In-N-Out Sauce (Copycat Burger Sauce Recipe)

This homemade In-N-Out sauce recipe delivers the same creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor as the one from the restaurant. If you’ve ever had an In-N-Out burger, you know the “special spread” is what makes it unforgettable. I love pairing this burger sauce with my copycat In-N-Out Burger or Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger, but it’s also a game-changer on just about anything. Once you try this copycat version, you’ll never need to go to the restaurant again!

Why I Love This In-N-Out Sauce Recipe

Since I don’t live anywhere near an In-N-Out, I came up with my own copycat In-N-Out sauce recipe to satisfy the craving. My cousins Nick and Chris are huge In-N-Out fans, so I tested it at a family burger night—and when they couldn’t tell the difference from the real spread, I knew I nailed it.

What I love most is how ridiculously simple it is to make. Just a handful of pantry staples—creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar and mustard, and sweet pickle relish—come together to create a sauce that tastes exactly like the original. It hits all the classic Animal Style notes in one bite.

And it’s not just for burgers. I’ve used this homemade In-N-Out spread as a sandwich topping, drizzled over burrito bowls, and even as a dip for French fries, onion rings, or roasted potatoes. Without a drive-thru anywhere close, this recipe has become my go-to way to bring the authentic In-N-Out sauce flavor home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 ½ tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• Dash of salt
• Dash of black pepper

How To Make In-N-Out Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, relish, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Until Smooth

Whisk everything thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 3 (Optional): Chill the Sauce

You can use your sauce right after combining everything together, but I like to let the flavors develop a little bit before using it. So, what I recommend doing is covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes. 

Step 4: Serve

Spread the chilled sauce on burgers, sandwiches, or use it as a dipping sauce for fries.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Burger Sauce

• Don’t Skip the Chill – The sauce tastes sharper right after mixing, but 30–60 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and balance. I find that it tastes closest to the real thing after resting overnight, so I suggest making this sauce a day before you want to use it.
• Relish Choice Matters – Sweet pickle relish is classic and brings the right sweetness. Dill relish changes the flavor profile, making it too tangy and briny. If you only have dill, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
• Mayonnaise Brand – Use a standard, creamy mayo (like Hellmann’s or Best Foods) for the sauce. Lighter versions work, but whipped dressings (like Miracle Whip) throw off the flavor and texture.
• Consistency Fix – If the sauce separates in the fridge, whisk or shake it for 10 seconds. Too thick? Add ½ teaspoon of water or vinegar to thin it out. Too thin? Whisk in 1 teaspoon of mayo.
• Versatile Sauce – This isn't just a burger sauce–try it with onion rings, fries, chicken tenders, or drizzled over roasted potatoes. It also makes a great base for pasta or potato salad dressing.

In-N-Out Sauce Recipe FAQs

How long does homemade In-N-Out sauce last?

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, this copycat In-N-Out sauce lasts up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, since mayo-based sauces tend to separate and lose their creamy consistency once thawed.

Can I make In-N-Out sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making it ahead of time. The flavors meld together after a few hours, so I often prep the sauce the night before burger night. By the next day, it tastes even closer to the real thing.

Is In-N-Out sauce just Thousand Island dressing?

Not exactly. While In-N-Out sauce looks similar to Thousand Island dressing and shares some of the same ingredients—like mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish—it has its own unique balance of flavors. This burger spread is creamier, slightly tangier, and a touch sweeter than traditional Thousand Island. It’s closer to a simplified version of the dressing, but it’s not identical.

Is this the same as Animal Style sauce?

Yes! The “spread” used on all In-N-Out burgers is the same sauce that gets doubled up when you order your burger Animal Style. This copycat recipe lets you make that exact tangy-sweet spread at home, so you can enjoy the full Animal Style experience on burgers, fries, or even sandwiches.

What can I serve this sauce with besides burgers?

While it’s the classic topping for an In-N-Out burger, the sauce is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic dip for French fries and onion rings, works as a sandwich spread, pairs with grilled chicken, and can even be tossed with pasta salad as a tangy dressing base. For a nontraditional burger, dip these garlic parmesan burger bombs in the sauce.

My Final Thoughts

This copycat In-N-Out burger sauce is creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough—exactly what makes their burgers so iconic. It’s easy, versatile, and restaurant-worthy, and once you see how quick it is to make, you’ll never settle for plain mayo and ketchup again! If you try this recipe, please leave a review and comment below—I love hearing how it turns out for you.

More Copycat Sauce Recipes

• Chick-Fil-A honey BBQ sauce
• McDonald's breakfast sauce
• Raising Cane's sauce
• A1 steak sauce
• Arby's sauce