If you’ve ever wondered what makes those legendary In-N-Out burgers so crave-worthy, you’re about to discover the delicious secret: their tangy, creamy sauce! This Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe delivers everything you love about the original—zippy, sweet, and just a hint of pickle—right from your own kitchen. It’s the perfect finishing touch for homemade burgers, fries, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Real Deal Flavor: You’ll get that unmistakable, classic In-N-Out taste—even better when made fresh at home!
- Quick & Easy: Just five minutes to whip up with pantry staples, no fancy gadgets required.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether for burgers, fries, or dunking veggies, everyone loves this creamy, tangy sauce.
- Customizable: Adjust it to your liking for sweetness, tang, or even a little heat—make it your signature!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe is how it transforms just six ordinary ingredients into one unforgettable signature sauce! Each ingredient does some heavy lifting—so don’t skip or substitute unless you want a totally different (though still delicious) twist.
- Mayonnaise: This is the creamy backbone of the sauce, giving it a smooth, luscious texture—full-fat mayo makes all the difference here.
- Ketchup: Adds vibrant color and a tangy-sweet tomato kick that’s classic for burger sauces.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: The not-so-secret ingredient! It gives a hint of crunch, layered sweetness, and that signature “special sauce” zing.
- White Distilled Vinegar: Just a splash brightens everything up, balancing out the richness and sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar: Helps tie all those tangy and savory notes together with a touch of sweetness—don’t skip it, even if it seems small!
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): The finishers that round out the flavors and make the sauce truly pop.
Variations
One of the best parts of making this Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe at home is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge, catering to dietary needs, or just want to create your own “secret” sauce, the possibilities are endless!
- Spicy Style: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery twist—you’ll love the punch it brings!
- Low-Sugar Swap: Use a reduced-sugar ketchup and cut back on the granulated sugar for a lighter version that still satisfies.
- Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based mayonnaise for the classic egg mayo to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.
- Chunky Pickle Upgrade: Stir in some finely diced dill pickles for more texture and an extra layer of pickle-y goodness.
How to Make Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients
Start by laying out every ingredient for the Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe so you’re ready to go. This simple step makes mixing a breeze and ensures you get the proportions just right—don’t be shy about using a trusty measuring cup and teaspoons for the best flavor every time.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, and sugar to a medium mixing bowl. Using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, stir until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined—the sauce should be smooth, slightly pink, and beautifully creamy.
Step 3: Taste and Season
Give your sauce a taste—this is where you decide how much salt and black pepper it needs. Start small, then add more as you like, stirring well after each addition and tasting as you go for that perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Transfer the freshly mixed sauce to a covered container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to mingle and deepen—making your finished Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe taste even more authentic and irresistible!
Pro Tips for Making Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe
- Relish Matters: Use sweet pickle relish, not dill—it’s the difference between classic and “close, but not quite!”
- Rest for the Best: Always chill your sauce for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld for maximum burger magic.
- Balance Your Tang: If your ketchup is extra tangy, consider a pinch less vinegar—if it’s sweeter, you might not need all the sugar.
- Double (or Triple!) It: This sauce disappears fast, so go ahead and scale up the batch for parties or meal prep—no one ever complains about leftovers!
How to Serve Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Want to level up your burgers and fries? Spoon a dollop of Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe into tiny bowls and top with a sprinkle of minced pickles or chives for color and freshness. For burgers, use crisp iceberg lettuce and a ripe tomato slice—the sauce ties it all together!
Side Dishes
This sauce is made for crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or even crunchy fried pickles. Don’t stop at burgers—try it as a dip for roasted veggies, spread on wraps, or dolloped atop grilled chicken and see just how versatile it is.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe in a retro squeeze bottle with homemade burgers for the full diner experience, or swirl it onto plates for dipping at your next backyard bash. For parties, offer a sauce “flight” featuring your classic version alongside spicy or chunky pickle spins—guests will love to choose their favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe in an airtight jar or container in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before using, especially if the ingredients have settled or separated a bit.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze sauces that use mayonnaise, it’s not recommended for the Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe. Freezing can cause the mayo to split and make the texture less creamy, so whip up just what you’ll use in a week for best results.
Reheating
No heating required! This sauce is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge and a bit too thick, let it sit out for a few minutes and then give it another good stir to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use dill relish instead of sweet pickle relish?
Sweet pickle relish is what truly gives the sauce its signature flavor. Dill relish will create a tangier, less sweet sauce—still tasty, just a bit different from the original Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe.
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Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
You can absolutely use vegan mayo or low-fat mayo if you wish. However, classic full-fat mayo provides the creamiest, most authentic taste for this Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe.
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How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
Stored in a tightly sealed container, your Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator—make sure to give it a quick stir before serving!
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Can I make this Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavor is even better after a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead condiment for parties, cookouts, or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat In and Out Sauce Recipe is so much more than a burger topping—it’s the key to bringing that classic drive-thru magic to your kitchen, any day of the week. Give it a try at your next family BBQ or casual dinner, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the “secret recipe!” Enjoy every creamy, tangy bite.
Print
Copycat In-N-Out Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About ¾ cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Love the classic In and Out sauce? Try this homemade copycat version that tastes just like the real deal! Perfect for burgers or fries.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar
- 1 1/3 teaspoons sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and sugar.
- Taste and season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Use on burgers or as a dipping sauce for fries!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
