This fry sauce recipe is a bold twist on the classic Utah pink sauce, made with mayo, ketchup, and spices, perfect for fries, burgers, and more.

Mike dipping crispy french fries into a bowl of zesty, creamy fry sauce

How to Make Fry Sauce

If you’ve never tried fry sauce, get ready for your new favorite dip. This creamy, tangy condiment originated in Utah as a simple blend of mayo and ketchup, but we’re jacking it up with bold spices, smoky paprika, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

It’s the kind of sauce that makes fries disappear fast and burgers even better.

What You'll Love About This Sauce

Big, Bold Flavor. Classic fry sauce is good, but my version is next level with smoky paprika, tangy vinegar, and a touch of cayenne heat.
Quick & Easy to Make! Just whisk it all together in a small bowl with simple ingredients, no cooking required, no fancy tools needed.
Not Just for Fries! French fries of course, but also perfect for burgers, onion rings, grilled veggies. If it’s dippable, this sauce belongs on it.
Spice It Up Your Way! Make it mild or turn up the fire. You’re in control of the spice level.

Fry Sauce Ingredients

Mayonnaise. The creamy base. Full-fat gives the richest flavor and texture.
Ketchup. Adds sweetness, tang, and that signature pink sauce color.
Apple Cider Vinegar. For a zippy tang. Use dill pickle juice for a savory twist. You can also use sweet pickle brine for a sweeter touch. You can also use lemon juice as an acidic alternative.
Worcestershire Sauce. Optional umami boost for extra savory richness. We love it.
Spice Blend. A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You'll love the smoky depth and subtle heat.

A bowl of creamy fry sauce with french fries protruding from it

Variations

Extra Spicy. Add more cayenne, a splash of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha, or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for smoky heat. Add a spoonful or 2 of my Homemade Spicy Giardiniera as a spicy twist!
Sweet & Spicy. Stir in a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the heat.
Smoky BBQ Style. Mix in a bit of BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist that’s great on burgers.
Buttermilk Fry Sauce. Thin it out with a splash of buttermilk or sour cream for a tangier, creamier drizzle.
Lighter Version. Skip the mayo and use Greek yogurt for a lower calorie, higher protein alternative.

Storage

Store your fry sauce in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week. The flavors deepen as it rests, so it's even better after a few hours or overnight.

Before serving, give it a quick stir, especially if any separation occurs.

Can I Freeze Fry Sauce? Freezing isn’t recommended, as mayo-based sauces tend to separate and lose their creamy texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the week.

Fry Sauce Serving Ideas

Fry sauce isn’t just for fries (though it definitely shines there). Use it as a dip, spread, or drizzle to level up just about anything. Here are some delicious ways to put it to work:

Looking for more? Slather it on Smashburgers, spoon it over Grilled Steakhouse BBQ Burgers, or give your Chicago-Style Hot Dogs a bold twist. It’s also perfect for dipping nuggets, spreading on sandwiches, or jazzing up your fast food.

Dipping crispy french fries into a bowl of creamy fry sauce

If you enjoy my fry dipping sauce recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.

The Best Fry Sauce Recipe (So Creamy)

This fry sauce recipe is a bold twist on the classic Utah pink sauce, made with mayo, ketchup, and spices, perfect for fries, burgers, and more.

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course, sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: condiment, recipe, sauce, spicy

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Calories: 23kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: teaspoons

Tap or hover to scale

4.50 from 2 votes

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Ingredients

½ cup mayo (full-fat recommended for best creaminess)
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or dill pickle juice for a more savory tang)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred heat level, or omit for a milder fry sauce)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added umami)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, apple cider vinegar (or pickle juice), garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or cayenne depending on your preference.
For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the fry sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Video

Notes

Makes about 3/4 cup.

Best served chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 23kcal Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 0.1g Fat: 2g Saturated Fat: 0.4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 36mg Potassium: 8mg Fiber: 0.02g Sugar: 0.4g Vitamin A: 30IU Vitamin C: 0.1mg Calcium: 1mg Iron: 0.03mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Try Some of My Other Popular Creamy Condiment Recipes

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 8/5/25 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 8/11/17.