Copycat In-N-Out Sauce Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce is a homemade version of the famous burger spread served at In-N-Out Burger. It’s a creamy burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

The flavor is slightly sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Many people compare it to Thousand Island dressing, which raises the question: is in n out sauce Thousand Island?

It’s similar, but the balance of ingredients gives it its own flavor. Today I’m sharing my go-to Copycat In-N-Out Sauce recipe that you can whip up in minutes with pantry staples. No special tools. No complicated steps. Just real flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat In-N-Out Sauce?

You’ll love this Copycat In-N-Out Sauce since it takes only a few minutes to stir together and tastes just like the famous burger spread.

I make it with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

It works perfectly on burgers, fries, sandwiches, and even wraps. You can adjust the sweetness or tang to match your taste. Once you try this homemade version, you won’t search for In-N-Out sauce packets again.

How To Prepare Copycat In-N-Out Sauce?

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce
Copycat In-N-Out Sauce

Recipe Overview

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce is a creamy, tangy burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish that tastes just like the original.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Sauce / Condiment
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Yield: About 1 cup
  • Calories: Around 90 calories per tablespoon
  • Servings: 16

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)

Ingredient Notes

1. Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base of the burger sauce. Use full-fat for the best texture.

2. Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color. It works with the sugar to give that signature taste.

3. Sweet Pickle Relish: Brings small bits of texture and sweetness.

4. Vinegar: Adds the tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.

5. Sugar: Just a small amount makes a big impact.

6. Salt & Black Pepper: Rounds everything out. You can add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat.

☑️ Some people ask, does In-N-Out sauce have mustard? The classic version does not taste strongly of mustard, though a small touch of Dijon mustard can be added if you want more tang.

How To Make Copycat In-N-Out Sauce (Step by Step)

1. Add the Base

In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.

2. Mix in the Relish

Add sweet pickle relish and stir well. This gives the sauce texture and that familiar burger flavor.

3. Balance the Flavor

Pour in vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully mixed.

4. Taste and Adjust

I always taste it at this stage. If I want it sweeter, I add a tiny pinch of sugar. If I want more tang, I add a few drops of vinegar.

5. Chill for Best Flavor

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The flavors settle and taste even after chilling.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Sodium: 180mg

If you’re wondering about in n out sauce calories, homemade portions are easy to control.

Tips and Variations (Step by Step)

1. Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

2. Healthier Version

Use light mayonnaise to create a healthy copycat in-n-out sauce with fewer calories.

3. Extra Tangy

Add 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard if you enjoy more bite.

4. Animal Style Version

For a copycat in n out animal style sauce, add finely chopped pickles and a little extra relish.

Serving Suggestions (Step by Step)

1. On Burgers

Spread it on homemade beef patties for a true in n out burger sauce copycat recipe experience.

2. With Fries

Use it as a dipping sauce for fries instead of plain ketchup.

3. On Sandwiches

It works great on grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches.

4. With Wraps

Drizzle inside wraps for added creaminess.

5. As a Dip

Serve with onion rings or roasted potatoes.

Storing Tips (Storage)

1. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.

2. Use within 5 days for best taste.

3. Stir before each use.

4. Do not freeze.

Recipe Notes

  • Chill before serving for better flavor.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
  • Add Dijon mustard if desired.
  • For a thinner sauce, add a teaspoon of water.
  • Use fresh relish for the best texture.

FA About Copycat In-N-Out Sauce

Is In-N-Out’s Thousand Island?

Many people compare it to Thousand Island dressing. It shares ingredients like mayonnaise and ketchup. The flavor balance is slightly different. The texture is thicker. It works more as a burger sauce than a salad dressing.

Does In-N-Out Sauce Have Mustard?

The classic flavor does not taste strongly of mustard. Some versions include a small amount of Dijon mustard. My copycat recipe skips it, though you can add a little if you like more tang.

How To Make a Copycat In N Out Sauce Healthy?

Use light mayonnaise and reduce sugar. Control portion sizes. This keeps the copycat in and out of the sauce healthy while keeping the flavor close to the original.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat In-N-Out Sauce is one of those recipes I keep in my fridge at all times. It turns a simple burger into something that tastes like takeout at home. You don’t need special equipment, and you don’t need to search for In-N-Out sauce for sale anymore.

Try this copycat In-N-Out Burger sauce recipe and let me know how you use it. I’d love to hear if you prefer it classic or animal style!

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce

Copycat In-N-Out Sauce is a creamy, tangy burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. This easy copycat in n out sauce recipe comes together in minutes and tastes just like the famous spread. Perfect for burgers, fries, and sandwiches, it brings that classic fast-food flavor straight to your kitchen.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper optional

Method
 

Add the Base
  1. In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Mix in the Relish
  1. Add sweet pickle relish and stir well. This gives the sauce texture and that familiar burger flavor.
Balance the Flavor
  1. Pour in vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully mixed.
Taste and Adjust
  1. I always taste it at this stage. If I want it sweeter, I add a tiny pinch of sugar. If I want more tang, I add a few drops of vinegar.
Chill for Best Flavor
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The flavors settle and taste even after chilling.

Notes

1. Chill before serving for better flavor.
2. Adjust sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
3. Add Dijon mustard if desired.
4. For thinner sauce, add a teaspoon of water.
5. Use fresh relish for best texture.

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