Copycat In-N-Out Spread Recipe
Recreate the iconic In-N-Out Burger spread at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for burgers, fries, or as a tangy dipping sauce, this creamy, sweet, and savory condiment brings California's favorite fast food taste straight to your kitchen.
Tested & Approved by FoodieManiac
Every recipe on this site is tested at least 3 times in my home kitchen before publishing. I've been developing sauce recipes for over 8 years, focusing on restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients. Learn more about me →
Ingredients
- •1/2 cup mayonnaise
- •3 tablespoons ketchup
- •2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- •1 tablespoon finely minced yellow onion
- •1 teaspoon white vinegar
- •1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- •1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- •1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
- 2
Add the finely minced yellow onion, white vinegar, and granulated sugar to the bowl.
- 3
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.
- 4
Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired (add a pinch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang).
- 6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7
Stir the sauce before serving. Use as a burger topping, fry dip, or sandwich spread.
- 8
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • For the most authentic flavor, use a classic full-fat mayonnaise (not light or olive oil varieties).
- • Finely mince the onion for the best texture—large pieces can overpower the sauce.
- • Letting the sauce rest in the fridge is crucial for the flavors to come together—don’t skip this step!
- • Taste and adjust the sugar and vinegar to match your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
- • This spread is perfect for burgers, but also amazing as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1-2 weeks in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge)
- • Best Practice: Store in glass jars for longer freshness
Recipe Variations
- • Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- • Substitute dill relish for sweet pickle relish for a more tart, less sweet flavor.
- • Stir in a teaspoon of yellow mustard for extra tang and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade In-N-Out spread last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 1 week.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it rest in the fridge overnight improves the flavor.
Is there a substitute for sweet pickle relish?
You can use dill relish or finely chopped pickles with a pinch of sugar as a substitute.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish are gluten-free (check labels to be sure).
Try These Too
Similar recipes
Copycat Popeyes Cajun Gravy Recipe
Popeyes Cajun Gravy is the secret weapon that elevates their famous fried chicken and biscuits from great to legendary. This rich, peppery gravy is packed with savory meat bits and seasoned with Cajun spices that give it that distinctive Louisiana flavor. Unlike traditional brown gravies, Popeyes' version has a slightly spicy kick and a deeper, more complex flavor profile thanks to the Cajun seasoning blend. The combination of chicken drippings, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables creates a hearty gravy that's perfect for smothering over mashed potatoes, pouring over biscuits, or dipping crispy chicken tenders. This copycat recipe captures that signature taste using simple pantry ingredients and a few key spices. The secret is in the roux – cooking the flour and fat together until it reaches a deep golden brown color develops the nutty flavor that makes this gravy so irresistible. Ground beef adds the meaty texture and richness that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you're recreating a Popeyes-style meal at home or just looking for an incredibly flavorful gravy to serve at your next family dinner, this recipe delivers authentic taste that rivals the original. It's comfort food at its finest, with that distinctive Louisiana flair that keeps people coming back for more.
Copycat Panda Express Orange Sauce Recipe
Panda Express Orange Sauce is the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that makes their Orange Chicken one of the most popular menu items in fast-casual dining history. This bright orange sauce combines the citrusy brightness of fresh orange juice with the savory depth of soy sauce and the warming heat of red pepper flakes. The result is a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour sauce with a gentle kick that coats crispy chicken pieces beautifully. What makes this sauce truly special is the combination of orange zest and juice, which provides authentic citrus flavor that's both refreshing and complex. The addition of rice vinegar adds tang, while brown sugar and honey create the signature glossy sweetness. Ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth that elevates this sauce beyond simple sweet-and-sour. This copycat recipe recreates that iconic flavor using fresh, quality ingredients you can feel good about. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop and thickens to the perfect consistency for coating fried chicken, vegetables, or even shrimp. Whether you're making homemade Orange Chicken for takeout night or looking for a versatile Asian-inspired sauce to keep in your culinary arsenal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that taste even better than the original.
Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce is the creamy, slightly tangy secret that makes their quesadillas absolutely irresistible. This smooth, jalapeño-flavored sauce has a cult following among Taco Bell fans, and for good reason – it's the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy that elevates simple quesadillas into something extraordinary. The sauce has a distinctive light beige color and a velvety texture that comes from the combination of mayonnaise and sour cream. What sets it apart is the subtle heat from pickled jalapeños combined with a hint of cumin and cayenne, creating a complex flavor that's spicy without being overwhelming. The addition of vinegar provides the tangy brightness that cuts through rich, cheesy quesadillas perfectly. This copycat recipe recreates that beloved flavor using simple ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. The key is using pickled jalapeños rather than fresh ones – the brine adds essential tang and the peppers have a milder, more balanced heat. Beyond quesadillas, this versatile sauce is fantastic on tacos, burritos, nachos, or as a dip for tortilla chips. It's also excellent as a spread for wraps or sandwiches. Make a batch and keep it in your fridge for instant Taco Bell flavor whenever the craving strikes.
Thermomix Sweet Chili Mayo
Learn how to make creamy Sweet Chili Mayo in your Thermomix! This zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy dipping sauce is perfect for fries, seafood, chicken, and sandwiches—ready in minutes with pantry staples.
🔥 Popular Sauces
Reader favorites
Keep Exploring
Browse All 50+ Recipes
From copycat fast-food sauces to international favourites and BBQ glazes—all free, all tested.
View All Recipes