5-Minute In-N-Out Sauce Copycat

This In-N-Out sauce copycat nails that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet spread that makes their burgers legendary. You only need a handful of pantry staples and five minutes to stir it together.

Slather it on smashed burgers, dip your fries, or drizzle it over a crispy chicken sandwich. It tastes just like the real thing, with zero drive-thru wait.

What Makes This Copycat Taste So Spot-On

The sauce hits all the right notes: rich mayo, bright pickle relish, and a subtle vinegary kick that cuts through the savory burger fat. It is not complex, but it is balanced.

I keep a jar in the fridge almost every week. It improves after a day, so I usually make it ahead. You will never want plain ketchup again.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: use full-fat for the creamiest texture
• 2 tbsp ketchup: standard tomato ketchup, not spicy or flavored
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish: drain briefly if it looks very watery
• 1 tsp white vinegar: distilled white vinegar, not apple cider
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Variations / Substitutions

• Make it vegan: swap in your favorite vegan mayo and check that the relish is sweetened without honey.
• Cut the sugar: leave it out, or use a sugar-free substitute. The sauce will be a touch more acidic.
• Add a smoky note: a small pinch of smoked paprika stirred in gives it a subtle backyard-burger vibe.
• Heat lover: a dash of your favorite hot sauce turns this into a spicy spread without overpowering the original flavor.

If you love homemade condiments, try our easy homemade ketchup recipe next.

How to Make In-N-Out Sauce Copycat

Step 1: Whisk the Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and the pinch of salt. Stir or whisk for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves and the sauce turns a uniform pale pink. It will look slightly speckled from the relish.

Step 2: Spoon Over Burgers and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, so the onion and garlic can mellow and blend. When you are ready to serve, spoon the cold sauce generously over a hot, juicy burger or drizzle it over fries. The cold sauce melting into a warm patty is the whole point.

A Few Tips for That In-N-Out Flavor

• Let it rest: the flavor deepens noticeably overnight, so make it the day before if you can.
• Adjust the sweetness: if your ketchup is less sweet than the standard brand, stir in an extra 1/4 teaspoon of sugar at a time until it tastes right.
• Drain the relish: when the relish has a lot of liquid, it can thin the sauce too much. A quick press through a fine sieve fixes that.
• Use it as a fry sauce: beyond burgers, this spread is excellent with crispy onion rings, tater tots, or sweet potato wedges.

Scale the batch for a party:

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate: transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir or shake it well before using, as a little liquid may settle on top.

Ways to Use This In-N-Out Sauce

This sauce is made for burgers: classic smashed beef patties, turkey burgers, or even big grilled portobello mushrooms. It also works as a dip for crispy french fries and onion rings. Try a smear on a breakfast sandwich for a savory start that is a cut above plain mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dill pickle relish instead?

No, dill relish will make the sauce too sour and savory. Sweet relish is what gives it that signature In-N-Out balance, so stick with sweet.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the listed ingredients are all gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your mayonnaise and relish to be sure.

How long should I chill it?

At least 30 minutes lets the flavors start to come together, but overnight in the fridge gives you the best, most cohesive taste.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not a good idea here because the mayonnaise can separate and turn grainy when thawed. It keeps well in the refrigerator, so make just what you will use in a week.

In-N-Out Sauce Copycat Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and evenly pink.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. Spoon the sauce over hot burgers or use as a dip.

Notes

The sauce tastes best after resting so the onion and garlic flavors mellow. It thickens slightly in the fridge. Stir before using.