In-N-Out Sauce Recipe
The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish mimics the tangy-sweet, slightly pink 'spread' In-N-Out uses on its burgers, and a few minutes in the fridge lets the relish juice and vinegar soften into the mayo so the flavor tastes blended rather than just stirred together.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 65 min
- Servings
- 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 13
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbs
- 2g
- Fat
- 1g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and ketchup together until the color turns a uniform pale orange-pink.
- 2Stir in the sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, and paprika (if using) until fully combined.
- 3Taste and adjust: add another 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar for more tang, or another 1/2 teaspoon of sugar if it tastes too sharp.
- 4Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, so the flavors have time to meld.
- 5Stir again before serving, since the relish can settle toward the bottom.
Tips & variations
- For a spicier version, whisk in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne or a small splash of hot sauce.
- Swap sweet pickle relish for finely chopped dill pickles plus an extra 1/2 teaspoon of sugar if a less-sweet sauce is preferred.
- Double the recipe and keep it on hand as a dip for fries or onion rings, not just a burger spread.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This sauce is not meant to be heated; serve it cold or at room temperature. Stir well before each use since the ingredients can separate slightly.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Using a full-fat mayonnaise gives a richer, glossier sauce than light or low-fat mayo, which tends to turn watery once mixed with the relish juice.
- If only dill relish is on hand, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to approximate the sweetness of sweet relish.
FAQ
What is In-N-Out sauce actually made of?
The classic version is built from mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish, with a small amount of vinegar and sugar added for tang and balance. It is closely related to a Thousand Island-style dressing but thinner and less tangy overall.
How is this different from Thousand Island dressing?
Thousand Island dressing usually includes chopped hard-boiled egg, onion, and a stronger vinegar or Worcestershire kick, while this burger sauce is simpler and smoother, built mainly around mayo, ketchup, and relish.
Can this sauce be used for anything besides burgers?
Yes. It works well as a dip for French fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders, and can be thinned with a teaspoon of milk to use as a sandwich spread.
Why does the sauce need to sit in the fridge before serving?
Resting for at least an hour lets the vinegar and relish juice distribute through the mayo and ketchup base, which softens the sharpness and gives a more rounded, blended flavor than tasting it right after mixing.
