Fry sauce is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce for french fries, onion rings, and other fried foods. It’s a beloved staple in Utah and the surrounding region, where it’s served alongside fries at many local restaurants. This simple recipe combines ketchup, mayonnaise, and a few seasonings to create a balanced sauce that’s both familiar and more flavorful than either condiment alone.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 g) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dill pickle relish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 g) smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup. Whisk until smooth and uniformly pink.
- Add the dill pickle relish (if using), vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, then adjust as desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. (This step is optional but recommended for the best flavor.)
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside hot fries, onion rings, or other fried snacks.
Tips
- Substitutions: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayo and sour cream. For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and ensure your ketchup is vegan (most are).
- Storage: Store any leftover fry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before using again.
- Common mistake: Adding too much vinegar can make the sauce too tart. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed.
- Flavor boost: For a smoky twist, add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of chipotle powder. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This fry sauce is perfect for dipping french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, tater tots, and even chicken tenders or fish sticks. It also works well as a spread on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps. Serve it in a small bowl alongside your favorite fried foods.
Variations
- Spicy Fry Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Smoky BBQ Fry Sauce: Replace the ketchup with BBQ sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Herb Fry Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or dill.
- Honey Mustard Fry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) yellow mustard for a sweet and tangy twist.
Storage and Reheating
Fry sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If it separates slightly after chilling, give it a good stir before serving. You can also freeze fry sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fry sauce made of? The classic fry sauce is simply a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup, often with a few seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar. The ratio can vary, but a 2:1 mayo-to-ketchup ratio is common.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise? Yes, you can. Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier than mayonnaise, so it will change the flavor slightly. If you use it, you might want to reduce or omit the added sugar and vinegar.
How long does homemade fry sauce last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade fry sauce will keep for about 1 week. Because it contains mayonnaise and ketchup, both of which are shelf-stable until opened but should be refrigerated after opening, it’s important to keep it chilled.
Can I make fry sauce without mayonnaise? Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for the mayonnaise. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious. For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise.
Why is my fry sauce too thin? If your fry sauce is too thin, it might be because you used a runny mayonnaise or added too much vinegar. To thicken it, add a little more mayonnaise or a small amount of tomato paste. You can also refrigerate it for a while, as it will thicken slightly when chilled.
What can I use fry sauce on besides fries? Fry sauce is versatile. It’s great on burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and wraps. It also works as a dip for chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, or even roasted vegetables.
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