instead of barbecue sauce or ketchup.
  • Drizzled over baked potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes.
Side view of in-n-out sauce with spoon surrounded by fries.

How to make ahead and store

  • This DIY version of In-N-Out’s signature sauce lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container to help it stay fresh.
  • You can also freeze it for 2 to 3 months. Some separation may occur, which is why refrigerating the batch is best.

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Overhead shot of small bowl of fry sauce next to plate of fries.

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​​Did you make this copycat in and out sauce recipe?

If you loved this in n out spread recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Overhead shot of small bowl of fry sauce next to plate of fries.

Full Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce

This famous In-N-Out Sauce is easy to make at home! 6 simple ingredients are transformed into a sweet, briny, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for burgers, finger foods, and homemade Animal Fries.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoons white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

Notes

Tips and tricks
  • Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give all of the flavors time to mingle and get to know each other.
  • To make vegan In-N-Out sauce, substitute mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayonnaise.
  • This DIY version of In-N-Out’s signature sauce lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container to help it stay fresh.
  • You can also freeze it for 2 to 3 months. Some separation may occur, which is why refrigerating the batch is best.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 188mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 107IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This post was originally published in 2022. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The fry sauce recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

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5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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2 responses

  1. Sabrina
    July 29, 2022

    5 stars
    great to know how to make this, and also to know that I can leave out the sugar if I want to, thank you!

    Reply
  2. Jessica
    May 30, 2023

    Great sauce! The only change that I can recommend is to the “Prep Time” in the recipe… it says “1 hour 5 minutes”… (yikes! that’s a LOT of stirring! 🙂

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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